It is a decision of stunning -- make that shocking -- proportions.
After a majority of voters in Jo Daviess County, Ill., in April agreed to enact a 1 percent sales tax to enhance their public schools, members of the county board decided they know better.
For the first time ever in Illinois -- remember, this is a state with a history of political shenanigans -- the county board refused to enact the tax increase that voters had approved by a 53-47 percent majority.
As shocking as the decision is, the specious excuses given for it are worse. Chairman Marvin Schultz explained that some board members thought that the people shouldn't be taxed further in current economic conditions. On top of that, they thought the vote was too close to warrant enacting the tax.
Huh?
Let's see if we have this straight. According to the county board:
*Voters can't afford a tax increase but aren't smart enough to know it. Good thing the county board is around to tell the voters what's best for them.
*The 6 percent spread between yes and no votes is "too small," even though the law required only
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What if sentiments among county board members were to favor a tax increase, but voters rejected the measure by a 53-47 margin? Would the county board have raised taxes anyway, explaining that voters didn't know what they were doing -- and besides the vote was "too close"?
If Jo Daviess board members believe that tax measures should pass by a super-majority -- Iowa has such a requirement for bond issues -- they should convince the state legislature to change the law in advance. Instead, they effectively rewrote the law themselves by ignoring the will of the people and applying their own standards.
Ironically, the vote to enact the tax hike specified in the referendum died on a 7-7 tie. Talk about "too close." If the board couldn't even reach a majority opinion, why on earth would they not respect the wishes of the majority vote.
By the way, if board members are concerned about how much tax their constituents pay, why didn't they cut the amount the people must pay in taxes to the county?
By disregarding the voters' will, clearly expressed in an ostensibly binding referendum, the Jo Daviess County Board leveled a body blow -- like a knee to the groin -- to the democratic process.
This should not stand.
Editorials reflect the consensus of the Telegraph Herald Editorial Board.
