The Oak Lawn Leaf has an editorial about the continuing issues regarding public safety in Oak Lawn.

Arrogance?   Stupidity?  Perhaps a combination called Deetjen.In June of this year, Trustee Robert Streit (Dist. 3) asked his fellow board members to consider applying for a “safer grant” to pay the salary and benefits of two firemen for two or three years.A “no brainer” right?

Maybe it would be for the average taxpayer that finds himself bombarded with state and local taxes and a non-responsive government.  But the Mayor and Trustees babbled and bobbled and pretended that they were already applying for the grant. Then Village Manager Larry Deetjen spoke.  In an incoherent explanation of excuses, misstatements and lies, Deetjen claimed that no grants come without strings attached.

The “strings” attached are that after the 3 year period of the grant, the village has to pay for the firefighters salary without grant money.  Oh darn those pesky strings.  It didn’t matter that Streit explained this fact to his fellow board members.  Instead, they just listened to Deetjen and agreed that not only would they not apply for the grant, but additional firefighters would not be hired.  It makes perfect sense if you don’t live in reality.Then the firefighters union filed a grievance pointing out that the contract requires the village to have a certain amount of firefighters.  So, Tuesday night the Trustees shook their heads up and down to say yes when Deetjen now recommended hiring two firefighters.  Of course these firefighters will be paid for with tax money and not grant money.  No strings attached at all unless you count the puppet strings attached to the elected officials.It was typical Deetjen, acting like the guy dancing with a beer in his hand at a party rather than a dignified leader.  Of course, what does he care?  He owns a nice home in Florida and is near retirement.  His roots aren’t here in Oak Lawn with the taxpayers that foot the bill for this mistake and others like five million in developer give aways.

Recently, he’s been cozying up to two more candidates who are seeking to depose the two independents on the village board.  Deetjen would like nothing more than to rid the board of Streit and Trustee Carol Quinlan (Dist. 5) who also questions his ridiculous moves.

One of the candidates has already taken Deetjen’s position, claiming his opponent criticizes the manager when he should support him.  In that candidate’s defense, he’s only lived in town for 16 months and perhaps he hasn’t paid attention.  He’s also a former Chicago precinct captain so he may be used to this type of incompetence.

The manager has mismanaged real estate developments, caused labor fights with the village employees, crashed and abandoned a village vehicle, gave away millions, issued no bid contracts without approval and thumbed his nose at providing records to the public.  During this time, his allies on the board have covered up for his behavior, claimed he’s a victim, partied with him, praised him and generally agreed with any silly thought that has entered his head.

They were elected to represent the taxpayers but they’ve let Deetjen make their decisions and run the show.

It’s time for the people of Oak Lawn to run Deetjen.

Run him out of town!

thanks Dan