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Two Blokes Jul 4 -
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ELMHURST, IL – Addison Township has hired a consultant, but won't reveal his pay without a public records request. On May 29, the township board voted on a "consulting firm," but the agenda did not give any more information. In an interview Wednesday, the township's supervisor, Bobby Hernandez, confirmed the firm is Veritas Strategies. It is also a lobbying firm in Springfield. He also said one of the members of the firm is Bill Velazquez, who has been involved in Democratic politics. In the April election, Hernandez and a slate of Democrats won the township's offices, ending the Republicans' longtime control. Asked about the consultant's role, Hernandez said, "It's part of my transition team." He also said the consultant is trying to maximize the township's services to the community. He contended that the previous leadership left the township in a "dire situation." Patch has filed a public records request for the consultant's contract. According to the state's lobbyist database, Veritas' clients include the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois and the Outdoor Advertising Association of Illinois. Addison Township includes the northern part of Elmhurst. Under state law, townships have three mandatory functions – maintaining roads, assessing properties for tax purposes and providing what is known as "general assistance." Townships can also provide a variety of social services. In November, Addison Township voters did away with the road district, which effectively abolished the elected road commissioner's position. The supervisor's office took charge of that function.
