LETTER TO EDITOR: 'Kudos to Dist. 86 Board for Zero-Tax Levy'

By ROGER J. KEMPA

Property tax bills were due this Tuesday. My tax bill increased by $277.04, or 2.71% to $10,495.02. About half of the total increase was attributed to Cass Grade School District 63, with most of remaining balance from the City of Darien. Out of thirteen local taxing bodies, only my Hinsdale High School District 86 tax bill had no tax increase. My bill actually decreased, albeit only $0.50. None of the other twelve taxing bodies on my tax bill had a zero tax increase. Why? The best answer is, "Why not?"

Kudos to the four (Skoda, Corcoran, Casini, & Manley) District 86 Board members for holding the line on any property tax increase. It is ironic that they took much grief and abuse for doing so. Their decision was based on many facts and relevant factors, unlike the usual automatic tax increases via a simple math calculation requiring no thought process. Their decision required fortitude to represent the silent majority versus the loud minority of the entire District 86 community.

It was unique to witness a mostly hostile audience of about 300 people attend the District 86 Board meeting for the tax levy approval, with demands for a tax increase! Their anger was based upon high octane emotion, no substantive facts, and false sense of entitlement for additional revenue generated by a tax increase. But no; local property tax money belongs to all the people, not to any special interest group(s). Please do remember that when you vote in any future election.