The Discussion > City Vehicle Stickers
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Alderman Moylan used the City's vehicle stickers as an example of a fee or tax that could be eliminated with new Casino revenue. After tomorrow's swearing in, I'll be sure to ask Mayor Moylan to clarify. Let me get back to you...thanks Debbie.
Alderman Matt Bogusz
That came up during the Mayoral debate as a possible suggestion for something to do with the Casino money. I personally hope that is not done. The Casino money needs to be spent purely on infrastructure like new streets, sewers, water, street light etc.. and it needs to be spent like there is no tomorrow.
A good example is the most recent fire in the Joliet Casino; Joliet put a lot of their Casino money into day-to-day operations of their City and now that the money has slowed down one because of the fire and two the economy Joliet is running into trouble.
Eric Suevel
Debbie & Eric....I just emailed Mayor Moylan about this issue. I'll report back with some details.
Alderman Matt Bogusz
Here is what Mayor Moylan responded to your questions:
"Concerning the vehicle sticker program and when and if we receive casino revenue one of the uses for such tax revenue I'm proposing is to eliminate the vehicle sticker program and that will be up to the Alderman, and that is only one of the uses, I also propose to:
increase sewer capacity and eliminate combined sewers for better flood protection.
fast track the capital improvement program.
pay down the city dept which will provide tax relief.
These are some if my goals and ideas, and what are some of yours."
Alderman Matt Bogusz
Like I said during the campaign, I think this new casino revenue cannot be relied upon. It is not a sure thing. If we allow this money to make it into our general fund we run the risk of becoming too dependent on this projected revenue.
What should we do with it? We should treat it like our city's "bonus" and not like our "salary." I believe this money should be used to improve essential infrastructure like streets, sidewalks, and sewers. This solution benefits everyone and it's the safest bet for this new revenue.
Alderman Matt Bogusz
There ya go Matt, "casino money cannot be relied upon". Hence the reason you don’t take and get rid of over a million dollars on vehicle stickers. If you end up with a short fall or the casino goes belly up have fun finding a spare million.
It is obvious, at least in writing, you seem to understand and that is a great way of looking at that money; it’s a BOUNUS! The trick is going to be convincing or teaching people why it should not go into day-to-day operations. This could breathe new life into this community or be the death of this community; I hope it’s the first.
The sad part of living here for 50 years and seeing both the citizen side and the City side of things is the apathy of some people and not wanting the best for this City. I read the Chicago magazine article a few years ago comparing Highland Park and Des Plaines and I have to tell you I agree with the author of the article. Des Plaines had/has the ability to be a community like it was years ago where people were wanting to move here, but there has been such a strong overwhelming negative attitude coming from a minority of very vocal people including Aldermen that this City; well, its time for a change! It’s time to move Des Plaines back into a positive direction.
Eric Suevel
1st things first. The Casino monies will not be available for some time like a couple years. An account needs to be set up away from everything else and as the account grows the balance should be spent on city improvements voted on by the council as needed.
Before everyone gets too excited everyone needs to consider if Des Plaines does not have a sticker ($30.00) will we be required to purchase a Cook County sticker for $40.00?
Matt you owe me a phone call. ;-)
Wozzzz
Hi Matt,
First congratulations on your overwhelming win in the 3rd ward, we are excited to have a new face with new ideas.
I know you are new to City Council, but my question is Marty kept advertising that he was going to eliminate city stickets for vehicles. I just received an email to acquire city vehicle stickers by the end of June. When will this new policy be in place and if it's in the next few months will we receive a refund?
I would appreciate if you could find out this information for me.
Debbie