Letter: 'We Need to Protect and Defend Township Government'

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Milton Township Update

With the general elections coming to a close on Nov. 6, the Illinois General Assembly saw it fit to force both parties to select their candidates for the March 2013 elections in the next four weeks. The internal campaigning within all parties is in full swing. I have not heard the names of Democrats running but the Republican field is pretty full. There are two candidates running for each position of Township Supervisor and Township Assessor plus eight candidates have declared their candidacy for Township Trustee. I see this as an indicator of a healthy interest in township government.

Earlier this year, several issues were raised concerning township government and employee policies and procedures. While the personnel issues were addressed immediately in private, the Supervisor felt it would be best to update the Employee Manual and expand areas of concern. This revised manual will be completed shortly and then made available on-line at the Milton Township web site. 

Of greater concern is the talk of eliminating Township government all together.  While this may have some merit in much of Cook County where there are very few unincorporated areas and the county assessor handles all properties, but that is hardly the case for the rest of the state. In DuPage County we need to know who would handle the General Assistance, Cemetery, Township roads as well as property assessment. What would be the cost of the replacement services or the loss of some services all together? Township government fills the many gaps that exist between the city and the county.

For the foreseeable future, I think we need to protect and defend township government.

I’ll close with a plug to aid the neediest of our neighbors. We can always use donations for our food pantry or donors to help fund our Holiday Basket Program. Call the main office at 630-668-1616 if you can help.

Marty Keller

Milton Township Trustee