Letters to the Editor

Vote YES on Schools

The Peoria County Schools Facility Sales Tax is about Stronger Schools, Stronger Students and a Stronger Economy. The sales tax is a way to provide better school buildings and create new jobs across Peoria County. Voters can approve a half percent sales tax to generate $9 million a year for school building improvements in the county’s 18 different school districts. Districts will share the money based on the number of students in their schools.

Many school districts in Peoria County are facing serious facility needs. Old buildings need upgrades to be safe and secure. The county school facility sales tax will address these needs. The state of Illinois no longer fully funds education, property tax revenues are down and in some cases are being eroded by special-interest measures, such as Tax Increment Financing districts.

If approved by voters Nov. 8, revenue from the sales tax can be used for: HVAC/air quality improvements, safety and security improvements, energy efficiency, technology infrastructure, roof repairs and parking lots​ repairs.

Better buildings mean students can experience access to technology, improved learning environments, safe and secure spaces and tools to compete in changing economy​​​.

Projects funded by the tax will create at least 150 new jobs each year. More jobs means people have more money to spend. Stronger schools will attract and retain families and businesses. And economic growth means a better quality of life for all of us.

This sales tax does not affect every-day purchases such as groceries, medicines, farm equipment, services (hair cuts, etc.) and vehicle purchases.

Items that will be taxed include gas, fast food and restaurant meals, TVs, shoes. Here’s a look at how much tax you would pay:

• $50 of gas = 25 cents
• $7 of fast food = 3.5 cents
• $450 TV = $2.25
• $70 pair of shoes = 35 cents

A sales tax means that more than $1 million a year will be collected from visitors who live outside of Peoria County. A sales tax means that everyone who shops and works in the county contributes, not just property owners.

The Peoria County Schools Facility Sales Tax is endorsed by the Peoria County Board of Health, Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, Sen. Dave Koehler, the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, the Peoria Federation of Teachers and some businesses, including Illinois Valley Glass & Mirror.

We understand that competitiveness is a concern for the cities of Peoria County. However, we believe that regionally, among metro areas of moderately similar size, Peoria is competitive and will remain competitive even with the half percent increase.

I urge you to vote YES for schools on Nov. 8.

Andrea Tortora, Peoria

Brad Shepley for County Board

I encourage everyone in Woodford County to vote for Brad Shepley. As a long time resident of Woodford County and small town, rural Illinois, Brad is vested in the community. Vested in no way entails complacency for Shepley. He has been an active member of the community and is well known throughout the county. His passion for Woodford County is perhaps best demonstrated in solid attendance at county board meetings for over 2 1/2 years. His penchant for balanced budgets and maintaining a surplus to mitigate any emergencies will not only serve Woodford County today but also position it for continued growth. There is no better advocate for Woodford County than Brad Shepley. He listens. He is responsible. He is active and engaged. He sees the potential for growth. These are qualities needed on the Woodford County Board.

David Vialard, El Paso

Vote YES on advisory referendum

for developmentally disabled

“Shall Peoria County increase property taxes by up to 0.5 cents for providing assistance to military veterans, their families and the families of deceased veterans and up to 1 cent for services delivered to the residents who are persons with developmental disabilities?”

There are three tax referendums on the November ballot. The above is the second.

My son, Chris, is legally blind/deaf and works at Community Workshop & Training Center (CWTC).  This funding would benefit CWTC, EPIC, Big Sky Camp and Easter Seals. We are talking about thousands of disabled people and veterans benefitting from the generosity of the public at the cost of a 1 cent increase.

As a taxpayer, I don’t like seeing my taxes raised any more than the next person. However, normally when we are talking about a referendum, it is much more than 1 cent. This is money going to organizations to enhance the quality of life of the disabled and veterans; organizations that know where the money is best spent to benefit the needs of people.

I guess why voting “yes” on this referendum makes perfect sense to me is because this election is out of control in regard to our presidential race. I certainly do not think that a 1 cent increase in this economy to help the disabled and veterans is asking too much. In fact, I think it is asking very little of the taxpayer. It’s simple. If you want to help the disabled and/or veterans, please join me in voting “yes” on this referendum. Tell them that they matter with your vote!

Mimi McDonald, Peoria