Schaumburg board had other options

It seems everyone is making cuts these days. Every time I read the paper or talk to people, that's the message I get. With the Village Board's unanimous vote to levy the first municipal property tax in our history, they reiterated a dedication to avoid any cuts in massive spending. Instead of working to close a projected $17.6 million deficit, they chose to levy a $23.7 million tax on owners of homes and businesses who are already on tight budgets.

Although the mayor and village manager claim the immediate necessity of the tax, they don't plan to collect until 2011. When threatened with said deficits, the "doomsday" solution offered was a salvo of massive layoffs.

But over 30 people speaking against the tax at a public hearing gave no shortage of ways to cut millions from the budget, without a mention of layoffs or essential services. The solutions are out there, but in over a year of involvement in village politics I have yet to detect a willingness of the board to listen to them.

Unfortunately, even with these suggestions and even with the property taxes, tough decisions need to be made. Cuts in wages, non-essential services, and the village's adventures in business are always an option, albeit not popular in the ever-growing village government.

Although it is heavily involved in the private sector, let me add that this is a very business-friendly village board, especially with the presence of trustees like Marge Connelly. But with this tax, there seems to be no reason for businesses to move into this once proud village.

Out of the 100-plus people who came to the hearing, few were confident that the board would listen to their concerns. If they continue to ignore the public, it's time for a major change in 2011.

Mike Theodore

Schaumburg