Pros and cons on sales-tax rollback

By Ted Cox

Comments, con and pro, on the full rollback of the Cook County sales tax hike:

“I truly understand your commitment. But I hope you understand mine. ... I cannot support this at this time.”

_ Chicago Democratic Commissioner Deborah Sims

“We’re doing it a bit early ... putting the cart before the horse.”

_ Chicago Democratic Commissioner Robert Steele

“It’s just simply putting us further into deficit. ... I just think it’s sad that a couple of newspapers rule this board, because that’s what’s happening.”

_ Crestwood Democratic Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy

“I appreciate their concerns, but I don’t share them. I think that we’re going to be able to reconstitute county government to make efficiencies and look at innovative ideas that will enable us to operate more efficiently and at less cost.”

– County Board President Toni Preckwinkle

“This is the right thing to do at this time.”

_ Chicago Democratic Commissioner Jesus Garcia

“We need to strip down this government.”

_ Orland Park Republican Commissioner Liz Gorman

“We are stripping down the government. We’re going to be cutting services. ... Just prove me wrong. That’s all I’m asking.”

_ Commissioner Sims