We want to thank a few of the Alders for their efforts to reduce the budget. Specifically, we think that Justin Elicker deserves kudos for his proposals, questions and consistent voting. Roland Lemar also made a number of proposal which would have reduced the size of the City’s budget and made eloquent arguments for why specific reductions should take place and why they should be clearly identified. In the end, however, he did vote to not just move the budget forward, but to do so with a favorable recommendation. Migdalia Castro rose up in support of many of the proposals coming from Elicker and Lemar which we sincerely appreciated and her support is worth mentioning here. She was a good support for their proposals which ultimately did not pass. Alderwomen Castro also made a decision to not just move the budget forward, but to do so with a favorable recommendation.
Overall, we were disappointed with all of the proposals which seem to be targeting a 4% tax hike in the middle of the worst economy since the Great Depression. We think ALL of the Alders on the Finance Committee failed to respond to the over 1100 citizens calling for a ZERO tax increase. Call ALL of the Alders and let them know if you think a 4% increase in taxes is something that is acceptable to you and your family.
There is still time to change the outcome. Please contact your alderperson today!!!