Crest Hill mayor misusing taxpayer funds?

CREST HILL -- Ward 3 Alderman Neal Sternisha questioned Mayor Raymond Soliman about the mayor's petty cash expenses at this week's city council meeting.

The mayor attended fundraisers for state Rep. Pat McGuire and County Executive Larry Walsh. He paid for his wife's ticket out of his pocket and he paid for his ticket with the mayor's petty cash.

"I'm not suggesting that legally we are doing anything incorrect, but to me it just doesn't feel right that you're attending these fundraisers and spending tax payer money on it," Sternisha said.

Auditor Dave Weber informed the mayor and city council at a work session that the mayor's petty cash could be used for attending fundraisers on behalf of the city.

"I am sure there are several people in the city of Crest Hill who don't agree with it, however it is within the bounds as the mayor representing the city of Crest Hill when I go to these functions," Soliman said.

Ward 1 Alderman John Vershay questioned City Attorney Dave Ruttle on whether or not it was acceptable to spend taxpayer money on political fundraisers. Ruttle said he would need to look into the matter before making a statement regarding the issue.

In other business:

• A resolution recognized Francis "Bud" Smolich, who recently was honored by President Barack Obama for his service in the Vietnam War. Smolich was a resident of Crest Hill until the age of 22.

"I just feel that I have got so much recognition and yet there are so many men that have done heroic things that didn't get recognized at all," Smolich said.

• The chairman of the Civil Service Commission is resigning due to moving out of the city. Soliman asked that those who are interested in the position to fill out and submit the application and resume to the mayor's office.

Applications will be accepted throughout November. Soliman hopes to have a candidate for the city council at a work session in December.