Projected revenue leads to tax hikes

The city and country have budgets that anticipate revenue increases from sales taxes.

Over the years, cigarettes and liquor have been a source of increased taxation by state and local authorities.

The anticipated tax revenue always fell short of the projections as consumers made their purchases elsewhere.

It is a proven fact that higher taxes reduce spending and lower taxes encourage spending.

Who suffers from increased sales taxes -- consumers, local merchants and small business? Larger stores will just relocate to a different jurisdiction.

If our county and city officials wanted to encourage business, they should reduce the sales tax. Cut it in half and watch business flourish.

Reverse the trend of shoppers traveling to other states and counties for purchases.

The result would be more revenue for local government rather than the decrease in revenue that will surely occur with the present 10.25 sales tax.

Previous tax increases on selected items have proven this to be true; projections on revenue from bottled water, cigarettes and liquor have all fallen short.

Neighboring counties and states are benefiting from the mistakes of our local government which will result in a reduction of services and another tax increase.

In addition to the already excessive gas taxes, consider what that sales tax does to a gallon of gasoline at four plus dollars a gallon. It adds 41 cents to every gallon or $4.10 for 10 gallons.

John Culloton

Chicago