Stellar research. This item has been sent to all council members with a demand for restitution, the identity of the staff member who signed off on reimbursement, and the question: FRAUD?
In fact, fraud was committed twice: not only on taxpayers, but also on the videographer, reportedly a Hillmann family member, who was gypped out of his full fee on the pretention that the client was a village business and C. of C. member. Even if he was in on the “joke,” it’s wrong.
I suggest a letter on legal letterhead from the village attorney to Ms. Hauck: “It has come to our attention….we have obtained documentation, to wit…please make out your check, including $X in interest, to…and since you have committed fraud, please do not attend the September or subsequent meetings of the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board, except perhaps as an observer sitting over in the corner. To protect the village from possible legal action based on your fraudulent behavior as a council member, we must remove you from this and any future positions of responsibility within the village. Not-love, etc. etc.”
Elected officials may not use their positions to further political agendas or tax money to fund them.
If nothing is done, residents may ask WHY at future council meetings.
An easy way to send a single email message to all council members may be reached through this link, which is updated after every council election:
https://www.preservegraydon.org/write-council
You can remove the cc: before sending, if desired.
A similar group email form posted on the council page of the village website has been suggested and approved (weeks ago), but not implemented (surprise).
