Today’s Presidential Elections have become so emotional and filled with anger that one can’t wait till it’s over. With all of the campaigning and analysis you can’t take any more. Opinions have become hot and heavy. Everyone is starting to be careful of what they say and who they say it too. Is a difference of opinion worth the lose of a friendship?
Today you have two people vying for the highest and most powerful office in the land. Why do they want this position? Is it power, ego or do they really want a better America? Are they true patriots who will defend the principles and freedoms of this country to death? Is the history, values and beliefs of our founding fathers a part of their fiber and soul? Is this a political game or contest to see who can collect more money and win the prize? Sometimes, I have to wonder how sincere the candidates are. This is a thankless job. You’re continually on the hot seat and under the microscope. I just hope that the motives to be President are the right motives. The prize is not to serve Democrats or Republicans. It’s to make decisions based on our history, laws and values. What scares me is that our ideals and principles of: freedom, liberty and justice are being abandoned. This Fourth of July proudly fly the flag to show your love and devotion for country, and salute the sacrifices that so many fought for to create and maintain this great land we call America..
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
OBSERVATIONS ON REACHING ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
The energy controversy has stirred up much debate and talk of what has been going on behind the scenes to change the way we produce and use energy. Here are some of my observations.
To not drill for oil is wrong and time wasting. We’ve already wasted years in delaying the inevitable. Whatever anyone says we will need gas and oil for many years to come. Count the cars on the road today. Will everyone be able to convert and incur the cost to a new technology? This will be a slow drawn out process and will take years to accomplish. This is a step towards energy independence. We need to be realistic.
Some are pushing for nuclear power to heat and light our homes. It’s been successful in other countries and appears to be safe. My objection is the storage of waste materials. This could prove to be very dangerous in the long run. We need a solution that is safe, plentiful and will not disrupt our way of living. In my opinion coal is the way to go. It is plentiful, not a safety issue for storage and will not affect the use of farm land to feed the population. They say new and better ways to extract and use coal have been developed to make it economical.
A very realistic approach is to develop a smaller, powerful battery to replace the gas engine. Look at the storage capacity and power of today’s computers. We need to follow their lead and ingenuity to bring this to a reality.
My three step approach is:
Start drilling today to make the way for tomorrows goal of energy independence.
Invest in using our coal resources to produce the energy needed to heat and power our homes and industries. If this is found to be a weak argument than I would opt for nuclear energy. The storage of nuclear waste is still a major drawback. This is a serious issue and needs to resolved.
Invest in creating a self sustained battery to replace the gasoline engine. Keep in mind the initial cost to purchase this type of vehicle will be high but it will reduce the demand for gas and lower prices. Just as in any new technology as demand increases prices will fall and become more affordable,
The political statements of today are false and provide very little insight into looking at the problem and the development for a long term solution.
To not drill for oil is wrong and time wasting. We’ve already wasted years in delaying the inevitable. Whatever anyone says we will need gas and oil for many years to come. Count the cars on the road today. Will everyone be able to convert and incur the cost to a new technology? This will be a slow drawn out process and will take years to accomplish. This is a step towards energy independence. We need to be realistic.
Some are pushing for nuclear power to heat and light our homes. It’s been successful in other countries and appears to be safe. My objection is the storage of waste materials. This could prove to be very dangerous in the long run. We need a solution that is safe, plentiful and will not disrupt our way of living. In my opinion coal is the way to go. It is plentiful, not a safety issue for storage and will not affect the use of farm land to feed the population. They say new and better ways to extract and use coal have been developed to make it economical.
A very realistic approach is to develop a smaller, powerful battery to replace the gas engine. Look at the storage capacity and power of today’s computers. We need to follow their lead and ingenuity to bring this to a reality.
My three step approach is:
Start drilling today to make the way for tomorrows goal of energy independence.
Invest in using our coal resources to produce the energy needed to heat and power our homes and industries. If this is found to be a weak argument than I would opt for nuclear energy. The storage of nuclear waste is still a major drawback. This is a serious issue and needs to resolved.
Invest in creating a self sustained battery to replace the gasoline engine. Keep in mind the initial cost to purchase this type of vehicle will be high but it will reduce the demand for gas and lower prices. Just as in any new technology as demand increases prices will fall and become more affordable,
The political statements of today are false and provide very little insight into looking at the problem and the development for a long term solution.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Orland Park's Main Street Triangle
Your headline of June 20th relates to another chapter in the continuing saga of the Main Street Triangle. The Orland Park Administration has run into difficulties with their quest to demolish the Orland Plaza. The Request For Proposal appears to have been unsuccessful in finding a developer who would meet the Administration’s plan or requirements to re-develop The Orland Plaza. One reason may be the economy, but isn’t it possible that the controversy surrounding the demolition of Orland Plaza is a major reason? The OP Administration continues to paint a rosy picture of their vision and an unrelenting policy of no compromise.
It is my opinion, the once star studded image of Orland Park is beginning to fade. Why is it beginning to fade? The Administration has failed to communicate and work with the businesses that made OP a desirable place to live, shop and work. The Village has lost The Andrew Corporation, Beatty Lumber and is now working hard to destroy the property taxes and sales tax revenues generated by the Orland Plaza. Will the planned condo’s, townhomes and restaurants replace the tax base generated by these businesses?
Part of the problem rests with the State’s TIF Act which has given municipalities the power to re-develop areas with little or no control. The municipality freezes the tax assessments for the designated TIF area and accrues any dollars generated from increased assessments and new properties for a period of 23 years. The municipality provides little or no information on budgets, operating costs and the real affects on taxing bodies such as schools and the county. The TIF is not shown on your property tax bill or in the municipality’s budget. TIF’s are good when used to re-develop blighted or areas that are losing property tax dollars. To demolish the Orland Plaza will erase the tax dollars needed to support the Village, State and County Budgets. The Orland Park Administration has become reckless in its failure to take a realistic long term financial analysis of its vision of what’s good for the Village.
The Illinois TIF Act needs to be rewritten so that municipalities such as Orland Park cannot be given free rein to manipulate the use of property tax dollars.
It is my opinion, the once star studded image of Orland Park is beginning to fade. Why is it beginning to fade? The Administration has failed to communicate and work with the businesses that made OP a desirable place to live, shop and work. The Village has lost The Andrew Corporation, Beatty Lumber and is now working hard to destroy the property taxes and sales tax revenues generated by the Orland Plaza. Will the planned condo’s, townhomes and restaurants replace the tax base generated by these businesses?
Part of the problem rests with the State’s TIF Act which has given municipalities the power to re-develop areas with little or no control. The municipality freezes the tax assessments for the designated TIF area and accrues any dollars generated from increased assessments and new properties for a period of 23 years. The municipality provides little or no information on budgets, operating costs and the real affects on taxing bodies such as schools and the county. The TIF is not shown on your property tax bill or in the municipality’s budget. TIF’s are good when used to re-develop blighted or areas that are losing property tax dollars. To demolish the Orland Plaza will erase the tax dollars needed to support the Village, State and County Budgets. The Orland Park Administration has become reckless in its failure to take a realistic long term financial analysis of its vision of what’s good for the Village.
The Illinois TIF Act needs to be rewritten so that municipalities such as Orland Park cannot be given free rein to manipulate the use of property tax dollars.
DISARMING AMERICA
Fr. Plager is pushing gun control. What type of gun control? I would hope that it would be criminal and gang gun control. We do not need to disarm America for the sake of criminals. This was not the intent of the founding fathers when they declared the right to bear arms. This right protects us from tyranny and unjust governments. Too disarm weakens this country. It has been proven that when the good people are disarmed the tyrants use their powers to take over countries.
The problem is one of parental responsibility. Make the parents responsible and maybe we'll see some changes. Fr. Plager needs to preach responsibility from the pulpit not punish decent god fearing people by taking away the guns they need to defend themselves from the criminals. If we follow Fr. Plager the only people with guns will be the criminals.
The problem is one of parental responsibility. Make the parents responsible and maybe we'll see some changes. Fr. Plager needs to preach responsibility from the pulpit not punish decent god fearing people by taking away the guns they need to defend themselves from the criminals. If we follow Fr. Plager the only people with guns will be the criminals.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
CHEAP SHOTS
February 9.2008
Your editorial “McCain and the Purist” was unfair and unbalanced. It appears that you have a strong dislike for Mitt Romney and were bent on destroying the man. At the beginning you state that his campaign was manufactured and phony. Your last paragraph inferred that he snowed the purists. In between you attacked the purist and argued the case for John McCain. The attack on Romney was nor justified. It was a cheap shot that lacked documentation and facts. We continually hear of dirty politics, your editorial was dirty journalism.
Everyday we are snowed by the presidential candidates whose campaigns are all manufactured and phony. They pay big bucks for people to plan, direct and write their speeches. They all conjure up dreams, hopes and change. Why aren’t you asking the question, HOW? I f anybody is being snowed it’s the Chicago Tribune.
Your editorial “McCain and the Purist” was unfair and unbalanced. It appears that you have a strong dislike for Mitt Romney and were bent on destroying the man. At the beginning you state that his campaign was manufactured and phony. Your last paragraph inferred that he snowed the purists. In between you attacked the purist and argued the case for John McCain. The attack on Romney was nor justified. It was a cheap shot that lacked documentation and facts. We continually hear of dirty politics, your editorial was dirty journalism.
Everyday we are snowed by the presidential candidates whose campaigns are all manufactured and phony. They pay big bucks for people to plan, direct and write their speeches. They all conjure up dreams, hopes and change. Why aren’t you asking the question, HOW? I f anybody is being snowed it’s the Chicago Tribune.
Friday, June 6, 2008
COOK COUNTY NEEDS RULES
County needs rules 2007
The 4th of July is now a memory of fireworks, flag waving, speechmaking and remembering what made our country great.
Unfortunately this patriotism has now faded into our memory and it’s time to wake up to reality.
The reality of today’s public servants.
The people we elect to guide and protect our rights as citizens.
The people who take an oath to serve in accordance with the precedents of our forefathers, who declared: government of the people, by the people and for the people.
How quickly they forget that government is for the people and not for the self-interest and power of a few.
It is especially sad to watch the sham that is being played upon the people of Cook County.
Apparently most Cook County officials have abandoned the principles of good government.
I find it strange that most but not all private enterprise and government workers are governed by rules pertaining to illness and disability.
When someone becomes ill or incapacitated, the work continues, it doesn’t stop.
If the president of the United States becomes ill, we have rules to handle the situation.
Why is Cook County so different?
Doesn’t it have rules or procedures for succession?
Maybe it’s time for a higher authority, the state, to step in and see that rules and procedures governing the illness and succession of public officials are established.
We not only need rules and procedures for illness and succession but the establishment of laws that guide the replacement of candidates from the ballot for a general election. To have a group of committeemen sit in a room to pick a replacement is not government of the people, by the people and for the people. It’s government for a select few to maintain their power and interest.
We need laws to protect us from such a travesty.
We need laws that give the people the choice of selection.
The 4th of July is now a memory of fireworks, flag waving, speechmaking and remembering what made our country great.
Unfortunately this patriotism has now faded into our memory and it’s time to wake up to reality.
The reality of today’s public servants.
The people we elect to guide and protect our rights as citizens.
The people who take an oath to serve in accordance with the precedents of our forefathers, who declared: government of the people, by the people and for the people.
How quickly they forget that government is for the people and not for the self-interest and power of a few.
It is especially sad to watch the sham that is being played upon the people of Cook County.
Apparently most Cook County officials have abandoned the principles of good government.
I find it strange that most but not all private enterprise and government workers are governed by rules pertaining to illness and disability.
When someone becomes ill or incapacitated, the work continues, it doesn’t stop.
If the president of the United States becomes ill, we have rules to handle the situation.
Why is Cook County so different?
Doesn’t it have rules or procedures for succession?
Maybe it’s time for a higher authority, the state, to step in and see that rules and procedures governing the illness and succession of public officials are established.
We not only need rules and procedures for illness and succession but the establishment of laws that guide the replacement of candidates from the ballot for a general election. To have a group of committeemen sit in a room to pick a replacement is not government of the people, by the people and for the people. It’s government for a select few to maintain their power and interest.
We need laws to protect us from such a travesty.
We need laws that give the people the choice of selection.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
THE WORD CHANGE
January 7, 2008
The word is change. It’s become very powerful in the 2008 Presidential Campaign. People are flocking to the proponents that use the word “CHANGE” as part of their campaign. It’s interesting to watch because it’s a word and without substance has no meaning. What type of change, is it good change or bad change? What are you changing and how are you changing it? Is it a big change or a small change? What is the cost and how will it affect people, the environment, the economy, and other important factors? Everyone is for improving the world we live in, the economy, health care, social security, the war against terror, job security and on and on. We cannot be swayed by emotion or a word. We need to question this change and what it entails. We need a comprehensive view of the candidates change before we blindly select a candidate based on a word such as change.
The word is change. It’s become very powerful in the 2008 Presidential Campaign. People are flocking to the proponents that use the word “CHANGE” as part of their campaign. It’s interesting to watch because it’s a word and without substance has no meaning. What type of change, is it good change or bad change? What are you changing and how are you changing it? Is it a big change or a small change? What is the cost and how will it affect people, the environment, the economy, and other important factors? Everyone is for improving the world we live in, the economy, health care, social security, the war against terror, job security and on and on. We cannot be swayed by emotion or a word. We need to question this change and what it entails. We need a comprehensive view of the candidates change before we blindly select a candidate based on a word such as change.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
POLITICS AND MONEY
MAY 2008
I write this letter because I believe you feel the same frustration and anger with our representatives in Washington as I do. There are two points that I would like to address: dependence on oil and the crisis in the housing market.
I know your upset with the gas prices, I feel the same anger. Should we be angry? Yes, because this is not a new problem. It’s been around for decades with no action from Washington. Didn’t they see the writing on the wall or were they too concerned with protecting the investments of foreign oil, large oil companies, car manufacturers and unions? Washington has put us into a position of foreign dependence. How can we maintain a free and strong economy if we are dependent on foreign resources, be it oil or money.
The second point is the housing crisis. How did Washington allow lenders free rein in the creation of this crisis? No money down, mortgages above the cost of the home, basically a no questions policy. Historically we know there are ups and downs in the markets. How naïve have we become in the handling of money.
These two points demonstrate the inability of Washington and our representative to act on problems. Their policy is one of reaction. Once the fire is blazing they work to put it out. This is extremely serious because Washington has placed us and our economy into a critical situation. Let’s face it; Washington’s major concern has been the protection of big business and big money. They have no problem with bailing out lenders and borrowers. Whose money are they playing with? It’s your money. It’s easy to play with someone else’s money, what they have done is placed our investments, pensions and future at risk. Every evening our political leaders parade before the cameras to tell us how hard they work at spending our money. More earmarks and pork. Don’t they realize that pork makes you fat and lazy? Have they solved any problems, no!
The ratings and trust in our elected officials has dwindled to zero. How long can we tolerate Washington’s inability to prevent crises such as oil dependence and the housing problem? If you look down the road Social Security is a time bomb waiting to explode. These problems aren’t going away, they need to be solved. This is a great country with great minds and creativity. Maybe its time that Washington employ some of these resources to solve our problems. It’s become quite evident they do not possess the will nor the ability to solve problems.
I write this letter because I believe you feel the same frustration and anger with our representatives in Washington as I do. There are two points that I would like to address: dependence on oil and the crisis in the housing market.
I know your upset with the gas prices, I feel the same anger. Should we be angry? Yes, because this is not a new problem. It’s been around for decades with no action from Washington. Didn’t they see the writing on the wall or were they too concerned with protecting the investments of foreign oil, large oil companies, car manufacturers and unions? Washington has put us into a position of foreign dependence. How can we maintain a free and strong economy if we are dependent on foreign resources, be it oil or money.
The second point is the housing crisis. How did Washington allow lenders free rein in the creation of this crisis? No money down, mortgages above the cost of the home, basically a no questions policy. Historically we know there are ups and downs in the markets. How naïve have we become in the handling of money.
These two points demonstrate the inability of Washington and our representative to act on problems. Their policy is one of reaction. Once the fire is blazing they work to put it out. This is extremely serious because Washington has placed us and our economy into a critical situation. Let’s face it; Washington’s major concern has been the protection of big business and big money. They have no problem with bailing out lenders and borrowers. Whose money are they playing with? It’s your money. It’s easy to play with someone else’s money, what they have done is placed our investments, pensions and future at risk. Every evening our political leaders parade before the cameras to tell us how hard they work at spending our money. More earmarks and pork. Don’t they realize that pork makes you fat and lazy? Have they solved any problems, no!
The ratings and trust in our elected officials has dwindled to zero. How long can we tolerate Washington’s inability to prevent crises such as oil dependence and the housing problem? If you look down the road Social Security is a time bomb waiting to explode. These problems aren’t going away, they need to be solved. This is a great country with great minds and creativity. Maybe its time that Washington employ some of these resources to solve our problems. It’s become quite evident they do not possess the will nor the ability to solve problems.
DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY
2007
Lately I’ve begun to notice a large number of Retired Generals appearing on TV. They come on with all kinds of analysis and suggestions to solving problems. As I watch, I begin to wonder why didn’t you come up with your suggestions and solutions while you where on active duty?
I for one, am not impressed by this parade of Stars. It gives me the impression that the top brass have become politicians and have forsaken the call of Duty, Honor and Country. Most ignore the strategies and tactics to accomplish the Mission. The question is, do they have solutions or where they part of the problem? If they have so much to say now, what did they say and how did they say it when they had their positions of responsibility. I have a strange sense that many where Yes Men willing to echo the words that their superiors wanted to hear. If this thesis is only partially true, we have a serious problem with our military leadership. We do not need people to rise to General because they belong to an old boys club, we need leaders who are willing to take a stand, leaders who take on missions to win, who believe in the axiom that” there is no substitute for victory”,
I have to salute General David Patreus because I believe he is a model of what a soldier should be: honest, has courage, a man of principles, good value systems, tactful but speaks his mind, has a vision, understands the needs of his troops, and understands his mission. The War in Iraq has presented many new challenges. A new type of war where your enemy isn’t visible; it requires new tactics, equipment and training. The manuals, tactics, strategies and training programs have just begun to take form. To accomplish this will take dedicated leaders who are committed to victory. We do not need the retired, political generals offering solutions when they have long forgotten the meaning of Duty, Honor and Country.
Lately I’ve begun to notice a large number of Retired Generals appearing on TV. They come on with all kinds of analysis and suggestions to solving problems. As I watch, I begin to wonder why didn’t you come up with your suggestions and solutions while you where on active duty?
I for one, am not impressed by this parade of Stars. It gives me the impression that the top brass have become politicians and have forsaken the call of Duty, Honor and Country. Most ignore the strategies and tactics to accomplish the Mission. The question is, do they have solutions or where they part of the problem? If they have so much to say now, what did they say and how did they say it when they had their positions of responsibility. I have a strange sense that many where Yes Men willing to echo the words that their superiors wanted to hear. If this thesis is only partially true, we have a serious problem with our military leadership. We do not need people to rise to General because they belong to an old boys club, we need leaders who are willing to take a stand, leaders who take on missions to win, who believe in the axiom that” there is no substitute for victory”,
I have to salute General David Patreus because I believe he is a model of what a soldier should be: honest, has courage, a man of principles, good value systems, tactful but speaks his mind, has a vision, understands the needs of his troops, and understands his mission. The War in Iraq has presented many new challenges. A new type of war where your enemy isn’t visible; it requires new tactics, equipment and training. The manuals, tactics, strategies and training programs have just begun to take form. To accomplish this will take dedicated leaders who are committed to victory. We do not need the retired, political generals offering solutions when they have long forgotten the meaning of Duty, Honor and Country.
POLITICAL ARROGANCE
2007
I don’t know about you, but I have been astounded by the arrogance of most local, county and state political leaders. It appears that they have been bitten by a bug that has cut off their ability to listen, see and reason. They have been caught up in the old adage that power corrupts. In most cases they are supported by aldermen, board trustees, county commissioners and state representatives. Any citizen unrest is countered by a new scheme to twist and turn the issue to deceive the public.
The political opposition to this arrogance is rare and few. County Commissioner Mike Quigley was courageous enough to speak out about TIF’s, Tax Investment Financing, which is being used by officials for pet projects instead of helping poor or economically distressed areas. Congressman Jesse Jackson has stood up to fight taxes. I have a question: where are the Republicans? Where is the Chairman of The Cook County Republican Party? They have nothing to say? Are they really Democrats in disguise?
People are speaking out, emails, letters, and phone calls. We must hold all elected officials accountable. They represent you and me, not the mayors, board presidents or governor. We must question the waste, patronage, TIF’s, pet projects and things that we cannot afford. Every citizen must live within his or her means, government must do the same. It would be nice if we could all lead the good life of our elected officials: good health care, pensions, big salaries, cars, expense accounts, favored friends, free lunches and on and on. We need to pull them in so they are like the rest of us, poor. Continue to speak out, send your letters, make your phone calls, emails. Enough is enough.
I don’t know about you, but I have been astounded by the arrogance of most local, county and state political leaders. It appears that they have been bitten by a bug that has cut off their ability to listen, see and reason. They have been caught up in the old adage that power corrupts. In most cases they are supported by aldermen, board trustees, county commissioners and state representatives. Any citizen unrest is countered by a new scheme to twist and turn the issue to deceive the public.
The political opposition to this arrogance is rare and few. County Commissioner Mike Quigley was courageous enough to speak out about TIF’s, Tax Investment Financing, which is being used by officials for pet projects instead of helping poor or economically distressed areas. Congressman Jesse Jackson has stood up to fight taxes. I have a question: where are the Republicans? Where is the Chairman of The Cook County Republican Party? They have nothing to say? Are they really Democrats in disguise?
People are speaking out, emails, letters, and phone calls. We must hold all elected officials accountable. They represent you and me, not the mayors, board presidents or governor. We must question the waste, patronage, TIF’s, pet projects and things that we cannot afford. Every citizen must live within his or her means, government must do the same. It would be nice if we could all lead the good life of our elected officials: good health care, pensions, big salaries, cars, expense accounts, favored friends, free lunches and on and on. We need to pull them in so they are like the rest of us, poor. Continue to speak out, send your letters, make your phone calls, emails. Enough is enough.
CONFRONTATIONAL POLITICS
January 24, 2008
As the pace of the Presidential Campaign picks up, we have seen a twist in strategy from image building to one of confrontational politics. It was just a few weeks ago that the candidates were tweaking their images to look presidential. After a few primaries and caucuses the gloves have come off. The candidates are openly confronting their opponents i.e. associates, fund raising, voting records or anything that may tarnish the presidential image that the opponent has been trying to present... This is good because we are now getting the opportunity to see the candidates defend or try to defend their past life and actions. If the candidate is truthful and sincere this should not be a problem. This is an excellent test to determine which candidates can defend themselves in a dignified and presidential manner. The ability of a candidate to handle this form of scrutiny will demonstrate their ability to react to the tough domestic and foreign issues that will face them as President.
As the pace of the Presidential Campaign picks up, we have seen a twist in strategy from image building to one of confrontational politics. It was just a few weeks ago that the candidates were tweaking their images to look presidential. After a few primaries and caucuses the gloves have come off. The candidates are openly confronting their opponents i.e. associates, fund raising, voting records or anything that may tarnish the presidential image that the opponent has been trying to present... This is good because we are now getting the opportunity to see the candidates defend or try to defend their past life and actions. If the candidate is truthful and sincere this should not be a problem. This is an excellent test to determine which candidates can defend themselves in a dignified and presidential manner. The ability of a candidate to handle this form of scrutiny will demonstrate their ability to react to the tough domestic and foreign issues that will face them as President.
STOP TIF ABUSE
Stop abuse of TIFs 2007
Now that you have your tax bill, are you still steaming? I believe we all understand taxes are necessary to pay for the services we receive. What makes me mad is the lack of interest in building tax systems that are fair and equitable. Year after year, the state Legislature has lacked the courage to reform the property tax system. What they did not lack the courage to do was allow Tax Incentive Financing to flourish. ...
The mayor of Chicago is not the only mayor using TIFs to support pet projects. It has become standard operating procedure for mayors throughout Illinois to use this money at their discretion. The money primarily goes to fund large development projects, not blighted or economically depressed areas. This is a flagrant abuse of taxpayer monies and needs to stop.
I have written my local representatives: Renee Kosel, Senator Christine Radogno and Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman, asking for them for take action to stop this abuse. The one person who stood up, County Commissioner Mike Quigley, now is missing in action. The media doesn't see it as an issue.
If it's an abuse of the law, the attorney general should take action.
Now that you have your tax bill, are you still steaming? I believe we all understand taxes are necessary to pay for the services we receive. What makes me mad is the lack of interest in building tax systems that are fair and equitable. Year after year, the state Legislature has lacked the courage to reform the property tax system. What they did not lack the courage to do was allow Tax Incentive Financing to flourish. ...
The mayor of Chicago is not the only mayor using TIFs to support pet projects. It has become standard operating procedure for mayors throughout Illinois to use this money at their discretion. The money primarily goes to fund large development projects, not blighted or economically depressed areas. This is a flagrant abuse of taxpayer monies and needs to stop.
I have written my local representatives: Renee Kosel, Senator Christine Radogno and Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman, asking for them for take action to stop this abuse. The one person who stood up, County Commissioner Mike Quigley, now is missing in action. The media doesn't see it as an issue.
If it's an abuse of the law, the attorney general should take action.
PAY UP SUCKER
Pay Up Sucker 11/29/07
Money, money where’s the money? No money for roads, education, transportation and on and on. But wait, look down the street isn’t that a good spot for a mall or condo? But where’s the money? No problem, we can use our TIF Slush Funds. The people don’t care and we can keep our wealthy developer friends happy.
Ladies and gentlemen we’ve been scammed. Yes scammed by the best con artists in the business, our elected local, county and state officials. They’re so good they continuously give themselves pay raises and we continue to re-elect them. Why solve problems when the solution is raise taxes or find new taxes. Pay up sucker.
Sasaid
Money, money where’s the money? No money for roads, education, transportation and on and on. But wait, look down the street isn’t that a good spot for a mall or condo? But where’s the money? No problem, we can use our TIF Slush Funds. The people don’t care and we can keep our wealthy developer friends happy.
Ladies and gentlemen we’ve been scammed. Yes scammed by the best con artists in the business, our elected local, county and state officials. They’re so good they continuously give themselves pay raises and we continue to re-elect them. Why solve problems when the solution is raise taxes or find new taxes. Pay up sucker.
Sasaid
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