The NIMBY approach to budget cutting

Almost every article and certainly every letter I have seen since our new governor set out his budget plan has decried the loss of state money for municipalities from state income taxes, his salary projections for staff, his call for a freeze on property taxes, and adjustments in spending for state agencies and departments.

Almost all state agencies and departments provide needed services for the general population and funding for those who cannot afford to pay for many services. The only people who can pay are those of us who pay taxes. The state is in a budget and fiscal hole because past governors and state legislators borrowed funds from various state accounts, sold bonds, and did some deficit spending. They then ran to the electorate and said "see all the things I (we) brought you without raising taxes. You need to re-elect me"! Well, those bills are due. We, the electorate, got a bunch of "free" stuff. It is time to pay for those roads, pensions, and services.

Everyone is crying do that, but Not In My Back Yard--"not from my budget; not from my municipality; not from my program and do not raise MY taxes"! I, for one, would rather see the state budgets lower, except where the state owes us or bond holders, and control of the rest in local hands where I have a greater say through voting, as to what and how much should be taxed and spent.

No, we are not going to get lower taxes. And yes, every tax payer in the state is going to have to ante up, and it should be ability to pay, not a so-called fair share. Nothing about taxes is fair.

Edward Bierman

Palatine