Reader Soapbox! And More --

Re: Kotowski's Campaign Funding - Aug 28, 2008

As a tax payer and resident of Park Ridge, I would like to comment on the recent article by Jennifer Jonson.

(Note:I left a phone message for Jennifer Johnson and she would not return my call.)

Your story on State Sen. Dan Kotowski and his band of merry men and women collecting campaign funds - may be true. But it's not the whole truth and the those of us who have never seen State Sen. Kotowski walk our streets here with the 6th ward need to know the complete story.

Fact: State Sen. Kotowski still refuses to support those retired police officers, fire fighters and most of all our teachers here in the state of Illinois by giving his support for the U.S. Bill H.R. # 82 which is titled " The Social Security Fairness Act For Police
Officers".

Additionally, when I contacted the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois in Springfield, they had no idea of the current social security laws and reduced benefits for all fire fighters. They seemed to be dumbfounded on this very important issue but still support State Sen. Kotowski.

It should be noted that the current social security benefit plan does cut the benefits
for all teachers too and especially those who's husbands have served their community and draw a public pension.

Furthermore, we who have EARNED our pension through public service have had our social security "cut in half" thanks to Convicted felon and ex congressman Dan Rostenkowski who enjoys his FULL pension benefits.

If U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky ( D-IL), Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) are for this repeal then please tell us why State Sen. Dan Kotowski is against it?
Let's right this state political ship and regain the respect from those civil servants who once place their lives on the line - daily for those who enjoy and make up the fabric
of this city, this state and most of all this nation.

We need a voice in Springfield to be heard loud and clear all the way to Washington
now! Please help pass U.S. Bill H.R. # 82.

Maybe U.S. Sen. Dick Durban can find the time to lend his support !

Thank you.
Gene T. Spanos
Retired Lieutenant
City of Park Ridge
6th Ward

Marine 11th Engineer Chapter ( Forming )
Member - MCEA
Semper Fi
------------------------------------------------

PRU Editor's note -- PRU does not oppose or endorse the views expressed in the above letter, however, we do believe the writer's views should be given a forum for expression.

We believe we understand why State Senator Kotowski may want to stay out of the Federal fray and concentrate his energy and efforts down in Springfield. But as we've noted before, we also believe our local elected officials are an important voice of representation not only at the local and State level but also to our other representatives at the Federal level.

MORE --

We've noticed a couple of interesting items in today's Journal & Topics newspaper about expected actions at last night's City Council meeting --

#1 -- "Schmidt Defends Self Against Mayoral Attack"

#2 -- "Alderman Expected to Question Bill For Police Audit"

Sounds like we missed an interesting meeting!