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(Originally appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times, March 2000) By the Sun-Times Editorial Board An Illinois House committee last week passed up a chance to spare Cook County property owners the expense of hiring a lawyer to appeal their tax assessments. Those lawmakers can expect to hear howls of protest in the coming months when those property owners get their new tax assessments in the mail. The criticism will be well deserved. Chicago and suburban residents who appeal tax assessments must hire a lawyer to represent them before the three-member Cook County Board of Review. There is no logical reason that one home or business has been assessed higher than a comparable home or business nearby. No legal assistance is required when property owners present appeals to the Assessor's office, and none should be required at the next stage. The House committee's "no" vote flies in the face of sensible reform and voters' demand for tax relief. It also gives credence to critics' claim that the status quo assures the three board members will continue to receive campaign contributions from lawyers. Taxpayers should remember that when they get their bills ? and when the review board members are up for election in 2002. CFAT News Source news@fairtaxes.net Spare the Lawyers |
