As you know, the DuPage Water Commission is in need of reform. Previously, I outlined several major financial problems created by the Water Commission over the last several months. I've proposed a bill in the Illinois Senate (SB 580) that would consolidate the Water Commission under the purview of county government. It would create a new body that would include elected officials from the County Board and municipal government. Funds would only be used for expenses related to the water system.

It seems like there is more bad news from the Water Commission on a weekly basis. Last month, we learned that the forensic audit has already cost taxpayers a whopping $365,000 and counting. Law firms are billing the commission $500 per hour with no cap on the total contract amount. The commission this week also considered borrowing another $40 million, on top of the $30 million they borrowed a few months ago.

Our effort to reform the commission has won editorial support in March from both the Daily Herald and the Chicago Tribune. Click here for a fact sheet that specifically outlines the issues with the Water Commission.

I'm asking for your help to support this legislation. I kindly ask that you take a moment to call your state senator and representative to voice your support of SB 580 and HB 5552.

Reforming the Water Commission by making it more responsive to voters and accountable to taxpayers is a priority. The status quo is simply unacceptable. DuPage County taxpayers deserve better and I'm hopeful you can help us move this reform bill forward in the legislature.

Thank you again for all your support.

Sincerely,
Dan Cronin