Call treasurer to task for mailing

As a career-long advertising professional, I know what various components of a direct mail package are intended to do. I was reminded of these roles when I read our very marketing-oriented 2025 property tax bill, starring Kane County treasurer, Christopher Lauzen. His four-color photo appears on three of four pieces within the mailing.

Of course, this isn’t a traditional direct-mail package with a personalized letter and supporting brochure. But, like a letter, the bill itself is clearly the main and essential item (check!). Then there’s the very informational “Tax Bill Explained” insert (check!) and yet another catch-all piece that’s kind of like a newsletter (ok, check).

But wait just a minute: there’s a No. 10 size insert (what a relief after those long pages) that says “What the treasurer’s office is doing to hold the line on taxes.” This isn’t information about our taxes; this is clearly promoting Mr. Lauzen’s performance as treasurer, with copy that suggests he’s helping us “pay less property taxes.”

It’s a known fact that the treasurer has no role in determining how much we pay in taxes. The treasurer does not have a vote or any say whatsoever, so “holding the line on taxes” is grossly misleading. Even worse, 2026 is an election year and Mr. Lauzen has sneaked a campaign message into a taxpayer-paid mailing to 200,000 residents, which would seem to be illegal. Did he think we wouldn’t notice?

Many astute residents have filed complaints, but we’ve heard nothing about consequences. Who will call Lauzen to task on this?

I am waiting. And I’ll be scrutinizing his every move from now on.

Joyce Smith

St. Charles