Kirk hypocritical on property taxes

Back in May, Mark Kirk voted to block a tax credit that would have helped middle class Americans purchase their first home. The simple program would have offered $7,500 in support, to be paid back over the next 15 years - no small matter for your average family in today's economy. But, like a good "yes" man, Kirk stood with the Bush administration in opposition to it.

When it comes to his own property, though, Kirk managed to wiggle his way out of nearly $35,000 in taxes. Kirk found a loophole called the "property tax assessment freeze" for the house he owns in Highland Park. The program basically states that by declaring his house "historic," Kirk gets out of nearly 90 percent of his property taxes.

So Kirk doesn't approve of relief for first-time homebuyers, but he's all for massive cuts on his own residence? Someone's now paying for that $35,000, and I guess it's Kirk's neighbors. Who would you rather give a hand up to a working family or a four-term Congressman with huge amounts of money rolling in to his campaign?

I'm looking forward to casting the vote that kicks this hypocrite out of Washington.

David Fairman

Highland Park