Public safety sales tax deserves to pass

I’m supporting the Kane sales tax referendum for public safety. This tax is essential to ensure we can be fiscally responsible moving forward with public safety: the Sheriff’s Office, State’s Attorney, Public Defender, Coroner, Circuit Clerk, KaneComm 911, Public Health and the Office of Emergency Management.

This was a bipartisan proposal by the county board because, politics aside, we can all agree that the safety of our community is a top priority.

The tax would be 75 cents on every $100 and only on tangible goods, such as gas, clothing, takeout food and other general merchandise. Several items are not subject to the tax, including groceries, cars and prescription medications. This tax applies to anyone who shops in Kane County, residents and non-residents alike.

The county has not had any revenue increase in 14 years. Even with fiscally responsible measures in place, we’re approaching a point where, without any action, we will need to cut mental health services, cut prevention initiatives and cut services protecting children from abuse and exploitation, among many other services that make Kane a safe place to live.

We don’t want to be asking in a few years why we didn’t do more to keep our community safe. I see signs posted with the rhetorical “Had Enough?” (even outside the Kane Republicans office, which is confusing, because the proposal is bipartisan), but I’m good with paying .075% on select goods if it means keeping our families safe.

Please vote “yes” for public safety on April 1.

Alice Froemling

South Elgin