Resident Joseph Solak criticizes board, alleges broken campaign promises and rising debt
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Summary
Joseph Solak used the public-comment period to accuse several newly elected trustees of dishonesty, to say village debt "has increased by approximately 50%," to criticize choices on taxes and lawsuits, and to urge greater consistency from officials.
During public comment, Joseph Solak of 9722 154th Street addressed the board with pointed criticisms of the current administration and trustees. Solak alleged that "several of the newly elected members have not been truthful with the residents" and accused the board of failing to deliver on campaign promises such as grocery-tax or utility-tax relief. He said village debt "has increased by approximately 50%" during the current administration's ten months in office and criticized the board for initiating litigation against a former mayor shortly after taking office, which Solak said ran contrary to campaign promises to eliminate political lawsuits.
Solak also cited an Illinois campaign-donation record showing a $5,000 contribution to a trustee's political account from a group identified as "Portland Residents Against Video Gaming," saying the contribution contradicted public statements and raised questions about whose interests are prioritized.
No formal response to Solak's allegations is recorded in the meeting transcript; trustees continued to business after public comment.