Everyone in Dixon is talking about Rita Crundwell being sentenced to 19-years and 7-months in prison. All the people TV6 spoke with say having Crundwell almost receive the maximum sentence the right thing.
"I think it's great, I think she should have gotten 30-years," says Robin Piper, "I think she should have gotten life really, because she did a really bad thing."
Ever since Rita Crundwell was arrested last April, the former city comptroller has been the talk of the town. On Thursday, Crundwell is the center of everybody's conversation.
"I think it's a just sentence, she deserved it," says Charles Ackerson.
"I think 20-years was the max and I'm glad she got what she did, it seems that it is the way it should be," adds Linda Brantley.
People closely monitored what was happening in federal court all morning. Many have strong opinions about Crundwell crying during sentencing and telling the judge she was sorry for embezzling $53-million from the city.
"She ought to be sorry," adds Brantley, "She should have remorse and I would expect her to be sorry, so that would account for the crying. I'm afraid I don't feel sorry for her, because she did a lot of wrong."
"I don't think she cares and I think she got what she wanted," says Marie Arbuckle, "She's sorry she got caught and I don't think she is sorry about what she did."
Some people are still upset, because they say roads; public safety and city services were all hurt by Crundwell's actions.
"We have a community pool that could have been opened with some of that money," adds Ackerson.
Now that Crundwell has been sentenced on federal charges, many wonder what is next.
"They'll probably never get the money back, but at least she won't be able to benefit," says Tom Turcotte.
People hope this is the beginning of Dixon starting to get back to normal.
"This is a great town and it's a super town, everybody is so friendly," adds Piper, "You know that kind of an attitude."
