Say no to Big Hollow referendum
Recent newspaper articles plus the pamphlet distributed by the Citizens' Referendum Committee compel me to respond.
The pamphlet in favor of the tax referendum states, "effects on the community are dramatic as home values decline in the wake of Big Hollow's financial crisis." Anyone in tune with today's economy knows that the real estate market has been declining all over the nation. How can this committee claim our neighborhood's housing problems are due to Big Hollow's financial crisis?
The publication also states that the "entire community has the opportunity to get the school and community back on track…" Shouldn't we then conclude that the municipalities, particularly the mayors, and the developers who have created this financial problem, have not only the opportunity, but the obligation to forsake the sweet deals on impact fees and contribute their fair share to the education of the children?
Supporters of the referendum choose to quote the price of the increase to our real estate tax at $30 per month based on a $200,000 home. A drive through our area will certainly reveal that many will be paying much more.
With the Grant High School referendum, Fox Lake Library vote, and this on the ballot, this appears to be an excessive burden thrust upon the taxpayers. How would these same supporters, who make light of the increase, feel when their neighbors file bankruptcy or have a foreclosure on their homes?
The same supporters maintain that prospective home buyers look at the quality of the schools. I submit that they also look critically at the amount of real estate tax they will have to pay year after year.
The pamphlet pleads that this referendum is for, "all who have a stake in this community." The Big Hollow superintendent and school board should be pressuring all of those who have a stake in this community, namely the local mayors and the housing developers, to contribute their fair share of impact fees and operating costs.
Say no to the Big Hollow referendum on Tuesday.
Robert Napora
Ingleside