Fight coming over county taxes

Daily Southtown

October 30, 2005

By Jonathan Lipman

Two leaders of an opposition bloc on the Cook County Board say the county's budget crisis is mostly myth and they will fight tax increases likely coming from board President John Stroger.

"If you look at the last four budget cycles, the president has done the exact same thing," said Commissioner Mike Quigley (D-Chicago). "It is a ploy to scare folks into the need, in his mind, for new revenue."

Stroger has hinted strongly that he will propose an increase in property taxes with his 2006 budget, which has a projected $300 million deficit. A tax-increase proposal of some kind is almost certain.

Peraica noted the county budget director, Donna Dunnings, is Stroger's niece.

"I don't believe that $300 million budget deficit figure," Peraica said. "I'm sure (Stroger and Dunnings) talk about the budget around the kitchen table and Stroger tells her what budget numbers to come up with."

Both commissioners said there is easily enough waste to be found in the county to bridge whatever budget gap truly exists.

Quigley said he thinks it will be even easier this year to fight the tax increases given the countywide elections in the spring.

"The ink won't be dry on this budget when the voters go to the polls," Quigley said. "I think it's irresponsible and awfully mean of him to ask his allies to put themselves on the line for tax hikes when their careers will be jeopardized."

Copyright 2005, Daily Southtown

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