For 16 years I have been at odds with Stookey Township officials on their management of the township. But I wouldn't give up control of the township to a larger government body. A right to vote and control what goes on in the township means a lot to me.

Having poor leadership in a township is by the people's decision and therefore is a part of the leadership and its cost, by the people they elect to carry on the functions of the township. That is their legal right. They can change poor leadership in April on Election Day. File to be a candidate, choose qualified people who care about your township and vote.

Doing away with townships will do away with grassroots government that gives electors rights at town meetings. Annual or special town meetings give power to electors, the right to direct the Township Board with about 33 powers. This includes to transfer money, approve the supervisor's yearly reports, to increase taxes to buy property and to sell property.

To save $1 million by doing away with a township, another government body must have people on the payroll doing nothing to pick up the duties of a township, with 10 or more employees, without township taxes.

Township information can be had by request. This includes minutes of meetings, legal documents, copies and salaries, at your township's clerk's office.

Bigger government, less service, less voice and control. No. Keep townships.

Thomas W. Kroupa

Stookey Township

Belleville