Horseyboy, JR, no, I do not hold a grudge against the Pontoon Beach Police Department, they are a fine force, and a wonderful asset to our community.
I AM against having yet another authoritative, dictatorial style of mayor who uses the police and the Village attorney as his personal henchmen.
The police should not have to participate in the mayor's dirty politics as a condition of their employment, or their job security. It has caused an unfortunate compromise of ethics, in the past.
As for their contract? We as a village are in trouble, fiscally. The economy has hit us hard. EVERY facet of our finances needs to be examined and evaluated, and adjustments made to ensure our future solvency. Sticking our heads in the sand and denying the problem doesn't solve anything.
In spite of years long efforts to drive me out, I have endured, here, and can afford my own retirement plan, health insurance, automobile--from money I have earned (yes, at the stable). I bought a truck. That is my husband's Jag--he's a decent, responsible person, too, who didn't deserve the nasty game-playing the mayor brought to him through the police and attorney.
I don't recall "putting anyone down"--I don't have that power. I've found that, generally, people put themselves right where they are. Where I was, when? I've always worked hard, tried to be friendly and fair, and made an honest living. I've been living here thirty plus years, since college--what are you implying, Jack?
I have never said anything on here that wasn't heartfelt and honest. There is nothing for anyone to have to forgive me for--if we disagree, so be it. I'll stand by my words, say them outright, and put my name on it.
Now, would the Open Government party please put some relevant issues out here so that the voters can choose their mayor based on merit and conviction?
I think all we residents have had a good talking to, been smiled at, had our hands shaken on our doorstep in the past--and those pre-election neighborhood walk promises were forgotten right after election day. PUT IT IN WRITING!!!