Public wanted wage hike, Arlington Heights board didn't deliver

On May 1, the Village of Arlington Heights had the opportunity to take the lead and make a stand against income inequality in the area by choosing not to opt out of the Cook County Ordinances No. 16-4229 and 16-5768.

These ordinances grant earned sick leave to workers and raise the minimum wage from the current $8.25 an hour to $10 on July 1, 2017, with a yearly increase until the wage becomes $13 an hour in 2020.

At the meeting, the trustees listened patiently to almost 90 minutes of testimony. Over and over, one thing stood out: In Wheeling and Elk Grove Townships, voters overwhelmingly supported referendums for both paid sick leave and an increased minimum wage. In fact, more yes votes on these referendums were cast than were yes votes for any of the trustees.

Despite this, four trustees and the village president chose to thwart the will of the people who elected them. Splitting hairs, one trustee claimed that the referendums were only about the entire state of Illinois. Others said that they agreed with both sick leave and a wage increase in principle, but they thought that the county had no authority to grant them and that it must happen on the state and federal level, despite a well established precedent in such cities as St. Louis, Seattle and San Diego.

While I am disappointed in President Hayes and Trustees Tinalgia, Rosenberg, Scaletta and Glasgow for their votes to opt out, I am far more angry that they refused to act in accordance with their constituents' wishes. As elected officials, they represent the village and they serve the voters. Our voices will be heard when they come up for re-election.

Lisa Doty

Arlington Heights