WHEATON - In the midst of the DuPage County Board meeting Tuesday, a former county Public Works employee blew the whistle on alleged misdeeds by department employees - including one who allegedly drove a county vehicle under the influence - prompting an investigation by the state's attorney's office.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Glendale Heights resident Tom Johnson addressed the board, explaining he had worked for Public Works for 12 years. He said he was dismissed because he raised his voice at an employee, something he was told broke policy.
"While that may be so, I have examples of others breaking policy and no one was even disciplined," Johnson told the board. "The Public Works Department is full of employees that don't perform their jobs as they should, (and) are involved in theft and cover-ups, all with their supervisors' knowledge and apparent blessing. Their jobs are protected because of who they know."
Johnson said he reported several incidents many times to his supervisors - Jim Fuscilla and Kevin Buoy - who promised to investigate but did nothing. Johnson said he brought the information to the board in hopes of change. His most serious allegation involves the use of a county vehicle by an employee who was said to be under the influence of alcohol.
"In October 2005, one employee, while on call was using his county vehicle after attending a football game. He was drunk (and) hit a fire hydrant, totaling the truck. Rather than call the police, he covered it up," Johnson said.
Johnson listed other allegations, including employees who:
� steal gasoline to fill up personal vehicles.
� add overtime not actually worked to time tickets.
� use county vehicles and tools for personal use; sometimes tools are never returned.
� use county-provided Internet access to play computer games and view pornography.
� play whiffle ball, darts and other games rather than finish the day actually working.
Bennington said he was caught off-guard by Johnson's claims, saying it was the first he heard of them.
"If he had these allegations, I would've liked to know about them before today," Bennington said.
Bennington said it is important to verify facts and if there is a problem, to correct it. He also defended county employees.
"I have a great deal of faith and trust in the honesty and integrity of our employees and I would be surprised if they were true," Bennington said.
Contact Kathy Cichon at (630) 416-5114 or kcichon@nscn1.com.
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