Let's give home rule another try, soon

How could Prospect Heights residents reject $1.7 million in hotel tax money held in escrow for the city's improvements by voting "No" on home rule?

There must be a huge misunderstanding as to what home rule could do for the city. Residents must be confused if they would OK spending home rule money on the improvement of roads in the city, but turn down the source for obtaining that money.

The signs that were seen for NO NEW TAXES confused residents. There had never been a mention of new taxes by any city official but one. City officials also live in this town and certainly don't advocate new taxes. Rosemont is an example of a small city (4,227 population) with home rule as is Riverwoods (4,100 population). Both of these communities realize the benefits of home rule which allows them control over the incoming tax money.

It is important to be able to decide where this money can be spent, otherwise the state decides for you. The Prospect Heights City Journal laid out an excellent article on how Home Rule works for the benefit of our city in its fall issue. I'm wondering how many residents took the time to read this well put together article. Nowhere was there a mention of new taxes but rather of available taxes that could not be spent on roads but rather on tourism.

Why is there such distrust of our city officials doing what's right for the city? Like the Daily Herald stated in their article on home rule you do have the option to vote those officials out of office. If no official is trusted to do the right thing by the city there is a virus running amok in the city. This virus should be eliminated.

Home Rule is a benefit for Prospect Heights, "A city that looks to the future." Let's make this a true statement. Let's encourage one another to support home rule and to encourage our officials to put it back on the ballot for a successful passage.

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Kendall

Prospect Heights.