First to be honest about tax increase

In response to a recent letter to the editor, I offer the following: One thing Alexi Giannoulias has is honesty. In an attack ad on TV, Alexi is shown advocating an income tax to plug the enormous deficit in the state's finances.

Giannoulias was being honest with the Illinois taxpayers. The budget deficit cannot be remedied by only cuts. The only other solution is an increase in the state income tax. We are now at the point of cutting the state police budget with potential layoffs.

For public safety this cannot happen let alone happen in other areas such as social services, educational and recreational. Mark Kirk has lied about his military record not only to the voters, but also to his own supporters who had previously believed in his integrity.

Also, some attack ads on Governor Quinn say the say thing. Actually, Quinn was the first one to be honest to the taxpayers about the desperate financial straits our state is in and contend that we need a state income tax increase.

Stewart E Brekke

Downers Grove