WASHINGTON BLASTS HANKS FOR CANCELLING MEETINGS

LYNDA WASHINGTON

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  It appears that the “forward motions” David Hanks campaigned on have come to an end along with about 15 to 20 Village Board meetings in 2015 so says Trustee Lynda Washington.  Washington appears to be breaking ranks with Hanks in her move to distance herself from her one-time political ally.  Washington put out a press release critical of Hanks unilateral decision to cancel as many as 20 meetings in 2015.

Hanks and Village Clerk Debbie Williams have been criticized by many residents for the lack of transparency in the Village government where residents do not know what is going on.  “Money is being moved around and things are going on behind the scenes where Hanks doesn’t want people to know” says a long-time resident.  The Illinois Attorney General issued a binding opinion declaring the Village had in fact violated the Freedom of Information Act by failing to provide public records as required by the law over the Travelgate scandal.

Hanks apparently told Trustees privately about his scheme, because this was not part of a public statement, “there is nothing to put on the agenda and the residents do not come to the Village Board meetings to participate” according to Washington’s statement.

“The Mayor stated that he plans to cancel at least 15 to 20 more meetings in 2015” Washington said in a letter she authored on Village letterhead.  “I am not in agreement with this decision” Washington states.  “This was a decision of Mayor Hanks alone and not a Board of Trustees decision” Washington said.

With the Village’s finances in a precarious state, with revenues falling far shorter than budgeted, the lack of meetings do not provide residents the ability to know how Village bills and employees are being paid.

Washington has circulated a copy of her news release throughout the Village.  “I’ve been passing it out at Fairway” Washington said.  “I have an outpouring of supporters they want copies to pass out they are appalled” Washington said.

Trustees Derrick Burgess, Washington and Rosie Williams called a Special Meeting for this Tuesday to discuss village finances, despite Hanks’ effort to cancel meetings without the Village Board’s approval.