Isn’t the solution to the Illinois state financial crisis pretty clear, even for politicians who do not agree on much? We have to fix the funding of union pensions.
There are two steps to getting it done. The first is figuring out what’s fair. This should be done by comparison with police officers, firefighters and teachers, etc., in similar roles in other cities and states. We should aim for something in the middle of the range for similar cities. Something fair and reasonable that doesn’t shortchange these good people and doesn’t gouge the taxpayers.
And the second step is paying for it. We just have to ante up and pay for it. Yes, it will mean higher taxes for a while. It is a bitter pill to swallow. But we have to do what’s right by the workers and the taxpayers. The uncertainty is killing us.
— Gary Smith, Glenview
