Expand chances to condense governments

With nearly 7,000 units of local government, Illinois has the highest in the nation. Townships alone constitute over 1,400 units of government and additional units are township highway departments. About fifty percent of these townships have fewer than 1,000 residents. Additionally, Illinois has 102 counties. Nine counties have fewer than 6,000 residents including two counties with less than 4,000 residents.

In Illinois it is relatively easy to create a new government unit, but very difficult to eliminate one. Former Republican State Representative David McSweeney was instrumental in passing a law that allowed local communities to decrease government units, such as townships or township highway departments. Now the McHenry County Board is suggesting that the law be repealed. This is the wrong move.

Every additional government unit increases pressure on property taxes. There is some concern that each additional government unit increases confusion by voters over who to vote for and may lead to non-participation in voting. The opportunity to eliminate government units in Illinois should be made easier and expanded for the whole state. Expanding the opportunity to decide locally whether government units should be eliminated or combined is a wonderful way for voters to have an impact on their property taxes and something our government representatives should support.

A statewide law allowing local taxpayers to eliminate duplicative or redundant government units is a structural change that would benefit all taxpayers in Illinois. Decreasing pressure on property taxes is a New Years wish everyone in Illinois would enjoy.

Laura Davis

Inverness