Our view on Northwest suburban referendums

Everyone has to make tough decisions these days. At a time when families are changing routines and cutting back, we expect local governments to do the same. Voters will face questions on the Nov. 4 ballot that we'd have supported in a different economy. Some requests are crucial or important enough that we believe they should be approved even in these uncertain times. But it's harder than ever to make a convincing case.

Barrington Area Library

The $34.3-million plan for a facility renovation and expansion reads like a library lover's dream: new children's, teen and young adult areas; a coffee shop; more room for books, A/V materials, computers and meeting spaces; even lots of environmentally friendly features like a green roof. The library district's population and circulation have grown over the years, while its tax rate has fallen, and the increased cost comes out to about $10 for every $1,000 a property owner pays in total real estate taxes. That's not exorbitant and there's no question this new facility would be an asset to the community, but these times necessitate a more austere approach. We recommend a "no" vote.

Prospect Heights home rule

In 2004, when Prospect Heights first proposed declaring itself a home-rule community, we wrote: "It should come as a surprise to no one that Prospect Heights has significant financial problems ... It is easy for populists to say 'no' to taxes. It is much harder and much less fun to pay the bills." The home-rule initiative failed and problems remain. The city has $1.5 million of hotel taxes and another $700,000 coming each year that can only be used for tourism promotion unless home rule is enacted. It wants to use that money for road repair. Yes, home rule taxing powers go way beyond using the hotel tax for road repair, but we have faith that residents elected a responsible board. Give officials tools to do the job; vote "yes" on home rule for the good of the community. If council members misuse it, vote them out.

Wheeling 911

Wheeling voters are being asked to approve almost doubling the 911 surcharge on their landline phone bills to $1.45 a month from the 75 cents established in 1989. Village officials say that the cost of providing 911 service has increased, while revenue has declined as more people turn to cell phones. Money generated from the fee can only be spent on 911 service, which costs the community about $200,000 a year. If the increase fails, village officials say they will make up any shortfall from village funds, but that would increase pressure to raise property taxes. The increase amounts to $8.40 a year. This key governmental service is worth it and we recommend a "yes" vote.

DuPage County Board Dist. 6

Republican incumbent James Zay of Carol Stream is recommended. He's a diligent worker on issues ranging from cracking down on alcohol consumption at a strip club to getting safe drinking water in unincorporated areas with contaminated wells. GOP challenger Robert Larsen of Wheaton also is endorsed. The third challenger is Democrat Dirk Enger of Winfield.

Lake County Board District 17

Republican incumbent Stevenson Mountsier is endorsed over Democrat Denise M. Rotheimer. Mountsier, who has served on the county board since 1996, has broad experience, including elected positions on the Barrington Unit District 220 school board and Cuba Township board. He has a reputation as a thoughtful board member, who is watchful of the taxpayers' money. His key issues are transportation for seniors and the disabled, including borderless transportation programs.