Stroger Continues Tax Repeal Veto Waffle

By Marcus Gilmer in News on May 8, 2009 7:00PM

As two more officials refused to jump into the tax repeal fray, Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is finding himself more and more alone on the issue. So much so that he can't even make up his mind as to whether or not he'll make good on his threat to veto the Board's decision to repeal the one-percent tax increase. Aides to Stroger told the Tribune that a decision isn't likely until Monday which also happens to be the last day Stroger could use his veto.

The Trib reports that Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown issued a written statement, saying: "I call for the Cook County Board of Commissioners to handle their fiduciary responsibility, as provided by law, to make the decisions necessary to run county government. I am sure that there are many creative revenue-generating mechanisms that the County Board hasn't even considered." Cook County Clerk David Orr also said he hasn't been contacted by Stroger and added, "..I think the county should focus on reforms and efficiencies."

As for one of Stroger's most vocal opponents, Commissioner Tony Peraica, he's not allowing himself to be deterred by the bizarre threats against him. After police reported shots fired at a neighbor's house were intended for Peraica's home, Peraica said, "Dear friends...in a fight for reform one makes a lot of enemies. I can assure all of you that I will not be deterred and I will not stop." He's also encouraging citizens to call Stroger to pressure The Toddler into accepting the repeal.