The Cook County Board of Commissioners has, understandably, not committed to the use of funds should the sales tax referendum be approved by voters. The primary reason for this is the lack of clarity with respect to grant applications for some of these projects, in particular the federal stimulus grant application package for the Cook County’s broadband initiative.
I believe that the broadband project has more support than other single projects as it represents significantly enhanced communications for everyone (phone, TV and internet); significantly leverages other funding sources; is a unique opportunity to get federal funds; represents more economic development (jobs) than other projects and has the potential for Cook County to build and own the project, a source of economic income.
For all these reasons, should the referendum pass, the voters can rely on our County Board to commit adequate funds to leverage the balance of the funding needed to support the broadband project.
Scott Harrison
Lutsen
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