Why is it that people who are not able to defend themselves are the ones who are taken advantage of and treated the worst? It is because it is easier to mistreat them. They do not have the power to fight back. Those who do this cannot have concern for these people, even though they say that they do.

The Madison County Board, except for the few who do have the courage and concern to vote against the closing of the Sheltered Care Home in Edwardsville, are more concerned about themselves. The bottom line for the majority of the Board is not a moral issue. It is the money that they want to spend on other things.

The people of Madison County who are concerned about the care of the people in the home have voted over and over again to keep the home open. They made it very clear that the money was designated for keeping the home and building a new home that would be safer for the residents and less expensive to keep up.

If the Board, and especially the Chairman, cannot listen to the 96,000 people who voted again to keep the sheltered care home, then they are free to resign. Let the people say, “If you are not going to follow the mandate of the people of Madison County, then you are not worthy to hold your position on the county board or any other government entity. GET OUT and STAY OUT!”

Helen Stumpe
Granite City