Asking for a closer look at ECC benefits

Asking for a closer look at ECC benefits

I read with interest the Daily Herald's recent article that Dr. Sam, the president of the college, was unanimously granted an increase in his monthly stipend to $1,000 a month.

The article stated that Dr. Sam receives a car allowance for business and "personal" use. He already receives a generous salary of $175,000.

I hope the board of trustees understands that these stipends are taxable income to Dr. Sam, and that the college has the responsibility to include these stipends as taxable income.

He can report the income and, using the appropriate IRS forms, deduct his "actual" deductible expenses according to the guidelines in the Internal Revenue Code.

Dr. Sam's contract does not overrule the Internal Revenue Code. Personal expenses are never deductible.

I know, because I have been a CPA for over 33 years, and I have a master of science degree in taxation from DePaul University.

It appears to me that the board of trustees is not only negligent and incompetent, but it has assumed the role of Santa Claus.

I will send a copy of the Daily Herald article along with this letter to the Chicago District Director of the IRS, as well as the governing audit bureau in California, asking them to audit the entire fringe benefit program at Elgin Community College.

Donald H. Lamb

Wheeling

Say 'yes' to Grant bond sale vote

The Grant Community High School referendum that will be on the Feb. 5 ballot has my greatest support.

The fact that it involves no tax rate increase is a big issue during these times of financial stress. Grant has been very prudent in its financial responsibilities and has maintained the quality of education for our future leaders, helping to prepare them for their place in society.

Grant is bursting at the seams. We need to provide more space for learning and activities.

The proposed expansion would provide 21 more learning centers, science labs, art studio and a community activity center/field house.

Check out the Web site at www.gchs2008.org for more detailed information.

Then take this opportunity to vote "yes" for this building bond sale.

Jeannette Campbell

McHenry

Eliminating tollways best collection fix

Breaking the law is wrong when the so-called "toll cheats" drive the tollway without paying. However, these drivers fall just short of being heroes when one understands the frustration they must feel about an unjust law.

These drivers are willing to fight a cronyism laden tollway system while knowing of the consequences should they be caught.

They want an end to an unfair double toll/tax system of paying a road tax at the fuel pump and being taxed again at a tollbooth.

They know that over 50 cents of every dollar collected at the tollbooth goes just for the collecting and not for road upkeep.

I own an I-Pass, not because I know that there's a law against running a tollbooth or that the tollway system is such a great deal. It's not, but I don't want to be hassled by the toll authority's bureaucracy.

Our state legislators are not any better than those of the toll authority as they have the final say as to whether or not we have a tollway system in Illinois. During the 1950s it was the state legislature that promised us that the Illinois tollway would become a freeway once the roads were paid for. That promise was not kept. Now Michael Madigan wants to make more roads part of the tollway system.

Let's not go after the so-called "toll cheats." Let's vote for change by going after the state legislators by not voting for any incumbent on Feb. 5 or in November.

Russell Johnson

Sugar Grove

Laesch would bring leadership, integrity

As most Americans are aware, special interests and multinational corporations disloyal to America are setting the agenda in Washington.

They lavish money on particular candidates who, if elected, are obliged to do their bidding. Unfortunately, these candidates are usually the most visible, bombarding us with commercials sponsored by corporate largesse.

The only way we can break this pattern is to identify the candidates without corporate ties and vote them into office.

John Laesch is devoted to getting corporate money out of politics. He is a strong supporter of introducing clean election laws. He refuses corporate contributions.

On Feb. 5, we can all be a part of the change our country needs. Vote for Laesch, the candidate who has the integrity not to take contributions from special interests that are controlling Washington now.

Deborah Fay

Elgin

Lauzen delivers on promises he makes

When Chris Lauzen speaks about family values as he campaigns for Congress, he clearly speaks from his heart.

It has been refreshing to see his devoted wife, Sarah, support him throughout the years. They are as down-to-earth and sincere as they come.

In politics, talking a good game is often all a candidate can offer. Lauzen is a rare public servant whose actions after the election follow his words beforehand. That has been the case during his tenure in Springfield and it will continue when he is elected congressman.

John Ryan

Algonquin

Jim Krenz fresh choice for the 49th

Illinois voters have had to develop a high level of tolerance for political corruption and governmental mismanagement.

The good news is that on Feb. 5 voters in the 49th Illinois House District can do something positive by voting for Jim Krenz for state representative.

This time we have a real choice. Krenz is not running because he needs a job.

He is the owner of a successful business, Amy Plumbing and Heating, and he is running to serve the district, not himself.

He is completely independent from all the old players who have created the problems we have today.

The presidential campaigns aren't the only excitement this year. Ask for a Republican ballot and vote for the kind of state representative you deserve.

Bobbie Andresen

West Dundee

Kaempfe best choice for the 64th District

I would encourage voters to consider voting for Robert Kaempfe for state representative for the 64th District in the upcoming primary election. I worked with him for over 20 years before he retired from the postal service. He is fair and honest, and I am sure he would have the people's best interests in mind at all times.

He is a Vietnam veteran, and was, in my opinion, one of the best union stewards the Palatine distribution center ever had. The voters of the 64th District would be well served to have his negotiating skills representing them in Springfield.

Best of all, he is not a career politician, and is a Democrat. Finally, a real choice.

David Golden

Cary

Bianchi's character earns respect, vote

Character counts and that is why I will be voting for Lou Bianchi's re-election as McHenry County state's attorney.

I have had the pleasure of knowing him for the past 13 years as a treasured neighbor and as a hard-working man determined to keep the political promises he made last election.

He had plans to improve the office and has worked timelessly to accomplish his goals. Despite these long hours, he still finds the time to attend endless community events at local libraries, high schools and churches. Lou emphasizes the importance of a strong and loving family unit and he is the rock that has kept his family together.

Lou Bianchi is a man with great character, and that is why I support him.

Corrine R. Gabbert

Crystal Lake