From Central Illinois comes the sad story of Lewistown Township Supervisor Sheila Gray in Fulton County “embezzling more than $182,000 with which she gambled and covered personal expenses.”

That’s what Peoria TV station WMBD reported in early October.

“Pekin’s former Mayor Lyn Howard is appealing his use of city credit cards for gambling,” the station also reported.

And a third misappropriation of public funds in the Peoria area was also included:

“We tried to question LaWanda Giles, former Bloomington Water dept. office manager…whose city-issued credit card receipts indicated casino spending with public money. Giles pleaded guilty last month. “

All undoubtedly had excuses.

The lesson:

Sometimes you can actually see how casino gambling costs taxpayers money.

I remember there was a McHenry County Sheriff’s deputy who was convicted of stealing from the evidence room for gambling.

And, Illinois legislators are ready to finance roads with more casinos.

How short-sighted.