Chris Lauzen: Glad to See Burns Has Found Fiscal Religion

To the Editor:

In the spirit of my campaign’s Code of Conduct, I am responding to this press release only because I have been asked direct questions by the press. Basically, three points are addressed in : 

1. Board Member Jim Mitchell is proposing an increase in revenue and spending on county operations ...

This is not true. Most elected officeholders who are familiar with budget processes already know that (a) the operations portion is only one part of a total budget; (b) the committee proposal is merely a preliminary step in the process; (c) it represents the thought of the entire committee and not one individual opinion’s; and most importantly, (d) despite an approximate $480,000 increased expense for the 2012 election cycle and significantly higher expense for health insurance, this year looks like the first year in many that the county will not be asking property taxpayers for more taxes.

2.  Driving a wedge between me and Jim Mitchell ...

Won’t happen. I have the deepest respect for Jim Mitchell who has earned a well-deserved reputation for independent thought, looking out for taxpayer interests, and for simply being frugal.

3.  Statement that (Burns) “would have called for a zero-growth budget” ...

I rejoice that my opponent has found “fiscal religion” because that just hasn’t been his clear record for 11 years as mayor of Geneva.

No hypothetical commitment is needed from my opponent about what “he would have called for”; according to Page 13 of the Geneva City Budget, his proposed 2012 budget totals are a 7.4 percent annual increase over 2011.

While my opponent makes allegations, our campaign will continue to focus on our positive message of freezing the county property tax levy, treating every person (not just insiders) with respect, and delivering honest, competent administration of county services through innovation and austerity.

Chris Lauzen
State senator and Republican candidate for Kane County Board