By BUTCH JOHNSON | Norwalk
I think the Village of Norwalk has a problem with relatives working for and serving on the board of the village. I feel Norwalk should be run like a business. In the past we had 2 relatives of employees on the board. They were both voting for raises and bonuses for their relatives; that, I have been told, is a felony. They are both running for the board again.
When the village clerk retired, there were 12 applicants for the job. I’m confused why the best person for the job was the village’s head maintenance man’s older sister and whose sister-in-law also was on the village board. I don’t think that goes in the business world.
Board President Levi Helgren and the current board are handing out benefits to the employees that are not being offered to local employees, even teachers are not eligible for.
Also, 2019 village budgets are way over. The police department is over $7,757; snow removal, over $8,132; and the maintenance shop, over $6,327. Why are we not having committee meetings to address this?
We also have a sewer plant update coming. Nobody knows the figure there.
Has anyone seen the condition of some of our streets and alleys? Others have mentioned this, and Levi has stated, find some money and we will fix it. I have told Levi, you are running this town like the guy who can buy the next beer but can’t afford the rent!
Business loans 2019 beginning balance we had $103,252 out on the books. Why are we taking that much business away from local banks?Is this well-meaning program getting out of hand? Are the board members loan officers? Can they ask the same questions like a bank? As of the beginning of 2019, 60percent of the loans were delinquent.
The village handbook is not beingfollowed at all. The last person hired was not given one to read and sign. The last board president did not even live in town. I am questioning the precedence set by the previous board that Katie, Alex and Levi were all a part of.
Let’s get some people out of the circle on the board with some integrity and want the best for the village and not their own interests.