In a Taxing Fit

By R.W. "Bill" Baruth

I don't pretend to understand tax increment financing, aka TIF districts.

I do recognize that a shift in taxes from one group to another is involved,
and the increased property-tax revenue is used to pay for improvements in
the district.

But it has the "T" word.

Now, let's take TIF and spell it backward, F-I-T.

Webster defines "fit" as "well-adapted or suited, competent, able, in good
health, proper, troubled, or angry."

Well, I am in a fit - "troubled."

When our country was established, our Founding Fathers gave government one
job.  That hob was to defend us, period.  There were no taxes.

Government increasingly is intruding into our lives.

Why then does the Crystal Lake City Council take another step by owning and
controlling development of Vulcan Lakes?

If Vulcan Lakes is such valuable property, has anyone thought of selling it
to private investors?  One parcel already has been sold for millions of
dollars.

Let private investors pay for the development.  Private investment,
innovations and know-how make our country great.

Private is always more effective, efficient and faster than government.
Let's call it capitalism.  Let's call it free enterprise.

Let somebody else pay for it.  I'm taxed to the limit.  I'm in a "fit."

This article appeared In the Northwest Herald 12-4-2005

R.W. "Bill" Baruth currently resides in Crystal Lake, Illinois