Letter to the Editor:

Candidate Jonathan Greenberg possesses the independence, character, and fiscal common sense sorely
needed in the Illinois House.  His opponent, ten-year incumbent and House Pension Committee Chair Elaine Nekritz, is an entrenched part of Illinois’ dysfunctional go-along, get-along politics.

Last April, many of those fortunate enough to still have jobs were no doubt dismayed to pay more in
taxes while their incomes stagnated (or shrank). This unfair 67% income tax increase (passed in a lame-duck session) was supported by Nekritz, along with an
ill-conceived tax on the businesses we so desperately need to create and keep jobs.  During her lengthy tenure, Nekritz has also gone along with party-bosses in Springfield on other legislation that has impaired Illinois’ fiscal stability, such as irresponsibly suspending State pension contributions.

Now, top leaders in Springfield are proposing to dump State pension liabilities on local property tax payers, which would result in significant increases to our already
too-high property taxes.  Will Nekritz again go along, punishing citizens for the negligent governance that occurred on her watch?  Her fancy mailing on “pension reform” proclaims that she is “putting her foot down,” but doesn’t actually specify a single position she holds or action she’ll take.  Equally disingenuous are her ludicrous attacks
suggesting that Greenberg, an ordained Reform (i.e. liberal/egalitarian) Rabbi among other accomplishments, is somehow anti-women’s rights or lacks compassion.

Illinois taxpayers literally cannot afford more of Nekritz’ politics-as-usual.  What is needed are real advocates like
Jonathan Greenberg who will confront the serious issues facing Illinois today and take a stand to keep taxes in check and rein in out-of-control state spending.

Mark Gussin, Northbrook