Completely Unnecessary

Ha, ha, ha. I laughed so hard I nearly vomited.

Though that could just be the effect of reading a story about Todd Stroger.

Unfortunately I lied in the title. The County of Cook is instead after more and more money to throw into the gaping maw of Stroger’s bloated, horrible bureaucracy.

The sole time I have campaigned for a Republican was for Stroger’s opponent in 2006. But thanks to shenanigans around the primary, further shenanigans that put Todd on the ballot, and people voting against self-interest (combined with at least the usual amount of Chicago voter fraud) he is now Board President.

But don’t worry, Todd’s a responsible manager. If tripling the county’s share of sales taxes and doubling gas and parking taxes doesn’t work, Todd’ll give your money back:

Stroger and administration officials said if they do not need that much money in future years, they will look to cut taxes or rebate money to county residents.

Awww, I laughed again. The thought of the City of Chicago or Cook County giving back money to people is too much!

I am just getting a stitch up in hur!

Now, I’m a proud tax and spend liberal (or as Sara calls it, modern day Robin Hoodery) - however, perhaps I should refine that. Taxes so that even the least among us can live without pain and undue hardship = good. Taxes so that incompetent employees and Todd Stroger’s friends (though these are commonly synonymous categories) can have high-paying county jobs = bad.

The city’s after money as well, with Daley increasing the property tax rate another 15%. My mother already pays nearly one-third of her teacher’s pension (net) in property taxes. She won’t hit the cap for another two years, so Daley’ll have plenty more money coming in.

I frequently speak with a casual smirkiness about Chicago’s corruption and bloat. Along the lines of, “You think your city has voter fraud? Allow me to share this quaint anecdote.” But seriously. Stroger wants $888 million/year, Daley $293 mil (though some of that is in fines). That’s close to $1.2 billion per year. The sales tax in Chicago would be 11%, the highest in the country.

I encourage you guys to write to your board member (which you can find here). My letter would get there after they’ve voted, but I’m sending an email.

Stroger’s $888 Million Tax Hike [Chicago Tribune]

Sphere: Related Content

Vaguely Related

• Stroger, the County Tax and the Fine
• Stroger at the City Club of Chicago