The “Culture of Corruption” series in the Tribune, particularly “Paper tigers” (Dec.15), spotlights the pervasive influence weak government oversight of ethics can have on government institutions and the public’s trust in them. I know firsthand the value of a strong, independent inspector general — an important position that elected officials should not fear but rather embrace. Upon my taking office as Illinois secretary of state in 1999, the office was under a cloud of controversy over charges of corruption that occurred under the previous administration. The federal government had launched Operation Safe Road, a wide-ranging investigation centering around licenses for bribes. As a result, the public’s trust in the secretary of state’s office was badly shaken. I knew it would be a long-term effort to restore this trust, and I knew that I could not do it alone. That’s why I appointed Jim Burns to serve as inspector general for the secretary of state’s office. Burns had recently served as the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and his actions in that post proved that he was serious about combating corruption. Together, we established an inspector general’s office that was strong, visible and independent. I armed Burns with the tools and authority he needed to be successful through the following: Expanding the size of the inspector general’s office. Hiring professional investigators from a variety of backgrounds. Having legislation enacted to make the post of inspector general permanent and to broaden its reach. Establishing a website and hotline to allow the public or employees to make complaints. Establishing an Audit Review Committee to empower the IG’s office to review operational procedures and practices to proactively prevent the potential for wrongdoing. Through hard work, honesty, transparency and fairness, we changed the culture of the secretary of state’s office, rooting out institutional corruption and restoring the public’s trust. We succeeded because we built a relationship that respected each other’s role: Burns operated with independence, and I provided him with the tools he needed and never interfered with an investigation. I’m proud of the partnership we forged, and I know our success was centered around our commitment to best serve the people of Illinois. Now more than ever, it’s important that our government leaders embrace policies that focus on securing the public’s trust and hiring good people and giving them the authority and resources to do the job. — Jesse White, former Illinois secretary of state, Chicago Good leaders guide us Community leaders are the backbone of our thriving towns and cities. They deserve heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering commitment to making our community a better place. Stepping up to lead can mean facing public criticism, dealing with conflicting interests, struggling with limited resources, experiencing burnout from high demands and making tough discussions that may not fully satisfy anyone. Our leaders take the form of elected officials in government, heads of civic organization such as Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce, school and educational leaders such as teachers and PTA members, youth leaders such as coaches, health and emergency leaders such as nurses and first responders, religious leaders, business leaders, volunteer coordinators, cultural and artistic leaders, and grassroots organizers and advocates. And I am only touching the surface of the many roles they fill. Readers could come up with their own list of people whose actions have benefited them. Community leaders listen, mentor, cultivate, network, invest, collaborate, support, guide and sometimes pull their hair out. During this holiday season, please take a moment to express your gratitude to those who have inspired you. American writer William Arthur Ward said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” Readers (and leaders) will be better off for having spoken up. — Susan Atkinson, Durango, Colorado Mayor shows us no regard I am very angry at the blatant effort of Mayor Brandon Johnson to remove Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. As a mother of a former CPS student and grandmother of three current CPS students, I feel as if I have skin in the game of this ongoing drama. I resent Johnson, who bows to the will of the Chicago Teachers Union, who demands a vote by the school board before the elected members are seated, who has no regard for the burden on taxpayers to fund a payout to Martinez upon termination. Martinez has the support of principals and parents, he has improved schools after the pandemic stress and he wisely refused to take out a $300 million high-interest loan to cover teachers union demands. The mayor has stacked the current school board with his choices and refuses to wait for the elected school board to be seated next year before trying to force a vote on Martinez. I guess the “collaborator in chief” collaborates only with the demands of the CTU — not the taxpayers of Chicago. — Elizabeth Butler Marren, Chicago Hold mayor accountable I am appalled by the way in which Mayor Brandon Johnson and his hand-picked Board of Education continue to act at the behest of the Chicago Teachers Union. The last-minute meeting set up to fire Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez before the new members of the school board have been seated is another way to subvert the will of voters who expect the new school board members to be a part of any and all upcoming decisions. The mayor, current Board of Education and the Chicago Teachers Union need to be held accountable for their reprehensible behavior. — Sue Connaughton, Chicago Fighting for our wetlands Adriana Pérez’s excellent article “Study: Imperiled wetlands saving Midwest billions” (Dec. 9) chronicles the disappearing wetlands in Illinois and the detrimental impact this will have on clean drinking water and flood prevention. When we access our running water to take a drink, brush our teeth, wash our hands or consume food grown in water or soil, we take it for granted that the water we are using is free of harmful toxins. However, clean drinking water is not guaranteed. Wetland vegetation absorbs toxins in the water, preventing them from potentially polluting water supplies. If we are not resolute in our commitment to maintain clean water, we run the risk of polluted water someday jeopardizing our health and well-being. This commitment must start with protecting and preserving our wetlands. In a landmark ruling that has gone underreported, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision rolling back federal safeguards in the Clean Water Act, essentially stripping federal protection over water and wetlands. The wetlands Illinois has remaining deserve protection from development, destruction and toxification. With the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling and with a second Donald Trump administration expected to redouble its assault on environmental protections, Illinois must step up and take statewide action to protect our most valuable resource: water. This is why I remain committed to sponsoring legislation addressing threats to our wetlands and maintenance of clean water. I will work closely with leading environmental advocates and the Illinois Farm Bureau on legislation that establishes a program under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to protect our state waters by: Requiring that wetland developers apply to IDNR for a permit before destroying the wetlands and small streams, a critical step given the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strip away federal protection. Prioritizing the avoidance of wetlands destruction and compensating for the losses that such activity would have on floodwater retention, water quality and wildlife. Allowing Illinois counties such as DuPage and Lake, which have effective wetlands protection programs, to continue their good work Clean drinking water, flood protection and other benefits from wetlands are simply not negotiable — they are necessary for all of us. I will continue amplifying their importance in future deliberations in the Illinois General Assembly. — State Rep. Anna Moeller, 43rd District Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].