A lesson in sharing for racetrack towns

From the time I was a child my mother admonished me to share with my brother. If you don't have enough for everyone, put it away.

Illinois is home to 1,299 municipalities (census 2007). Nine mayors want the state representatives, for all 1,299, to say the nine municipalities should not share. Slots at the racetracks would allow other municipalities to share in $1 billion, 7,500 jobs and $146 million in vendor contracts (before the added revenue from the racetracks).

The mayors' efforts to hoard the revenue is evidence that outstanding benefits exist. Slots at racetracks are beneficial. Sharing the tax dollars with more of the Illinois residents would seem fair as well as correct. Sharing the tax dollars with more citizens would allow more communities to pay police, fire and ambulance service. These revenues support libraries, parks and schools.

The racing industry offers jobs, support for small businesses and security for more families. Our elected officials represent the interests of all taxpaying voters. E-mail or call your state senator and representative and remind them that your mothers' lessons of right and fair still exist.

These economic times suggest that taking care of each other is a necessity. Revenue streams should be grown. Taxation should be a last resort and greed should be avoided. Share and share alike. Your mother probably said that, too.

Alan P. Murdoch

Arlington Heights