Napervillians have had it with taxes

I recently learned that Naperville is considering a three cent per-gallon motor fuel tax that would be used for road maintenance. This is in addition to adding a monthly fee for garbage collection plus a new tax for food and beverage.

Needless to say, most residents I have come in contact with indicated their complete displeasure with this proposed tax. On the other hand, no one proposed an alternative except for one senior citizen I talked to. His alternative is similar to what we have seen taking place throughout the country. Sports arenas are being named after corporations, who generously pay for the advertising it brings. We have also seen revenue raised from private corporations buying tollways, parking meters, etc.

As he said, "What does Naperville have to offer? Should we sell and change the name and call it Smithville or whatever?" Of course not, but we do have something to sell which could prevent another tax: Our beautiful parking garages. Let's offer them for sale to a private organization that would in turn maintain, manage and charge for parking to only non-residents of Naperville.

"Our town, with its many restaurants and shops," he said, "is flooded with non-residents dining or shopping in our community. In addition to raising the necessary revenue, we would also not burden our citizens with another tax. How much is enough? We would also save on the cost of maintenance as well as management, plus receive taxes from the new owners."

This, to me, is called creative thinking. Anyone can propose a tax, and a tax, and a tax. People have had it.

Cy Frank

Naperville