Grafton Township Supervisor

Created: Sunday, April 1, 2012 5:30 a.m. CDT

To the Editor:
I was in need of help with food and my past due water bill. Grafton Township was very kind to help me with both. I am very grateful for all the help I have gotten from them, not just this year but last year.
I am a single mom with kids, and in this economy, it is hard to find a job. So thank you Grafton Township for all your help. I would have a hard time understanding why they would ever be shut down. There are so many people who need the extra help like me, so thanks so much. If ever you need a helping hand, I will be there.
Binny D.
Huntley

Click Here to view the Final 2010 Audit
Click Here to view the 2011 Draft Audit (Audit not finalized because Auditors bill has not been payed by the Trustees).

Click here to read the full Resolution of Setting Compensation of Township Officials for the Four Year Term.

Illinois Constitution, Article 7 below:
SECTION 9. SALARIES AND FEES
(b) An increase or decrease in the salary of an elected
officer of any unit of local government shall not take effect
during the term for which that officer is elected.
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

At the township meeting last week, an attorney misinformed the board that IRS Auditor John Lauer had recanted “Taxable Income” dinners ruling made during the audit. I have spoken with the IRS agent today and he informed me that there will be no amendment made to Grafton Township’s audit. Unfortunately, the trustees distributed a slip of paper to all in attendance at this meeting, with a misquote of the IRS agent. At this point, I recommend that the IRS documents are the most reliable source of information from the IRS and any statements made by third parties should be disregarded to avoid any further confusion. As the Township Supervisor I will follow the direction of the IRS when administering the township payroll operations.

Sincerely,

Linda Moore
Grafton Township Supervisor

Wendell Cox has released a report detailing the value of townships to taxpayers. He concludes that “Small local governments such as townships provide many benefits. They save taxpayer money and provide top-notch, coordinated services. They spend and borrow less than other forms of government. They give individuals a close connection and accountability with their elected officials, unlike larger governments. Their history and performance of local democracy is testament to their enduring high value to taxpayers and Illinois.”

Click Here to view the entire article.

Re: Maria Lesiak letter about the Grafton Township Food Pantry (Feb. 7). Your fact checking has a few shortcomings.

Three months after I took office in 2009, the former supervisor, John Rossi, decided that although he lost the election, he could remove the township food pantry and its records, without any board action or authority to do so.

The township has operated a food pantry since 1989, when then Supervisor Jack Brunschon started it as a function of the General Assistance work that is a part of the official duties of a supervisor. Despite Rossi’s actions, we have continued to operate the pantry at the township office, although at times with very little food to give.

All of the food in the pantry is donated by our generous community; no tax dollars are used. This 501(c)3 nonprofit was started by Grafton Township in 2007.

If the former supervisor would be so kind as to return the township name, records and corporation that he removed, I would sincerely appreciate his cooperation.

The controversy in Grafton Township goes back about 20 years. However, it is plain to see that we still do not need a $3.5 million new township hall to operate a township food pantry or any other township function in the current township hall.

Linda Moore

Grafton Township supervisor, Huntley

Poll Results from non-web sources:

Response to Joe Greenwood’s Letter on December

Regarding Mr. Greenwood’s letter, “What’s Township’s Mission?”

First, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Heritage Woods for providing the entertainment for our Township Senior Program Christmas Concert. No tax dollars were spent to provide this very pleasant hour of music. Twice monthly the seniors enjoy a free lunch provided by home health agencies. Bingo players provide their own cash prizes by donating $1.00 each.

Typically, senior health improves with social activity, which decreases the cost of Medicare for everyone. Twice a month, seniors participate in life enrichment programs including lectures on health care, updates from area elected officials, and arts and crafts. Safe driving classes are held to educate seniors monthly, which keeps all drivers safer on the local roads.

Township government fills the void and statutorily serves the aged and poor in our community. No other government can provide these services for less expense. Further, Mr. Greenwood, before making assumptions, please contact the other side for verification of those facts, or maybe attend these functions to learn first hand.

Townships can only provide services if they are set forth in township code state-wide due to Dillion’s Rule.

Linda Moore, Grafton TWP Supervisor

Thanks to the Daily Hearld and ABC for helping us get the story out.

Click Here to read the Daily Hearld Story

The Township Board of Grafton Township shall hold Regular Township Board meetings at 7:30 pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month, pursuant to the following schedule:

Regular Meetings

January 12
February 9
March 8
April 12
May 10
June 14
July 12
August 9
September 13
October 11
November 8
December 13

All Regular Meetings of the Township Board will be conducted at the Huntley Park District, 12015 Mill Street, Huntley, IL 60142.