RICo voter must see a plan before backing any new taxes

Dr. Richard L. (Bud) Phillis had the following letter in the January 28, 2015 Dispatch/Argus. All government agencies that have taxing authority never seem to be able to live with the revenue raised from taxes. Periodically more taxes are requested via ballot measures. Tax issues need to be addressed across the board. ..... Most taxing bodies often are able to find money for items they feel are important with the money that is available. ..... The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce is discussing a plan to increase the appeal of the Q-C area to businesses and topnotch young professionals. One of the items on their agenda is a 1 percent sales tax across the Q-C area. ..... Most people are aware that the state of Illinois has critical financial problems which seem to require spending cuts, some type of new revenue, public employee pension reform, and growth of businesses and people to be paying taxes. ..... The schools of the area are again asking for a sales tax increase. ..... Last on this list concerns the Rock Island County Board. Over the past decade they have managed to reduce a reserve of over $10 million to about $1 million. The board is going to return using a manager to run Hope Creek Care Center; which was done before and failed. Why do members think it will be any different this time? Has anyone noted that we have not heard about the courthouse recently? Why? A plan for all these things needs to be presented to the voters, such as me, before a decision can be made on which item/s to vote for to raise taxes."