Public needs to watch village more closely

I am a taxpaying resident of Lindenhurst. I and other residents are upset over wasteful spending and cronyism by the mayor and trustees of the village.

We have regularly attended village board meetings and leave with more questions than answers. At a recent Monday meeting, I asked the director of operations for public works a simple question regarding cost overages for the Beck Road resurfacing project. He was unable to answer my question, which clearly he should know, especially since I filed and received a Freedom of Information Act request specifically on that information.

The director of operations of public works for Lindenhurst is the former chief of police of Lindenhurst. It appears he has no knowledge or expertise for the current position he holds. Elected officials made a poor choice, not only giving an unqualified crony a cushy job, it allows him to receive a second pension. In addition, the mayor and trustees gave their buddy the protection of an employment contract that gives him thousands in severance if he's ever fired. All of this paid for by the taxpayers of Lindenhurst.

It is unconscionable for a director in this village to be making this large salary and yet be unable to provide answers to simple questions. He has no expertise or educational background for the position he holds. I believe the mayor and village board have an obligation to be straightforward and transparent to be sure we are getting our money's worth.

Unnecessary cost overruns and staff incompetency will only increase our taxes and water bills.

I strongly encourage all residents to attend the village board meetings and hold our mayor and trustees accountable. After all, it's our tax dollars that they're misspending.

John K. Van Dien

Lindenhurst