We appreciate the attention and concern of Cook County residents about the county tax levy decision-making and the public gatherings to inform all of us taxpayers – resident and non-resident.
The recent letters mirror some of our sentiments including deserved respect for elected officials and distress at the lack of transparency on decision-making by our county commissioners. The levy seems extraordinarily and repeatedly too high from year to year. The explanation by the county administrator and board members seems to be “it is what it is.” As bad as it is – and it is in fact, very bad – we get no serious or understandable explanation beyond costs are going up.
We think the board owes us both the explanation, as well as serious attempts to rein in the factors contributing to the unacceptable escalation of the levy. Control of the budget seems lacking when that is reasonably expected of elected officials. How do we convince the board of that beyond attempts at persuasive letters, real-life stories of the burden, raising voices at public meetings and so on, followed by silence or orders to behave? “Vote ’em out” seems to be an unsatisfactory or effective option.
We think it’s a responsibility that is not duly enacted by our current board and ask them to take our concerns seriously by clear and evident action.
Bev and Bob Reid
Caribou Lake and Bloomington
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