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Community Corner

Clarifying the record

I’m writing in response to the false statements written by an individual in the Opinions section of this periodical about my wife and me.

                From time to time, like many homeowners, I hire contractors to repair or remodel my home.  Until recently, each and every one of them has done excellent work, has been fair and honest.  I’ve used these same contractors time and time again, and enjoy an excellent, ongoing relationship with them.  They were recommended to us, and I would, in turn, enthusiastically recommend them to others.

                Earlier this year, I foolishly contracted with an out of town business to remodel our kitchen.  I contracted with this person without seeking out recommendations.  I guess I was taken in by a fancy business letterhead, a charming demeanor, and the fact that my wife and I belong to a club that this person is also a member.  I let my guard down, and that has consequences.

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                What this person failed to mention in her opinion piece was the following:  She was paid $750, up front.  For that, she walked around our kitchen, took measurements, and had polite conversation at our kitchen table.  We met with her a second time, but this time, closer to her Northside home, to make it more convenient for her.  She showed us a “plan” on her computer, which included a kitchen without a sink.  Aside from the absence of that minor kitchen accessory, she largely traced our existing kitchen.  She also handed us a few catalogs with circles she made around pictures of countertops, and cabinets; the kind of catalogues you get for free when you walk into a big box store.

                When I saw that her kitchen plan didn’t include a kitchen sink, I realized I was had.  I wrote off the money already paid to her as “stupid tax”, and sent her a polite but direct email that we wouldn’t need her services anymore.  Rather than being honorable, conducting herself like a reputable business person, and asking if there was a problem that needed to be addressed, she chose instead to attack us publicly, in our hometown newspaper, with lies and factual omissions.  The $750 she swindled evidently wasn’t enough punishment.

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                Contrary to the allegations of this charlatan, we refused no certified mail sent to our residence, work, or anywhere else for that matter.

                Learn from my mistake.  Do your homework before giving anyone money.

 

Anthony Policandriotes

Shorewood, IL.

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