Bartels realistic about county's needs

I recently attended a presentation by Mike Jennings, candidate for the 10th District, Lake County Board. His main and overriding theme at that presentation and in his literature is his goal to reduce the taxes in Lake County. Sounds good, but here are the real facts.

It must be noted that the Lake County operating budget is responsible for approximately 5 percent of your total tax bill. If the county slashed its operating budget by a whopping 10 percent, the taxes on a $250,000 house would drop by less than $50 per year. Yes, less than $50.

Are the reduced services that would occur with this reduction in your best interests?

Chuck Bartels, the other candidate for the 10th District, is a fiscal conservative, experienced in business and budgeting. He is not selling snake oil promises of taxes similar to downstate Illinois.

He understands that taxes are high, but he also knows Lake County and its needs. He understands the necessity to maintain the county's unique AAA bond rating. He realizes that good roads and good services are good for both residents and business in Lake County.

Chuck Bartels has been working with civic groups in Lake County for 26 years. He will work to ensure that fiscally sound budgets are developed that contribute to the financial strength of the county and still provide the residents with the needed services, based on solid facts.

He will watch spending and require strict project management and oversight on capital improvements such as the much-needed expansion of the 50-year-old court building. Chuck Bartels has a realistic vision of Lake County and what is needed as a board member.

Vote for Chuck, not poppycock sound bites.

Jeff Covert

Mundelein