SILENT VOICES

The story of the Orland Plaza appears to be coming to an end. Mayor McLaughlin’s vision may become a reality; although his vision of government of the people, by the people, for the people is blurred. His new Village Manager, Paul, The Sheriff, Grimes, is getting close to cleaning up and moving the old businesses out of town. The bulldozers may soon come in and Randy’s, Orland Bakery, Pete’s Barbershop, The Plaza Café, Bloomingfields …… may soon be history.

The part of the story that is unclear is the “Silent Voices”. I find it difficult to believe that there has been no dissent from the Village Board: Murphy, Fenton, O’Halloran, Dodge, Schussler and Gira. I question who they serve? I wonder why our local represesentatives: State Representaive McCarthy, State Senator Radogno, County Commissioner Gorman and Congresswoman Biggert have no opinion. Are they to busy to recognize that the abuse of TIF’s and eminent domain are important issues that need to be addressed and corrected? What about the taxing bodies, schools and county, who approve the TIF’s, but cry for more tax dollars? Where’s the opposing Republican Party? Have they already conceded the next election to Mayor McLaughlin?

The local newspapers carry articles regarding the Orland Plaza, but skip the problems with TIF’s and eminent domain. Our major newspapers, radio and TV stations dismiss these issues as unworthy of coverage. Although; the coming of Fatburgers, to Orland Park, is important and received coverage. Where’s the taxpayers who are being fleeced by the Illinois Tax Incentive Financing Act (TIF) that takes monies from property taxes to fund projects such as the Metra Triangle and destroy unblighted, profitable businesses.

TIF’s and eminent domain are major issues that affect most U.S. cities. In the past, Sixty Minutes presented segments on the abuse of eminent domain depicting the taking of private property for condo development in the name of the common good. In Orland Park their masking roads as the common good to build condos... Cook County Commissioner Quigley received a cold reception when he published his report “Tale of Two Cities” exposing the abuse of TIF’s. Our representatives in Washington are so busy playing political games and making deals that they have no time to recognize issues that affect Americans. It’s the call: “DRILL, DRILL” by over 70% of the electorate that’s gotten their attention to solve the energy crisis. Is it also possible that the politicians love the lavish contributions from developers? Is it true that money talks?

This story is not only about trying to save the Orland Plaza, but the need to control the power that Public officials have taken to abuse TIF’s and to take private property under eminent domain. Paraphrasing Mr. Gee, owner of the Orland Plaza,” I thought we live in America not Russia”. Silent Voices allow leaders to abuse their powers and control you. The issues of TIF’s and eminent domain affect many Americans. There still is time to make things right and save the Orland Plaza if people raised their voices in protest against the abuse of TIF’s and eminent domain... Don’t be a Silent Voice, keep informed, speak out.

VOICE OF FREEDOM

Do you ever think what a privilege it is to pick up the daily paper, listen to the radio news or watch current events on TV? You have the freedom of choice to read, listen and watch what you want. This is not the case in countries where the government dictates what people read, listen or watch. These governments make a mockery of elections. They dictate what is taught in schools, take property and relegate the people to a life of servitude. These people have lost their rights and The Voice of Freedom.

Can this happen in the United States? Take a minute and think about that. What would your life be like if you lost the freedoms to read, listen, watch, think and act as an individual? What would you do if government dictated what the press printed or did not print? If you lost your right to express yourself in Letters to the Editor, or were prevented from phoning or writing your opinions to political leaders? You were constricted to live under a dictatorship? We cannot let this happen. Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech are foundations upon which our democracy was founded... Once we allow members of government to become all powerful, we threaten all freedoms. That’s why the vote is so important. With the vote we control the people that run our country, cities and states. A free media provides us with the information to make decisions to maintain our democracy. The media has been given the important responsibility of keeping us informed .They cannot and must not be intimidated by powerful people, they must insure that there is always debate and that all sides are heard.

WHAT'S NEXT?

It appears that the pressure has hit home and our politicians have seen the light. They now recognize the fact that we must drill. We must drill to regain our energy independence. We must drill to stop our dollars from going overseas to fund initiatives to hurt America. We must drill to stabilize our economy and regain a favorable balance of trade. By drilling we give ourselves time to develop new and innovative ways to replace or limit the use of oil. So what’s next?

The people in Washington have dilly dallied for decades and we have sat with the problem. Now that it appears they will allow drilling, what will be the plan to develop alternative forms of energy? Should we trust Washington to lead the way or should we look to the free market to provide the leadership? I don’t know about you, but I would feel better if the free market was given the responsibility. Many options will come to market, some will succeed and many will fail. It's the market and the American ingenuity and creativeness that will solve the problem. The worse solution is to wait and depend on Washington to solve the problem.

A POOR MESSAGE

Recent events make you wonder about the future of democracy. The Russians marched and bombed their way into Georgia. At the Olympics the Chinese presented a brilliant display of pageantry, but cover up a country of oppression and tyranny. Zimbabwe’s leader scares off all opposition in electing himself president and ruler. Iran continues to threaten the world with its nuclear ambitions. In Venezuela Chavez moves closer to creating a dictatorship. The hopes and dreams for freedom and peace are continuously threatened and trampled upon by ambitious and cruel leaders.

The United States is looked upon as the beacon of hope and the light for liberty and justice. We are the example of what democracy is about. Unfortunately, we don’t always get it right. Last week the Speaker of the House dimmed the lights on debate and freedom of expression. She single handedly dictated how the people’s representatives are to act. She closed down the People’s House when work was yet to be completed. She sent a poor message to the world by stopping debate. We the people do not elect representatives to act as puppets. We elect representative to serve and solve problems. We do not send people to Washington to have affairs, make money, write books and be yes men or women. If they can’t live up to the standards of integrity, intelligence and character they have no business seeking positions of such importance and honor.

I am proud of what America stands for. What I am not proud of are the many clowns we elect to represent us. Yes, much of it is our fault for believing and trusting them. The United States has a responsibility to live up to the standards set by our forefathers. We have been given the torch to lead the fight for freedom and justice. The people of the world look to us for hope. . The price for freedom does not come cheap and we must demand that our representatives take their work seriously. It’s too precious of a right to lose.

THE ORLAND PARK BUDGET

The Village of Orland Park reported that it filled a budget shortfall by adjusting the formula for calculating the property tax rebate and raising certain recreational fees. The question: What are the causes for the shortfall and will the remedies solve the problem?

The Village has a competent staff that prepares the Budget. Their most difficult job is projecting revenues. This projection is critical because sale taxes account for almost 50% of the Village’s revenues, Property Taxes account for about 15%. These projections have been impacted by a troubled economy and a rise in Cook County taxes. If the Village is to meet its commitment to providing services and paying its employees it is dependent on solid projections to meet its budget goals.
My question: Is the Village meeting its revenue projections and what is the revenue plan for 2009 compared to the past three years?

In researching the 2008 Budget I found one chart (Page 53, 2008 OP Budget, Fund Balance History) that raised my eyebrows, it related to debt. and that debt was associated with the Metra Triangle. I have to challenge the logic of the Mayor and his Trustees when it comes to long term debt. Debt is debt and someone must pay and that will probably be you, the taxpayer. If you take a close look at the budget and where the revenues come from you have to ask yourself is it a wise decision to demolish the Orland Plaza?

The demolition of the Mall is based on assumptions and hopes, not factual data. The Mayor may in time recoup the property taxes, but will he ever regain the sales tax revenues generated from these businesses? The decision to use TIF’s impacts schools and other taxing bodies. TIF’s is just a way of stealing property tax dollars from taxing bodies. It’s called robbing Peter to pay Paul. It will raise your property taxes. By keeping the Orland Plaza the budget will remain sound and the Village will be on a better fiscal footing for the future
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Have you checked your wallet lately?