Dupage Policy Journal

Jeff Castle, Chairman of the Milton Township Republicans, has issued a warning to residents about several of the candidates running for office in the April 1 election, primarily focusing on Milton Township Assessor Chris LeVan, Township Supervisor John Monino and Supervisor candidate Elizabeth Buffy Higgins Beard.  

"I stand before you today to express serious concerns about several individuals running for office here in our township: Chris LeVan, John Monino, and Elizabeth Buffy Higgins Beard,” Castle said in a statement. 

“Each of these candidates has demonstrated behavior and made decisions that undermine the integrity, fairness, and financial health of our community. I want to share why we cannot afford to elect them to positions of power in Milton Township."

Castle’s statement kicked off with sharp criticism of LeVan, who is running for re-election as Assessor. He claimed that LeVan’s past actions have cost the township both financially and reputationally.

LeVan is facing a challenge from Republican Charles "Chuck" Argianas in the race for Township Assessor while Daniel A. Milinko is the Republican candidate for Township Supervisor, competing against Higgins-Beard and Monino.

"Chris LeVan has a troubling track record, one that directly harmed the township and cost taxpayers a significant amount of money," Castle said. 

"When he took office in 2013, he caused the township to be sued after firing three women solely because they admitted to not supporting him in the election. These wrongful terminations resulted in a quarter-million-dollar lawsuit against the township—our tax dollars being used to clean up his mess."

Castle further elaborated on LeVan's current legal troubles, highlighting a federal lawsuit filed against him. He noted the lawsuit alleges that LeVan created a toxic work environment and retaliated against a female employee.

"But it doesn't stop there," Castle said. "Chris LeVan is now embroiled in a newly filed federal lawsuit. The allegations are grave: creating a toxic work environment and attempting to force a female employee to quit. When that didn’t work, he went so far as to restructure his office, dissolving her position in a retaliatory move. His behavior toward female employees has created an atmosphere of fear and hostility, making it clear that he is not fit to lead in any capacity."

LeVan was accused in 2020 lawsuit of firing employees for supporting his political rival, violating their First Amendment rights. 

Castle also criticized LeVan for outsourcing work that he was elected to handle, accusing him of wasting taxpayer money by hiring expensive private firms instead of fulfilling his duties himself.

"Moreover, Chris LeVan has shown a lack of responsibility by subcontracting out the very work he was elected to do," Castle said. "Instead of handling the job himself, he has hired expensive private assessing companies, wasting even more of the township’s money."

Castle’s criticism turned to John Monino, who is running for Supervisor. He accused Monino of financial mismanagement and a disregard for township policies.

"John Monino’s record as supervisor raises serious red flags," Castle said. 

"Under his leadership, the township was again sued—this time, because Monino blatantly ignored the township's anti-nepotism and hiring policies set in place by the Board of Trustees. He hired his friend, Paula McGowen, to a position that didn’t even exist. When trustees discovered this violation, they asked him to dismiss her. However, Monino ignored their directive, and it wasn’t until much later that he finally did the right thing, but it was too late. Paula proceeded to sue the Township and was able to get the Township’s insurance carrier to settle out citing cost of legal fees vs. cost to settle."

Castle also criticized Monino for his handling of the township’s finances, revealing that Monino failed to reconcile accounts for years, forcing the trustees and highway commissioner to hire an external consultant.

"But Monino's failures don’t end there," Castle said. "For three years, he neglected to reconcile the township’s accounts, forcing the trustees and the highway commissioner to hire an external consultant to correct the financial mismanagement. Ironically, the consultant he hired was none other than the former supervisor, who graciously agreed to come back to set things straight. This raises questions about Monino’s decision-making and handling of taxpayer funds."

Castle also pointed out that Monino is facing a federal tax lien of nearly $473,000 for unpaid business taxes.

"To make matters worse, Monino is facing a nearly $473,000 federal tax lien for failing to pay business taxes over six years," Castle said. "How can we trust someone to manage our township’s finances when they’ve shown such blatant disregard for their own financial obligations?"

Castle also addressed Higgins Beard's candidacy for Supervisor on the Democratic ticket.

"Now, let me turn to Elizabeth Buffy Higgins Beard, who is running for supervisor on the Democratic ticket," Castle said. "While I am sure she has good intentions, her candidacy presents serious concerns. To begin with, she has not attended a single township meeting – ever. How can someone who has not even taken the time to familiarize themselves with the workings of our township possibly lead it effectively?"

Castle went on to say that Higgins Beard lacked any visible understanding of township governance or interest in contributing to the community, further emphasizing that the role of supervisor demands expertise and experience.

"Furthermore, Elizabeth Higgins Beard has shown no discernible knowledge of township government or desire to be a part of its community through involvement,” he said. “The position of supervisor is not one you step into without experience or understanding. It requires a deep knowledge of how our township operates, of its needs, and of the people it serves. Without this foundation, a supervisor cannot make informed decisions."

Castle concluded his statement with a call for voters to reject these candidates and instead choose leaders who prioritize good governance and accountability.

"Milton Township deserves leaders who understand the intricacies of local government, not someone who is running for office with no understanding of the job," he said. 

"Let us not let Milton Township be a steppingstone for political ambition at the expense of our community’s well-being," Castle said. "We deserve leaders who act with integrity, make sound financial decisions, and respect all the people who work for and within our township. Let’s choose a future of good governance, accountability, and respect for all."