Opinion

Chicago soaking the suburbs unfairly

Posted October 29, 2011 6:06 am

The news services are reporting that Chicago Mayor Emanuel’s budget includes a proposed tax increase for water usage for the suburban municipalities that receive water from Lake Michigan and the services of Cook County. While I wholeheartedly agree that all municipalities that receive services from Cook County should help with the cost of repair/replacement/upkeep of the delivery systems, the playing field needs to be leveled first.

Before looking to the suburbs as the cash cow to help balance the budget and create revenue the city should ensure that every business, church, condo, house, six-flat and 12-flat is metered and those residences and business are paying their fair share for usage. Many homes have not been retrofitted with meters and the issue of meters causes an uproar from city residents who for too long have been able to use as much water as they like without actual usage fees.

Mayor Emanuel, look within before you reach outside to balance the Chicago budget.

Dan Vincent

Elk Grove Village

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