An elected official who disagrees with another elected official that outranks him, needs to keep his criticisms private unless he is certain of his legal claims. Case in point: DuPage County Sheriff has openly disagreed with the governor about when DuPage County can reopen following the pandemic. Trouble is, the governor has the authority he has exercised, the courts are in agreement, the US and Illinois Constitutions are in agreement, and the governor did not act alone. He has transparently involved the experts, policy experts, attorneys, and aides who can properly protect the safety of the public following science and the law.
Critics who do not cite legal and scientific authority are playing a political game for votes in future elections. Pretty simple logic. Also pretty stupid ploy.
I supported this sheriff in his first election bid. Not again. I want public servants in elected positions who I trust will do the hard work in the public’s interest. Break that trust and show your own self interest and you won’t get my vote again.
Same goes for the mayor of Elmhurst, a republican who aims to give a democrat governor trouble for political gain. The mayor needs to do his homework. The reopening plan established for the state does so carefully to protect the public. That would be the same public as the mayor. The four regions identified were not done so for this pandemic or the now hoped-for reopening. The regions have been in play for decades. They focus on regional abilities to field medical capability within that specific region. They were not selected or gerrymandered for political purpose.
Public business ought to serve the public’s interests and values. That is what the governor is doing in plain sight for everyone to see. He has no bone to pick or interest group to massage.
The White House does not embrace the same transparency. It is obvious that decisions are made to serve narrow, personal interests. Not so in Illinois. Those days are hopefully in our past forever.
Going forward, let us build a house of trust in our state and local governments.
To do otherwise would destroy trust and hope for a very long time.
Power mongers are not welcome in a public emergency. They make bad decisions for all the wrong reasons.
May 21, 2020
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