Politics & Government
Letter: Why Did Joliet Mayor Need to Go to D.C. for One Day?
The $1,100 trip was excessive, especially since the government was in shutdown at the time, Mary Sullivan says.
Dear Editor;
Help me understand why it was necessary for Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante to travel to Washington, D.C., during the government shutdown and spend $1,100 of taxpayer money on a less than 24-hour trip. What was discussed or accomplished that could not have been accomplished for far less money in Joliet, or in Illinois?
I'm concerned because this seems excessive in an economy where our city is facing high unemployment rates and city services are being cut. I agree that we should have strong relationships with our Senators and Representatives, but as far as I heard the only representative the Mayor met with in Washington has an office right here in Joliet.
The Mayor, who gets free gas, could have met with Rep. Bill Foster in his district office which is less than four miles from city hall.
Mary Sullivan
Plainfield
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