Graduated income tax would be fairer

In "Our View" on Aug. 14 you listed five issues that must be debated this campaign season. Two of them, Spending and Taxing, and The Children, our future, should have been combined. Illinois taxing procedures are ludicrous. The income tax is too low and not graduated, and the property taxes are unfair and too high.

Way better than 50 percent of my property taxes go to St. Charles Community District 303. I am 70 years old and fully employed, in part so I can pay practically $1,000 a month in property taxes. Unfortunately, when I retire - soon - my income will drop but my taxes will not. I will be forced to sell and move.

As you mention, other districts not as affluent as 303 are poorly funded. This, too, is unfair.

The legislature and executive branch need to start cooperating with each other and get some work done. They should start by creating a graduated income tax that is fair to all, and reduce the dependence on property taxes for our schools which, at present, is fair to none.

George A Tattersfield

St. Charles