A proven record of reducing taxes

It seems both political parties have accepted the concept of "redistribution" as their driving mantra for our economic system. They've been levying debilitating taxes on families to levels that redefine the term "progressive taxation" to closely resemble that of "socialism."

In 2007, 1 percent of wage earners paid more than 40 percent of all the collected taxes (all-time high) while earning less than 23 percent of adjusted income. Even more alarming, close to 50 percent of wage earners paid no taxes at all.

The problem of taxation gets exasperated when you fold in the rush to the tax trough by local officials with gross increases in state, county, town and school district spending financed via sales, income, and property taxes. DuPage County is no exception.

We have some important elections coming in 2010, and it's imperative not only that we all vote, but also determine what and why we are voting. Personally, I kind of like capitalism and the idea of private enterprise as the driving force of growth and opportunity. Call it naive, but I still believe in a government that is of, by, and for the people and not one as benevolent despot.

We need representatives who understand the need to control spending, decrease taxes and live within their means. There's one candidate in the upcoming election who is endorsed by the National Taxpayers United of Illinois, the largest taxpayer protection organization in Illinois: Debra Olson, who is running for chairman of the DuPage County Board and who has a proven record of reducing taxes and promoting economic growth here in DuPage County.

Ms. Olson would be a good start in realigning our country with the views and values of its citizens.

Bob Swininoga

Naperville