The DMV and Lessons Learned

As one of three Orland Township Trustees who voted to cancel the township’s lease with the Illinois Secretary of State/DMV, it has been incumbent upon me to write about lessons learned, and positive responsive actions.

One of the greatest criticisms of those voting to cancel had to do with not being transparent beyond following the requirements of township law. In the interest of transparency above and beyond notifications required of the board, suggested enhancements to that process should soon be introduced for discussion and possible vote by the board.

It would be foolish and arrogant of me to claim I personally could not have done anything better in my efforts to serve the public. I surely could have been better, particularly as regards keeping the public better informed, and refraining from making intemperate remarks on Facebook.

I failed at both. And I regret both.

Be that as it may, neither polls nor sooner notification of my possible intentions would have been likely to change my voting decision. I still believe the DMV has outgrown our building, and consequently introduces public safety risks presented by too small a number of parking spaces, and dangers posed to township employees by the very fact of the DMV’s presence in the same building. It also has some very negative impacts on those seniors, our largest services demographic when availing themselves of official Township services.

My opinion is that our taxpaying Township seniors have no obligation to make unreasonable sacrifices, or life easier, for the state government. A senior level township official actually told the new board, “You take your life in your hands in the (Township) parking lot.”

I am always available to receive your suggestions, criticism or otherwise through my township email address; fwilliams@orlandtownship.gov. I will respond.

It is my pledge to be swiftly responsive to your concerns, and excellent remedies to problems surrounding transparency will hopefully soon be announced.