Demand accountability in state spending

Considering voter anger over a tax increase, it seems doubtful the state income tax will remain at 5 percent. While Illinois is not the poorest state it has to be one of the poorest-run states in the union. Michael Madigan's smoke screen of taxing the millionaires is good for getting votes, but looking at the numbers it does not make a big difference - it will only relieve his party of the need to vote on this tax increase until after the election.

The real tax question is whether to cut and control spending or to raise taxes and borrow more. Anyone making a mortgage payment knows most of the payments are for interest expense. Illinois is far in debt, its credit rating is poor, but our leaders continue to borrow and let the next administration face the problem. Madigan and pals have done this for 30 years, but they continue to remain in power.

We voters deserve who we vote for, but it is frustrating to see that ignorance or apathy allows this to continue.

We are told that debt is the slavery of the free, yet we continue to let this happen. We need responsibility and accountability in our leaders. We need common sense when using public funds, we should spend only what we can afford. If additional public services are needed, let the voters know the cost and whether they will pay for it in taxes. If this is not done the only answer is to raise taxes to cover the cost of a poorly run government and to borrow more that our children pay for later.

Years ago a Chicago politician said, "We ain't ready for reform yet." That still seems to hold today.

William McNutt

Des Plaines