Voters lose control with home rule

In regard to the Daily Herald’s yes vote for “home rule,” not all of the fine lines, if any, were brought to light. It is a fact that without home rule, as it is now, it is the people who decide on city spending by casting votes. The people automatically forfeit their voters’ rights with home rule on all major spending that the city would do. With home rule that privilege is gone and given to the council, and it is well known that there is a strong slant existing in council which only by member replacement, via elections, will bring back a balance of power for all of the people.

Many residents are content to own private wells: low cost of operation, total control by the homeowner and no taxation or water fees. If home rule does pass, Prospect Heights without a doubt will force city water down everyone’s throats.

Many residents are intimidated by city lawyers and other representatives when questions are focused to them about potential tax increases via home rule. I’ve seen such incidents when viewing the local news channel, and I remember one classic event when John Doe asked if the city would raise money via taxes to bring city water to the whole city and the answer was “not necessarily.” What? Then where would the money come from? Guess.

Bill Petrow

Prospect Heights