While I have spoken publicly to the Daily Herald, I want to send along a statement about the salary over payment of the Village Clerk, my wife, Sherry Craig. Sherry and I have always acted with openness and integrity as public officials and with our dealings with the Village. While the timing of this revelation is politically motivated, we have acknowledged the oversight and are working to payback the Village immediately when the dollar amount is determined. We have been unaware of this and have intended in no way to take unearned compensation. With the salary of the Village Collector and Clerk commingled into one check and with retirement, Federal, State, Medical, Social Security, and employee scholarship fund deductions, we did not notice the small difference per pay check (about $30.00). This is an embarrassing situation for us that we are seeking to set right.
I am saddened at the way that this issue has been handled. In March, without discussion or indication of any problems, the majority that controls the board eliminated the collector's position, a move that was not discussed in any planning meetings and was clearly motivated by personal political agendas. Now, this issue has arisen through secret "tips" given to trustees as they seek to justify the unqualified termination of a position Sherry held. Despite the fact that the payroll department, finance department, human resources department and eight years of audits under three different mayors reviewed this data, no one has ever caught this mistake. But, it now appears that someone recognized this mistake and has been waiting for a time to use it. Yet, this person did not approach Sherry or myself. We do not know how long this person has known or why they did not bring this forward sooner. If anyone had approached us about this, we would have acted to remedy the situation, like any other payroll error that anyone might experience at some time in their career. Unfortunately, this mistake has become a political tool used by self-serving individuals who are not happy that they lost the last election.
Even though we wish that this had been brought to our personal attention in other ways, we are glad that this issue has come forth, and we are now awaiting corrections to be calculated to permit an immediate repayment. We will not, in any way, break the public trust.
We want to thank all of the people who have called us and extended their support and understanding. We greatly appreciate the many friends and supporters who make up our Hanover Park family. All of you are the reason that we continue to work so hard. Thank you.
Rod Craig
4 comments:
It is a shame that people have sought to use very underhanded ways to bring this matter to light. I have watch both you and your wife dedicate to your life to our village and I am behind you all the way.
Hahnz
Our family has lived in Hanover Park since 1985 and have been through Mayors Crawshaw, Bock and now Craig. And although we were happy with all of the other mayors, Mayor Craig is addressing the needs and problems that exist today in Hanover Park. Being longtime residents it's good to have a mayor that shares the same concerns as the longtime residents of Hanover Park do. It's a shame that the all of these backroom shenanigans are going on because of a sore loser and a few of his followers. You can be sure that these type of actions will have us promoting Mayor Craig in the next election, as well as trustees who are willing to work with HIS administration. Rick & Sue Ghera
In the couple of short years I've known Mayor Craig, he's had nothing but good intentions for this Village and some great ideas which to take this town. It's too bad that a couple of dirty polititions and a filthy Village Manager who only have their own intentions and to continue running this town into the ground. Mr. Mayor, I'm behind you all the way. Keep your chin up and remember what comes around, goes around.
I am proud to say that both Sherry and you, our mayor, have carried on throughout this struggle with the utmost dignity. It is actually amazing to watch both of you NOT lose your cool! I know I would have a hard time with all the underhanded tactics going on. It is my hope that this behavior doesn't make both of you consider leaving public office and our town. It is always the best people, honest, trustworthy, and those with the highest integrity that seem to be lost in a situation like this one. Please know that there are many of us out here that see through this charade and know that you will do everything the right way, they same way you have always done. Too bad the election isn't closer so we could get rid of the cancer within!
Marie K.
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