Roskam tax bill will hurt middle class

Illinois 6th District Congressman Peter Roskam has betrayed his constituents and needs to be voted out of office. The tax bill that he wrote, and so proudly defends in his news releases, will increase taxes on many middle- and upper-middle income families in Illinois.

The loss of state and local property tax deductions in excess of $10,000, as well as the elimination of personal exemptions and other miscellaneous deductions, will virtually erase the benefit of incrementally lower tax brackets and a larger standard deduction. The tax bill's enormous generosity toward corporations will be paid for by the citizens of Illinois.

There are other reasons to rid ourselves of Congressman Roskam. In his many years of representing this district, he has steadfastly refused to engage in any discussion or debate of public policy. He will not hold town hall meetings or open news conferences, and he insulates himself from anyone challenging his narrow perspective. Instead, he prefers to announce his policies in one-way "conference calls."

The person who is our representative has effectively sealed himself off from anything remotely irritating. In a dynamic, changing district, we need a representative willing to enter the arena, and engage.

Roskam has also remained silent on the outrageous conduct of the Trump administration; and one must wonder that if the Mueller investigation produces evidence of impeachable offenses, will our congressman act in the best interest of his country, or that of his party?

Democrat Kelly Mazeski is running to replace Roskam as our representative. She has an impressive record of public service and cares deeply for the welfare of those she represents. Kelly is an open and receptive leader who will engage with all of her constituents and will put country before party. Please consider her on March 20.

William Hicks

Carpentersville