Story posted Thursday, March 26, 2009
Township Highway Hopefuls Differ Over Expenses
By CRAIG ADAMS Journal & Topics Reporter
While the incumbent Palatine Township highway commissioner stressed efficient maintenance of the township's roads, his challenger questioned the expense of the work.
Republican John Powers has served as commissioner for the past 12 years. "I have operated the Township Road District in a very efficient and cost effective manner while maintaining our roads in superb condition," he wrote in an email interview.
However, Joe Gump, the Democratic challenger, questions that statement. He explained that the township spent $62,359 per mile for road maintenance during 2008. The township receives revenue from Palatine, Inverness, and Barrington for maintenance agreements, leaving an actual cost of $56,034 per mile of road. "The question is whether road and bridge maintenance can be provided more cheaply and efficiently. I believe they can be, and if elected, I will prove it," Gump wrote in an email interview.
"I stand for efficient and open government," Powers wrote. He encouraged residents with questions to call and ask him about any expenditures. "I have been very frugal with the taxpayers' money and we an excellent return on the dollars we spend to maintain the roads and bridges in the township," he said.
Gump would like to do his own review. "My legal training has prepared me to thoroughly review and audit all existing contracts and agreements for the provision of goods and services involving the highway department of Palatine Township," he said. Gump has served as a criminal defense lawyer for more than 20 years with an emphasis on criminal defense for the indigent.
Powers added he would also like to work toward improving drainage problems in the southern part of the township. "We have made some progress there but there remains some work to do to alleviate the problem."
"The Highway Commissioner's job is to maintain township roads," Powers said. He explained that drivers cross over between county, state, village, and township roads throughout the area. "Good roads benefit the whole community."
"It is not so much that these services are needed, they are," Gump said, but added, "The board has been dominated by one party for far too long---since the township was created in 1850 to be precise. New blood, fresh ideas, and closer scrutiny of township operations are needed."
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