Forest chief criticizes tax idea

By Marni Pyke Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Wednesday, July 28, 2004


Usually, referendum proposals generate plenty of angry debate among taxpayers.

But before it's even finalized that a tax-increase question will go to the public, DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners are waging war with themselves over the issue.

Board members Tuesday heard a financial expert detail plans to borrow between $30 million and $60 million to buy open space in the county.

If the district were to borrow $30 million, the owner of a $275,000 house would pay $5 annually for 20 years. A $60 million loan would cost that same taxpayer $9.80 a year, according to Thomas Gavin of Robert W. Baird and Co., Naperville financial consultants.

After that presentation, Board President Dewey Pierotti blasted commissioners for backing the referendum, saying the momentum to go to the voters is political.

"I won't support any referendum unless it's founded in a sound plan," Pierotti said. "I don't want to go out and ask the people of DuPage County for a blank check."

Instead, Pierotti said, the district should concentrate on improving and operating its existing properties and offering more educational opportunities for residents.

He also criticized commissioners for focusing on buying land for their individual districts.

"It should be for the total picture. If you want to be that parochial, someone should not be in public office," Pierotti said.

That contention drew the ire of Commissioner Wallace Brown of Downers Grove who is a driving force behind the referendum.

"I want the public to have the opportunity to vote on it," Wallace said. "I'm tired of hearing about how much it's going to cost to operate."

Brown supports dividing the proceeds of a voter-approved tax increase among the six districts. He said people should have forest preserves close to where they live.

"We need places for people to enjoy themselves and have the solitude of the woods," Brown said.

Commissioner Roger Kotecki of Carol Stream said as DuPage's population increases, the county needs to acquire more land to serve the growth.

"Our quality of life is heavily related to open space," Kotecki said. "

Commissioner Carl Schultz of Aurora said the board was a deliberative one that "didn't make knee-jerk decisions."

But he added, "I do think there are land opportunities available now that won't be available if we put it off too much longer.

Pierotti's concerns were echoed by district Executive Director Brent Manning, who said the district's resources are stretched to maintain the current land holdings.