One of the worst-kept secrets in Madison County government was the fact that for years the Democratic treasurer was taking advantage of taxpayers to make money under the table at their expense. Madison County government is all about keeping power to preserve pensions and never rocking the boat.

We were let down as too many people looked the other way and let Bathon use his office as his own piggy bank. At the age of 55 he took his $80,000 pension and stole into the night (no pun intended). Remember, in Madison County government it is all about power and pensions.

Thousands of homeowners were taken advantage of when the Democratic treasurer made sure they paid the maximum of 18 percent penalty on their late property taxes. Many lost their homes due to this greed. So much for the "party of the people" taking advantage of taxpayers who could least afford this scam.

How many elected officials in Madison County government knew about this scam going on for years? Power and pensions first!

Just setting up a website for scam victims will never reach all those people who do not have computer access. Hopefully a solution will be found to make sure all the victims of this greed are made whole. Madison County officials have a long history of looking the other way -- just ask some of Tom Lakin's victims. Power and pensions first in Madison County.

Keith Loemker

Edwardsville