JRG Blog
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Posted on Sunday, July 18, 2010 by J. Robert Gough 
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I hope back when Mayor John Spring was in his coaching days, his playbook had a little more diversity than his politics.
But his mantra is a familiar one and one we have seen from politicians for years: "I'm in charge and I'm smarter than you."
Ever since the Illinois Economic Recovery Commission Report was released a couple of weeks ago, Spring has had little public comment on it. In fact, when Governor Pat Quinn tabbed Spring to co-chair the commission, he was suprisingly low-keyed about it.
But when the Chicago Tribune and Crain's Chicago Business began peeling back the layers of the report and QuincyNews.org relayed that information to the thousands who read this Website on a weekly basis, Spring took offense. He would not respond to a question from QuincyNews.org and then chastised aldermen who responded to my inquiries.
Spring's superior nature returned as he told aldermen and others that they needed to read the full report. The report recommends raising income taxes and sales taxes as part of the plan for Illinois' economic recovery.
But is this a surprise? Spring has often bristled when a question from the media isn't of a softball nature.
And part of Spring's playbook is included in the report (page 95 on the pdf):
Too often, in exploring the connections between Illinois government and Illinois’ overall economic
health, commentators and stakeholders resort to “cherry-picking,” carefully selecting a few statistics or
indicators out of context to make a case for or against a specific policy or reform. However, to make
strategic, thoughtful recommendations on policies and procedures that will help Illinois to recover from
the current economic recession and position our state for swift and durable economic growth in the future,
it is necessary to consider the total economic impact and influence of Illinois government.
That's right, boys and girls. You are too stupid to know that paying higher taxes is good for you and good for the state of Illinois.
And from the cover letter Spring co-signed and sent to Quinn as he endorsed the report:
Personal integrity and leadership will help restore faith in our government as we address our fiscal crisis.
However, no state can hope to attract business and create a vibrant, jobs-producing economy if its budget is
dangerously out of balance. Tough-minded, honest budgeting and transparent long-term planning are needed to
put our State finances on a solid foundation. All interested parties must be willing to sacrifice for the long term
benefit of our state. Illinois cannot afford a continuing shortfall in the revenues necessary to meet our vital
obligations.
Now we know Spring supports revenue enhancements, even though he says they aren't necessarily tax and fee increases. I wonder what his definition of sacrifice is? Not driving his taxpayer-funded car to politicial fundraisers?
Del.icou.us
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Posts: 1
Reply #1 on : Tue July 20, 2010, 06:47:49