Letter to the Editor

Updated: November 24, 2011 3:34AM

In defense of Mora

While the article concerning the restraining order served to taxpayer advocate Riccardo Mora last week (Norridge activist is served with restraining order, Norridge News, May 12,) did a fair job of getting Mora’s side of the story as well as Norridge President Ronald Oppedisano’s opinion of the value of Arborist Anthony Valentino’s employment with the village, it left me wondering what Mora actually did that warranted the restraining order.

I find it hard to believe that taking pictures of a Village employee on the job is deserving of a restraining order. Don’t get me wrong, if I were the one being photographed I certainly would find it annoying, but as a government employee whose work is outside in public places, Arborist Valentino should expect public scrutiny of his work. Unless there were physical threats or actions that prevented Valentino from doing his job, the restraining order appears to be a waste of the Circuit Court’s time and resources, not to mention the Norridge Police Department’s time and resources.     

In my eight years of living in Norridge, I’ve seen the various ways in which Riccardo Mora attempts to ensure government transparency and at the same time I’ve heard criticisms of his work from others in the village. While Mora is unusual in the level of effort he puts into his drive for transparency, he provides a valuable service that everyone in the village benefits from. As far as I can tell, Mora’s efforts are aimed at achieving nothing more than something that each of us expects – a fair and reasonable tax bill. I am thankful for his efforts and would hope that others see the value in the checks and balances his scrutiny ensures. Not too long ago in our democracy, people like Mora would be the norm and not the exception.

He is deserving of our thanks – not a restraining order. 

Charles Bowling

Norridge

Show / Hide Comments