Homeowners can’t afford to fund schools

Neither Democrats nor Republicans have people representing us, either in Springfield or the counties, who have the courage, willingness and ability to overhaul the property tax system. While those of us on fixed incomes are coming closer to losing our homes because of these runaway taxes, the empty suits in Springfield are running around like two-headed chickens bragging about how they’re fighting for this and that and passing this bill and that bill. Personally, I don’t think most of them could pass a kidney stone.

There has to be a better way of paying for education. We can no longer afford to support our local school districts and their outrageous pension program (67 percent of my last tax bill). And the senior citizens exemption program is inadequate and antiquated.

Our politicians don’t appear to have the guts or interest in taking time from fundraising and power positioning to actually do something about this. For example, how about funding education by taxing all Internet purchases? Placing an additional tax on gambling? Revising the outrageous teacher/administrator and public employee pension plans to match the private sector, plus eliminate double dipping? Revising teacher pay to reflect competence, not district size? Cutting out patronage? Terminating all the state and county employees on paid leave who are also cheating by working at other jobs; and suing them for return of every dime of public money they have stolen? Get my drift?

I urge everyone to call or write to your state representatives and senators. Demand action. Hopefully they’ll do something before we all have to sell our homes. While you’re at it, remind them that politicians are like diapers. Both have to be changed regularly for the same reasons.

Len Brauer

Palatine