She's a business owner. We understand her motivation to promote and expand her CPA business by making the right connections, staying active in the community, and serving on boards.
But, is it fair to taxpayers, and the community overall?
Can Mrs. Benford honestly make decisions that are in the best interest of the community if she's also providing professional services, benefiting financially from the same government entity?
This question can only be answered by taxpayers. Remember, it's our tax dollars that fund these government agencies.
Are you comfortable with this? We want to hear from you.
Do you consider this appointment to be legitimate or a conflict of interest?
I believe the appointment is a conflict of interest. Doubt if she'll do the right thing and step down.
ReplyDeleteSadly, no news here. It's just the latest example of Roger Claar and his double-dipping friends.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that do not check into your stories before you print them. If you did, you would know that Ms.Benford was the travel agent for Dupage Township Seniors for their Cruise in 2010. She in fact paid the Cruiseline, for which the Township reimbursed her, for which THE SENIORS REIMBURSED the Township, because THEY FUNDED THEIR OWN TRIPS. Any questions?
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous, 10:47pm,
ReplyDeleteSo Mrs. Benford is a CPA and Travel Agent?
Is DuPage Township willing to provide a copy of all the paperwork showing proof, including the $66k cancelled check deposited by Mrs. Benford for the luxury cruise?
Or should we just take your word for it?
Several months ago, we submitted a FOIA request to DuPage Township asking for the detail behind several miscellaneous receivable and income accounts.
We wanted to determine how much money was collected (reimbursed) for the luxury cruise.
The Township promptly denied our request, claiming privacy issues.
Unfortunately, the new FOIA modification laws are making it more difficult to press government for specific documents.
Until DuPage Township provides PROOF. We will rely soley on the Treasurer's Report. Which is considered a legal binding document.
If Mrs. Benford wants to clear up any confusion, she's more than welcome to side-step the Township and provide copies to us, directly.
We will publish whatever she gives us.
It's important to point out, the article's purpose is not to condemn Benford or any other business owner in the community. We applaud and encourage small businesses.
Our specific concern, as it relates to Mrs. Benford is whether or not her position as trustee qualifies as a conflict of interest?
Bring your proof, and let the community decide.
Anonyomous 10:47 p.m.,
ReplyDeleteSo how much profit are you claiming Ms. Benford made from her "travel agent for DuPage Township" position?
Wow--I'm sure glad my tax money is being spent by DuPage Township to Ms. Benford to be a travel agent. That's an essential function of government for sure. Let's have all government agencies spend our tax money going into the CPA "travel agent" business in order to compete with the 1000s of independent hard working tax paying travel agents out there.
As it was, Ms. Benford was compensated by the CRUISELINE and NOT one red cent of your's or MY tax dollars. Again I will repeat myself, and assure you that she was paid dollar for dollar BY THE SENIORS THAT WERE TRAVELING. Seniors paid the Township; Township paid Ms. Benford.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 2:19am,
ReplyDeleteDo you honestly expect us to simply take your word for it? We are talking about $66,000.
All of this can be cleared up with proof. If Ms. Benford was in fact reimbursed, the Township will have documentation. All public information.
If she wants to maintain some credibility, she would send TNC a copy of the cancelled check, or step down as trustee.
If I were advising her, I would recommend she stay focused on her business, and stay out of the political arena, locally. There's a strong anti-Claar element in the community that resents his socialist policies, and excessive spending.
The political climate is becoming more hostile. If you're trying to run a business in Bolingbrook, it's best to fly way under the radar.
However, if she's pulling $66k as a "travel agent", Claar's her master.
Rhonda talks about full disclosure, but she failed to mention thar she contacted Ms.Benford and was asking for a job and assistance with finding a job. I guess if Ms. Benford had hired Rhonda, she wouldn't be the targetf this misleading information. Her comments are that of a bitter woman that doesn't not have her facts in order.
ReplyDeleteTo Legal Eagle, it is a good thing you are not advising Ms. Benford. Any good attorney would know that a CPA has the same privilege as an attorney. If you don't know what that means, it means she can't discuss client details without their consent.
ReplyDeleteCommon sense shhould prevail at some point, a CPA can act in a financial capacity on behalf od their client. That is what happened here. She didn't receive $66,000 in compensation.
Rhonda is obviouslty a bitter person, that chooses to shoot down a promising individual that is doing a lot to help EVERYONE in her community. Rhonda thought so, or she would not have called her for a job.
Really?
ReplyDeleteSo now you expect us to believe that Rhonda, an experienced accountant and a vocal critic of Claar and his Regime would contact Mrs. Benford and her SMALL CPA firm for a job?
First of all, Benford Brown & Associates can't afford Rhonda.
Secondly, I'm sure Rhonda would rather mop floors and clean toilets than ask anyone from Claar's regime for a job.
ANONYMOUS 11:08 am and 11:14am, you're comments are completely false, and clearly desperate.
RHONDA: Don't waste your time responding to this garbage. We can see this smear for what it is. A desperate attempt to switch the debate.
MRS.BENFORD & DUPAGE TWNSHP: Where's the proof? If the cruiseline paid Benford the $66k, provide a copy of the cancelled check.
Nobody said the Cruiseline paid Ms.Benford $66k....MS. BENFORD PAID THE CRUISELINE... sheesh, we are done here....
ReplyDeleteThe counter says 13 comments but when you go to this page, it only shows 11. What happened to the other 2 comments?
ReplyDeletewho gives a crap about the counter. Allisia got $67k from dupage township, and now she's serving on the trustee board.
ReplyDeleteshe can't have it both ways. you can't swim in shit all day, then walk around expecting not to smell like it.
The facts here stinks.
You got that right Anonymous at 9:32 on Oct 11!
ReplyDeleteThe same applies to others as well. You can't collect a huge salary for years and then complain about the process that gave you that salary.
The article is straight forward, and actually offer some praise to Ms. Benford. Where's the bitterness? Rhonda could've come out with guns a blazin', but she didn't.
ReplyDeleteFrom the comments I'm reading, the only bitter people are the one's supporting Ms. Benford, and Dupage T-shp.
Did it ever occur to you people that the name calling & intimidation only work in Claar's world?
Step outside of the bubble, the real world where most people in the community are not tied to him financially, we are not afraid to speak our minds.
Can we get back to subject?
I think Rhonda should respond. She is the one that started the debate. The only question that was asked was if she would still post the misleading comments if Ms. Benford had helped her find a job. Rhonda shared a lot of thoughts but never shared one that was her direct action??? People should know that because it is a fact as they determine the basis for her misleading comments. The other facts are that Ms. Benford has done some good things in this community. She serves in several community service organizations. And now she has been appointed to help more and you all are slamming her right out the gate.
ReplyDeleteMs. Benford has no financial ties to Mayor Claar. Her only connection is serving with him in community service organizations. Now how is that a bad thing? I'm confused.
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteIf you felt comfortable enough to contact Ms. Benford for a job, then why not contact her directly for the facts before posting a misleading comments?
She returned your call before and responded to your request for assistance. Why didn't you contact her directly if you were "truly" looking for answers?
Attention All,
ReplyDeleteLots of great comments, and I must admit, some off the wall ones.
We appreciate your input, but ask that you stick to the specific topic of discussion, and not "clog the blog" with off-topic chatter.
FACT 1: Mrs. Benford was recently appointed to serve as trustee of DuPage Township.
FACT 2: She owns an accounting business in Bolingbrook.
FACT 3: She's a staunch supporter of Claar.
FACT 4: According to DuPage Township's Treasurer's report, Mrs. Benford was paid $66k.
ISSUE: Does Mrs. Benford's financial relationship with the Township present a conflict of interest if she's also serving as trustee?
As a taxpayer, where do you stand in the debate?
Anyone who knows Rhonda would never use the word "bitter" to describe her. She's blessed with a gift for numbers, and a passion for exposing government waste.
ReplyDeleteRhonda and Company are 110% committed to the cause, for the long haul, no matter who's in office. IT'S NOT PERSONAL.
So Ms. Benford, Wake up! You've got more to lose than anyone. This is not your fight. Stay focused on your small business.
This is a fight between Bolingbrook taxpayers and the politicians who waste taxdollars.
Think smart!
P.S. From what I hear, Rhonda's never had a conversation with you. If you want to meet her, why not attend the free christmas brunch she's hosting in December. I'm sure she will welcome you.
I don't give a shit about how many boards this lady serves on, or whether or not Rhonda supposedly called her for a job. What I care most about is the $66 thousand and the fact that she's sitting on the board.
ReplyDeleteWhy should Rhonda call this woman if she's gonna get the same bullshit answers? Plus, DuPage Township had already refused her FOIA request.
Do they think we are freakin stupid?
Rhonda, congrats on the success of your blog.
ReplyDeleteI've been following your site since the beginning, and was excited to see that you added a blog for comments.
From a marketing perspective, you are doing a great job of attracting passionate voices from both sides of the debate. It makes for an interesting read. I like it.
The complimentary Christmas brunch will definately give the community an opportunity to meet you and the other members of The Number Crunchers. It's important that we see your faces out and about in the community.
However, can I offer some expert advice?
There's really no need for you to respond to any comments posted on the blog. Your articles are all fact based, and the source documents are there for reference.
If visitors have questions, your contact information is readily available on the website.
The facts are what they are. What's there to clarify?
Keep up the good work.
I agree, Rhonda. I know you want to micro manage and defend yourself at every turn, but that's an impossible task. Just look at all the comments flowing in now.
ReplyDeleteLet your work stand for itself.