Aldermen Approve Mayor's Taxes, Budget

By Margaret Lyons in News on Nov 13, 2007 10:40PM

The City Council passed Mayor Daley's insane budget with a vote of 36-14. Only in Chicago is that "a departure from the overwhelming victories" of years past. The tax package was a closer call, but still passed 29-21.

The approved plans include doubling the phoneline surcharge to $2.50 per month to support the city's 911 centers, raising the tax on wine and beer, a 5-cent tax on bottled water, higher parking tickets, and dozens of other charges.

Here's the money quote from the Trib:

Supporters and opponents agreed that their residents were upset at the costs, especially the $86 million increase in the property tax.

"Whether you vote for or against this, you will not be happy about this vote. And the citizens and the residents certainly will not be," said Ald. Virginia Rugai (19th), who voted for the budget.

In other words, No one is happy, least of all the people I represent, and I, an alderman in a position to do something about this, choose instead to do nothing.

Cool City Hall shot by Michael L