Pioneer Press Letter to the Editor 9/9/10

Pioneer Press recently printed a self-serving letter from appointed Lake County Board member, Aaron Lawlor, in which he trumpeted his brief record. As a resident of the district and concerned taxpayer, I was dismayed at his dismissive attitude about the taxes we struggle to pay.

Mr. Lawlor stated that Lake County takes “only 7 percent” of your total tax bill and claimed that he voted to reduce the county budget by $6 million this year. But the budget dropped by little more than one percent.

That he touted this meager accomplishment shows me that he lacks awareness of the economic realities we face as taxpayers. I wish my property value had only decreased by one percent, like the County’s budget.

Moreover, Mr. Lawlor was appointed to both the Lake County Board and Forest Preserve Board, why did he omit that our tax bills include another 3 percent to fund the Forest Preserve? I won’t support any sort of shell-game politics on our County Board.

Kay Hoogland will be a much better representative for the people of Lake County. Kay will use over 25 years of experience in business and law in the private sector to get the numbers right and do what is best for Lake County taxpayers. She’s a true political outsider, an independent thinker, with real-world experience.

Robin Hoornstra,
Vernon Hills