Letter: 'The Truth Will Go A Long Way'

I read in a local newspaper the other day that Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante says HE balanced the City budget. That’s the second time I’ve read him say this. I watched him make the same claim as he stammered through his, “State of the City Address.” I’m confused.  Is he the only member of the Joliet City Council?  Is the City running without staff?  How can he claim he is the sole reason the budget is balanced? 

Giarrante served on the City Council for nearly two decades when Joliet sank into a $27 million hole with a deeper $60 million deficit guaranteed if changes weren’t made immediately.  He alone championed the Splash Station water park fiasco that cost Joliet more $10 million and he was a leading supporter of the $40 million ballpark.  There’s a long list of questionable expenditures and wasted tax dollars under his, “watchful eye.”  

The fact of the matter is that when Joliet faced that $27 million deficit it wasn't Giarrante becoming mayor that saved the City. He had already been on the Council that created the monstrous debt.  The game changer was the influx of NEW people and leadership joining the Council.  These Councilmen worked with City staff to balance the budget, not BECAUSE of Giarrante, but rather, IN SPITE of Giarrante. 

Giarrante does, however, deserve credit for his idea to raise taxes in 2011 when other members of the Council suggested cutting discretionary spending instead. 

A little truth in campaign advertising would be refreshing.  And it should start with you, Mr. Giarrante.

Drew Harris
Joliet