It seems as though there’s no person in power that can fix the financial problems that have plagued Illinois for years. In September of 2009, Illinois unemployment was about 10.9%. This is .9% higher than the national average. Unemployment figures for problem cities are as follows; Peoria-10.8%, Danville-12.1%, Kankakee-Bradley, 13.6%, and Rockford with an astounding 15.4%.
The second largest city in Illinois, Aurora, is facing its own financial issues. In 2009, finance director Brian Caputo told the Aurora City Council that if spending wasn’t decreased they might see a revenue shortfall of about 19 million dollars. He said the operating costs were simply too high. This comes after the 108 million dollar police station was constructed at 1200 E. Indian Trail. How can this spending be justified? The state of Illinois is nearly a hundred billion dollars in debt, public and private employees are being laid off and 108 million dollars was budgeted for a new police station in Aurora!
This is not an ordinary police station with necessary features. This police station has many useless components. One of these is steel seismic beams that meet new earthquake standards. How is this justified? Another unnecessary feature of the Aurora police station has to do with the housing of criminals. In the jail, each cell has a layer of “liquid crystal” glass that will temporarily blur the view when detainees are moved throughout the jail. This will be the only jail of its kind in America. It also features the largest lead-free tactical firearms proficiency range in Illinois. How is this necessary? How can this be justified?
These added extras would be great, if the state of Illinois could afford it. Our debt in Illinois is steadily climbing and Pat Quinn is proposing new tax increases. The people in Illinois who are spending our tax money and proposing tax increases should be asked to justify this spending.
Luke N.
No comments:
Post a Comment