Former Prospect Heights alderman says no to home rule

Here we go again! A fourth attempt by five aldermen to take away the voice of the people. Don't let it happen.

My eight years on the Prospect Heights City Council provides me with an insider's look of the monstrosity that is Home Rule. Don't fall for promises. By the way, did you know that the majority of cities and towns in the state of Illinois are non-home rule?

Make no mistake. This council wants your hard-earned money and more of it. It's the freedom they want to tax you without having to ask. As many of you are aware, they have their projects all lined up anticipating this vote. Please don't give away your voice. And don't tire of the fight!

This is a fight, again, for the fourth time in 14 years. Asking is the easy part. Obtaining those taxes from you should always be harder. We see promises never kept by the political system all around us. Seats change. Persons sitting in those seats change too. Don't make it easy for anyone to spend your money.

I do understand that city services, may, from time to time, need additional funding to replenish capital improvement budgets. In these cases, the city can and should make their best case to the residents who will respond at the ballot box. Your choice to say "yes" or "no" is at stake.

We are all aware that Illinois is dealing with a financial "mess." Nothing's working. We don't like it.

If you, like me, want to have maximum control over how your Prospect Heights tax dollars are spent, please vote NO. If you don't care how your money is spent, let these five aldermen decide for you.

I will be voting no, to keep my own voice as a resident of Prospect Heights.

Carole Dujmovic

Former 4th Ward alderman

Prospect Heights