Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his administration are like gamblers — they go after the big scores while constantly shaking the piggy bank, searching in the couch cushions, and holding up the old lady down the street for that extra change to pay the bills.
They’ve put huge effort into the unlikely acquisition of Amazon’s HQ2, while nibbling us taxpayers to death with new 911, ride-sharing and amusement taxes.
Has no one in the administration heard of the Laffer Curve, showing that there is an optimal rate of taxation to acquire revenue? It tends to be low.
But it would require city officials to create a more small-business-friendly environment. I haven’t heard a thing about how they’re dismantling regulations and inefficient city practices that stifle business.
For example, ask me about the rigamarole required to open a Montessori infant/toddler program. The city made it too expensive, so it was moved to Blue Island and Chicago lost revenue.
They are literally driving residents out with higher taxes.
— Marsha Familaro Enright, Chicago
