Who will make waves at the MWRD?

It’s unfortunate in this computer-driven age that newspapers have lost their circulation and significance. Regardless, a newspaper’s endorsement in a political election remains a valued commodity. As an independent candidate, running on the Republican ballot, for a board position at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, it is disappointing that endorsed candidates were not completely vetted in key areas of reform.

Political reforms are important and potent in elections. In the MWRD election for six-year terms, one candidate, Debra Shore, will have served 18 years after she presumably wins her next election. If term limits were in place, as preferred by 80 percent of Illinoisans, according to a Paul Simon Policy Institute poll, she would be prohibited from running. Another candidate, Marcelino Garcia, is already employed by another government agency (and previously held other government jobs). Perhaps he believes the MWRD truly is a part-time job. It’s not. And, this issue was not addressed. Holding two government jobs concurrently should be illegal. Lastly, being a chemist (Kari Steele) is not a qualification. This is just a misleading tactic to sway voters. These are not platforms of reform.

Furthermore, it is clear to me that the Democrats offer no plan to move the agency forward. Their positions on the board are an extension of “machine politics.” Their rhetoric has proved meaningless.

It’s no secret that city, county and state governments have been failing for an extended period (miserably) and they all share one common denominator: They are all run by Democrats.

Voters need to consider alternative candidates who will balance the makeup of the MWRD board and who are prepared to challenge City Hall. If not, the water will remain stagnant.

— R. Cary Capparelli, Park Ridge