Time for Sears to pay fair share

I’m deeply disappointed in the attempts by legislators to extend the Sears economic development agreement and the lack of transparency in how the tax breaks have been used by both Sears and Hoffman Estates.

The original EDA has served its purpose and it is now time for Sears to make good on their responsibilities to the communities in which it operates. The covert attempts by representatives to push an extension through quickly are shameful.

Money that would have gone to District 300 schools was diverted so that the Sears property could be developed. This was an investment and sacrifice that the district made more than 20 years ago to the benefit of Sears and Hoffman Estates. It would now be unethical and irresponsible to extend the EDA that was never meant to last longer than the original 23 years.

District 300 students should not have their education jeopardized to continue to fund Sears and Hoffman Estates.

The responsible act is for Sears to stay and pay their fair share in tax dollars. They have been given a great relief for more than 20 years, and it is now time for them to support the communities that have supported them.

Jason Lentz

Algonquin