Jeff Thorsen Offers Perspective on Proposed $5 Million+ Grafton Township Hall

Just re-elected Crystal Lake City Council Jeff Thorsen, an executive of a financial institution in his day job, weighed in the on the issue of building a new Grafton Township Hall, the township in which he resides on the West End of Crystal Lake, on the comment section of Northwest Herald reporter Amber Krosel’s Friday article entitled

For background, you might like to read this article on the township meeting. It has plenty of photographs of what happened.

In addition, this article explains what would happen if township officials don’t find a way to spend the money they have accumulated.

Here are Thorsen’s comments:

Jeffthorsen wrote on April 17, 2009 11:07 p.m.

“I have a dog. His name is Bo Bo. He likes to leave legacies. But I follow him with a little plastic bag cause my neighbors do not like to find themselves having to deal with these unexpected legacies.

“Perhaps I should not stand in his way. Perhaps I should let his legacy remain. Leave them for those who come later.

“Maybe place a little brass plaque that says ‘Bo Bo was here.’ This issue is simple if you just do the math.”

Jeffthorsen wrote on April 17, 2009 11:16 p.m.

“This deal was not underwritten by its creditors based on the ability of current cash flows to service the obligation.

“It relies on the full faith and credit of us, the tax payers of Grafton Township.

“Part of my concern is the fact it was approved 2 years ago.

“I like to think I am somewhat aware, but I missed this bus.

“If you did an analysis then of the repayment schedule in tandem with the cash flow position of the township, you would only come to one conclusion.

“THIS IS A BACKDOOR REFERENDUM. “

Jeffthorsen wrote on April 17, 2009 11:23 p.m.

“I challenge anyone to discuss this with me in public or in private.

“I am not going to sit back and take it any more.

“I know there are many who believe this is what needs to be done.

“Perhaps that is true.

“My objection is the fact that I look at the numbers.

“The financial angle is my playing field.

“We cannot do this with out relying on the township taxpayers to give more. I object to the notion and the myth that we can do this with out a forced tax increase.”

Jeffthorsen wrote on April 17, 2009 11:29 p.m.

“So I implore the Trustees, EACH, come to grips with the financial reality.

“Seek out your own financial counsel (individually) to help you before you push forward.

“If you choose to attack my professional observations, please do so with extreme caution.”

Jeffthorsen wrote on April 17, 2009 11:46 p.m.

“If you believe the ‘end justifies the means,’ you have forgotten who you actually represent.

“If you fear a referendum, if you fear putting this question to the people in a more direct manner than what is offered you though the exercise of the annual meeting, than who and what do you actually represent?

“I personally do not have a problem with the new building.

“I simply want the people to have the opportunity to have a voice in this. I am not talking about 140 people who could be there Tuesday night, I am talking about… “

Jeffthorsen wrote on April 17, 2009 11:47 p.m.

“I am talking about the thousands who remain unheard. “

Jeffthorsen wrote on April 17, 2009 11:50 p.m.

“The thousands you are supposed to represent.

“Why to you fear putting this question to these people?”

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Another item of interest might be the NW Herald cartoon showing a half Grafton Township Hall.


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