Citizen Web sites keep public informed

Thank you for running the story on Ted Eselgroth and the Web site he started in Glen Ellyn.

Web sites run by members of the community rather than by community government encourages a balanced dialogue. One of the most important functions such a Web site can serve is educating taxpayers on property tax increases.

Most towns focus on posting tax notices that meet all statutory compliance requirements. This translates into as little information as they can get away with providing.

Glendale Heights, Roselle and Marquardt School District recently posted their required tax increase notices. For those lucky enough to see these stealth notices, they can attend a hearing.

I'd much rather be able to go to a Web site/blog where I can get the facts behind these increases, find out what the town has done to reduce costs and also learn what my neighbors think.

An educated taxpayer can be a powerful force for keeping our local governments accountable and will also face fewer surprises when their next property tax bill arrives. All levels of governments will function better when residents are better informed. Let's hope there are other Ted Eselgroths in our communities who can launch web sites that afford residents as opportunity to be proactive, especially as taxes continue to increase at county, state and federal levels.

Larry Grogan

Glendale Heights