My Rant and Rave of the Week, by J Washington

Many of you know that others write the articles on here, not me.  It is rare that I get the chance to voice my opinion, as I leave it to the talented writers on this site to do so.  When I do write, it is because there is something important that I must say.  So here goes my rant of the week!

Have you known anyone in Bolingbrook who has struggled to keep their homes?  Have you tried to help if you could?  Do you know how many kids have been impacted by having to change schools?  Do you know that the Village was/ is suppose to help these individuals financially?  Huh? 

Ya, that is right, Bolingbrook receives grant money to the whopping sum of $343K grant this year to benefit low and moderate income persons, preventing slums, and meeting community specific development needs.  .  Yet, instead of doing this, The Patch is reporting that they will be giving $32K to the CSC, their pet not-for-profit organization we all speak about on this site.  The board will vote on whether to donate $32,000 to the Community Service Council of Northern Will County for counseling services to Bolingbrook residents.

The grant program provides cities with funds to assist in achieving U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) national objectives — benefiting low- and moderate-income persons, preventing or eliminating slums and meeting community-specific development needs.

Claar said the village typically receives $325,000 to $350,000 each year from HUD. He said the money is used out on a discretionary basis, with most of the money going to help those in need.

However, MOST is not in the grant language which states ALL.  Furthermore, CSC's mission does not state the above objectives, or even comes close to the objectives.

Therefore, it is in my opinion, that the HUD needs to become aware of this transgression of grant funds and in doing so, implement a slap on the wrist of the government officials that donate to the pet projects, of which they sit on the board to, or give the money to a village that will actually help the residents and tax payers.  Either way, this is an abuse to the Grant funds, of which out tax dollars paid into.  It is also an illegal transaction, and if our attorney was knowledgeable, he would have stopped this vote. 

I will be writing a letter to the US Dept of housing to explain the situation.  As a resident, you are free to contribute to this letter.  If you would like your name added, please email me at jwashington@bolingbrookreport.com
Thanks,
J