Long Grove, don't be fooled by letter
To the editor: Residents of Long Grove received a letter from Village President Angie Underwood selling the benefits of voting for a property tax.
Although it is illegal for elected officials to advocate for the upcoming referendum, all sorts of information was provided (and missing) that leads one to think this property tax is no big deal; even a good idea.
It is a big deal and a violation of our comprehensive plan.
Ask yourself:
• Our village is fiscally sound - sitting on over $4MM. Why hasn't that money been used for roads?
• The letter says the village gets none of the property tax you pay ... why not that LG receives a portion of our state income tax, sales tax, use tax, road and bridge tax, and motor fuel tax?
• It says there is "intent ... to use these funds only for road repairs." Why then isn't the referendum language specific - it says 'general infrastructure' tax? They CANNOT "guarantee (the) tax will be spent on roads." When asked in a board meeting for specific language, they responded, "You just have to trust us."
• Why are we told "The Board has passed a resolution identifying thoroughfare" roads, but not that they included single subdivision roads, cul-de-sacs even? Many could support funding shared roads. Check the map: www.longgrove.net.
• Why was the fact that the county has offered to take care of some roads missing? Why haven't we taken advantage?
• Finally, the cost of the letter is estimated at $3,000-$5,000. No money?
Residents of Long Grove, don't be fooled. Don't allow the board to blame residents for any follow-up taxation (SSAs) once we vote NO for ill-conceived taxation. Ask for due diligence, fiscal responsibility and road repairs from money on hand before voting to allow them into your pockets, regardless of how "little" they propose to take.
Lisa Schultz Phillips
Long Grove