Arlington Heights offensive on taxes

They just passed a 10% sales tax in Arlington Heights effective in January and the Daily Herald (9/22/09) reported the board through it would have more resistance than it had. That is a bold statement! I guess the people of Arlington Heights have to storm the city hall (we call it the Tajmahal) to get their attention. I live in the village and am offended by the board statement.

I will bet the businesses in Lake County are jumping for joy when they heard of the tax increase to 10% since their tax is 8%. This could cause more businesses to leave Cook County.

This is not the time to burden the people with more taxes - this is time to tighten our belts. Our mayor and the board should lead by example. Start at the top to look for ways to save the taxpayer money, not at the bottom by imposing higher taxes. In Engineering, when you have a product up for cost reduction, one starts with the most expensive part in the product. That is where the most savings can be found. Have some compassion for the taxpayers. Maybe our leaders forget it is our money, not their, they are spending. Do we need a "tea party" to get their attention?

We're told a new police building is needed. How is this going to be paid for? Will this bring a raise in our property taxes?

We'll remember all of the above, and express our concerns in the ballot box.

Donald Dattilo

Arlington Heights