Elmhurst Politician's Rebuke Of Constituent Sparks Reaction

ELMHURST, IL — A lot of readers voiced their opinions when Patch reported this week that Elmhurst politician Pete DiCianni told off a constituent who objected to his participation in a Blue Lives Matter protest and demanded his resignation.

In response to Elmhurst resident Lauren Sussman's email, DiCianni, a DuPage County Board member and former mayor, wrote, "Go stick you(r) vote in your a--! I stood up for the cops today."

Sussman, who is attending college in New Orleans this summer, said DiCianni made African Americans in the community feel unwelcome by his participation in Saturday's rally outside the Elmhurst police station. "You are a terrible representation of the place I call home," she said.

In response to Patch's inquiry, DiCianni released a statement expressing his frustration with counterprotesters who he said shouted at and taunted police officers and their families during the rally.

DiCianni, who represents the Elmhurst-based District 2 on the county board, declined a phone interview. And he did not answer emailed questions about whether he believed his statement to Sussman would bring people to law enforcement's cause and about his reactions to the deaths of George Floyd and other unarmed African Americans during police encounters.

The publication of the story resulted in more than 300 comments on Patch's website. The responses reflected the divisions in the country.

Some readers expressed total support for DiCianni, saying America needs more politicians like him. Other criticized his response to Sussman.

"Now how in the world can I get a politician like that in my area?" a Palos woman asked. "Blue Lives Matter! Even my black neighbors want cops around as do my Jewish neighbors and Latino neighbors and Indian neighbors. We all want cops around."

A Naperville woman chimed in, "Pete DiCianni rocks! We need more of this. Men and women with courage need to stand up for what is right. Without law and order, America ceases to exist. I sure hope you liberals can protect yourselves when all the cops quit."

An Elmhurst resident backed DiCianni "100 percent."

"You do and continue to do so much good in our community," the resident said.

Others thought DiCianni's response crossed the line.

"Good for Ms. Sussman! Well-spoken and DiCianni (should) address her with respect. Even if you agree with DiCianni, he should have never spoken to her like that," an Elmhurst woman said.

A Crystal Lake man agreed.

"Mr. DiCianni could have done a better job in addressing this woman," he said. "All he did was reinforce her point."

An Elmhurst resident called DiCianni an embarrassment to the community.

"Learn how to stick up for your beliefs without personally insulting your neighbors," the resident said.