When I read Robert Shelstrom’s letter, “Where’s Mine,” in last week’s paper, it is implied that board members are somehow benefitting from making our well vaults safe for the district’s staff. Then Robert proceeded to imply that the project is finalized and the figures are final when they are not.

Robert, when Director Trompke brought the need of making our vaults safer for staff, we began a journey of due diligence that is continuing today. I personally peered into the unsafe conditions that exist in the well vaults so that I could verify her concerns myself. Safety of district personnel is extremely important to the board.

This is not some expensive solution to undue a little bit of rust and corrosion – this is about bringing those vaults up to standards so our staff can safely do their jobs. I appreciate your suggestion of a $100,000 coat of paint, but making the vaults more accessible and up to current safety standards is the route I would prefer to go. Unfortunately, we’ve not yet found a company that has offered to take this undertaking on for free just yet, but we are continuing to do our due diligence on making sure the costs stay controlled. By the way, nothing is finalized, so would you please stop spreading misinformation as fact?

Now, briefly back to the idea that I am somehow some corrupt Chicago-style politician that is looking for the “Where’s mine?” in all of this. I spend time away from my wife and three young kids in service of this town and I will not tolerate cheapening that for one single second. You and I have never had a conversation. Perhaps it’s time that we do have one, next time you want to consider questioning my character.