-- Connecting the dots between our economy, government and business --
My parents were just two of the many immigrants attracted to Illinois decades ago. I’m thankful for the opportunity they got, even though life for them was never easy. The ups and downs were many and real. But Illinois was the place where with deep faith and a strong work ethic, anyone could grit it out.
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While Sandoval held significant power over transit agencies as the chairman of the Illinois Senate’s Transportation Committee, his daughter and daughter-in-law were hired by the CTA — after his son was hired by another transit agency, the Pace bus system.
Three months ago, new Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi sent a letter to more than 1,100 homeowners in New Trier Township all but promising them a surprise property tax break because they live on a floodplain.
It’s now clear they’re not going to get it.
The taxes stink. But it’s the real-world incentives of horribly designed public policy that is driving developers away. Given the environment, it’s not going to stop. In Illinois, property rights aren’t really respected in the classical capitalistic model. Coase works.
Comment: It looks like even Rich Miller is heading to the lifeboats on the S.S. Madigan-Cullerton. He says, “I’ve always told people I know that if you mess up, I cannot and will not help you.” Translation: I know what you do, but if you get caught….”
Frank Cortese is a lobbyist who helped secure state grants for Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, where he now runs a gaming company that’s taken in more than $12 million over the last three years.
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