Publications & Sites 
Letter: A question of residency
Elmwood Park Elm Leaves
Wants to Hear from You
Please send your Letters to the Editor to News Producer Chris LaFortune at clafortune@pioneerlocal.com or by mail to Elm Leaves, 1010 Lake St., Suite 104, Oak Park, IL 60301. Please keep letters to 250 words or fewer. Elm Leaves reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and content. All letters must be signed to be published.
Updated: September 24, 2012 6:21AM
I read your article regarding Trustee Bennett’s resignation from the Elmwood Park Village Board. In the article, you state that “after the purchase of Bennett’s new home the questions of his residency became an issue by political opponents on the Web. Bennett said the move was based on the sale of his current home and did not hide his plans from anyone.” This was followed by President Silvestri dismissing the allegations and insinuating that the opposing political party was attacking the longtime trustee on his way out, rather than thanking him for his service.
Where exactly has the political opposition questioned Bennett’s residency? Let alone on the Web. I have searched all official social media sites and website of the political opposition, as well as personal accounts of the individual candidates and have found nothing to confirm your claims that they have publicly questioned Bennett. I did, however, find an instance where a vocal resident has taken her grievance with Bennett to Facebook, posting as herself, a resident of Elmwood Park. However, your article makes it clear to the reader that the political opposition has publicly attacked the outgoing trustee. Are you willing to update your article to reflect that the residency questioning came on behalf of a resident and nonpolitical figure? Did you contact the “political opposition” before running the article to inform them that you would be misrepresenting the party?
As a resident of the neighborhood your paper serves, I hope that you will report the facts and reference your observations. Elm Leaves’ readership has evolved and we require a respectable, nonpartisan source for local news.
John-Paul Paonessa
Elmwood Park
