Not happy with choices in Dist. 214
What a shame there are not better choices for the District 214 school board election.
Two of the three candidates you endorsed are relatively long-term incumbents and directly responsible for the irresponsible financial management of District 214. The third candidate has adopted the same agenda as the other two and presumably would follow their lead when it comes to finances. Examples of their irresponsibility are:
Ÿ Overtaxing taxpayers in District 214 by a cumulative amount of at least $40 million in recent years to maintain unrestricted cash and investments at June 30, 2010 (similar amounts for 2009 and projected for 2011) of over $100 million. This is excessive by the board's own 30 percent of revenue goal (30% of $200 million equals $60 million). This money came from taxpayers and now is the time when we need it and should get it back. This is a major reason for our skyrocketing tax bills.
Ÿ Passing a 4.7 percent increase in their tax levy request for the current year. This was unconscionable In the face of having at least $40 million in excess funds. In view of these economic times, they should have decreased their levy request by, say, at least 10 percent or $20 million.
Ÿ Approving lucrative five-year union contracts that have resulted in some of the highest compensation levels in the state. Most employees earn well over $120,000 with the average being about $90,000. In addition it costs the taxpayers in the district, per employee, an average of $8,500 for pensions and $15,000 for health care.
Ÿ The unnecessary $2.5 million skylight at Hersey and the many, many additional fringe benefits all employees get.
Ÿ The candidates are using District 214 e-mail addresses and related resources in their campaign. This is certainly inappropriate and may even be illegal. We will let the County Clerk's office opine on that after they complete their investigation.
In two years there will be at least four of seven seats up for election. We will be watching and doing whatever possible to make sure the taxpayers of District 214 are represented.
Roland G. Ley, president
Northwest Suburban Taxpayers United
Arlington Heights