The Stookey Township election will be April 9. There will be opponents for offices of trustee and highway commissioner.

Supervisor David Bone will have trustees on the Government for Growth Party ticket who voted the large salaries for elected officials plus benefits for the supervisor and highway commissioner. Problem is, do their jobs have that value? Is the supervisor worth or earn salary and benefits worth more than four trustees ($5,306.40 each), assessor, $5,306.40, and clerk, $13,044.96 -- a total of $39,576.96 combined? The supervisor will receive $38,586.76 with $1,000 of this as highway district treasurer, plus more than $5,000 worth of health and dental insurance for himself and one dependent. He receives $50,000 life insurance and retirement benefits at a total of $43,586.76 or more.

There are 12 board meetings and one town meeting scheduled a year. He may not attend and still get paid. Trustees the same scenario.

It wouldn't be so bad if duties were carried out and performed. But supervisor duties are done by employees or not at all -- things such as taking money to the bank, making budgets, finishing parks, occupy his office.

This non-opponent situation can be cured by electing trustees who will keep the people's trust and expectations.

Highway commissioner salary is $60,000 with 100 percent health, dental and vision insurance paid for himself and one dependent. IMRF, life and accidental death insurance of $50,000 for self also.

Thomas W. Kroupa

Belleville