If Westin tax OK'd, where does it end?

The article (Aug. 18) about Mike Firsel of Harp Mid-America Investment asking Wheeling to provide him with the revenue he needs to buy out his partner was so very interesting. How clever of Mr. Firsel to think up a plan that will keep his room rates, at the Westin Chicago North Shore, competitive on the various travel web sites, but provide him additional revenue by assessing a surprise "Conference Center Tax" on the customer when they arrive at his hotel.

The Village of Wheeling would be complicit in helping Mr. Firsel use "tax" money, which is defined in Webster's as "A charge usually money imposed by authority upon persons or property for public purposes" for personal gain.

How is this "tax" in any way, shape, or form going for a public purpose? It's not, in fact as stated in the article "Mike Firsel, of Harp Mid-America Investment in Oak Brook, is asking Wheeling to levy the tax, and turn the money over to him."

What's next? Maybe Bob Chinn's Crab House wants to build an underground parking garage but doesn't want to raise their meal prices, so can they go to the village and ask for a 4 percent "Wheel & Dine Tax" that will go directly to them?

Where would it end? The grocer needs a new roof so asks for an "Overhead Tax", the local hardware store want a bigger, better, "green" HVAC system so how about a "Comfort Zone Tax"? Why would anybody need to increase prices; just have the Village of Wheeling levy an additional tax to go right into the store owners pocket - in that way the businesses remain competitive in their respective fields, but get additional revenue thanks to the village assessing "taxes".

Ridiculous? Maybe not if the Village approves Mr. Firsel's request, but just watch as consumers get wind of this "Conference Center Tax" and avoid all Wheeling hotels because of it!

Phyllis O'Neill

Mount Prospect