Why Naperville highway deal matters

It is hard for retirees to remain in Illinois, Naperville in particular, because of our high real estate taxes. I believe that the real estate tax burden placed on our residents has reached a point of crisis. A crisis that demands immediate and bold action.

Dealing with this crisis is hard. Politics too often trumps policy in Illinois. So how do we do it?

We do it by doing what Naperville has so often done. We work together as a community and we figure out a solution. With respect to Naperville Township Road District highway services, we have a solution. A united Mayor and City Council, with the support of the Naperville Township Board, have developed an agreement that will reduce real estate taxes for all incorporated and unincorporated Naperville Township residents. The result - many hundreds of thousands of dollars of unnecessary expense is removed from Naperville Township tax levy and all Naperville Township's residents receive the same level of services.

Unfortunately, the Naperville Township Highway Commissioner has refused to participate. Instead he touts a deal that was reached with Lisle Township behind closed doors and which accomplishes little. It lasts less than a year and his statements suggest is merely intended to push this controversy down the road. His agreement is not the answer.

There will never be a more obvious and attainable opportunity for tax savings than the one before us. Please support lower real estate taxes for all of our incorporated and unincorporated Naperville Township residents by supporting the long term consolidation of Naperville Township highway services.

Kevin M. Coyne

Naperville City Councilman