If you could change Illinois ??? (Chicago, Oregon: renters, buy, landlords) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

linicx · 10-24-2011, 01:49 PM

^^^
You have to remember something... Chicago has the largest voting bloc. The rest of us are left swinging in the wind to fend for ourselves. Springfield should be the capitol of Chicago. Afterall, Cook County and Chicago are large enough to be a state.

linicx · 10-24-2011, 02:23 PM

The people who voted IL the worst designated highway system have never driven on I-5 in California or set foot in Chicago. Curse 'em or bless 'em Chicago engineers know how to move traffic. I'd rather be stuck in traffic in Chicago where I know I can exit when I want rather than be stuck on !-5 where there is no exit for miles and miles in any direction especially at 6:30am..

IL2AK4job · 10-24-2011, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linicx

^^^
You have to remember something... Chicago has the largest voting bloc. The rest of us are left swinging in the wind to fend for ourselves. Springfield should be the capitol of Chicago. Afterall, Cook County and Chicago are large enough to be a state.

They already think theyare!

Matt Kim · 10-24-2011, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linicx

The people who voted IL the worst designated highway system have never driven on I-5 in California or set foot in Chicago. Curse 'em or bless 'em Chicago engineers know how to move traffic. I'd rather be stuck in traffic in Chicago where I know I can exit when I want rather than be stuck on !-5 where there is no exit for miles and miles in any direction especially at 6:30am..

I've driven both, and I'd have to say, comparing apples to apples, urban areas, Chicago is worse.

linicx · 10-25-2011, 01:08 AM

I don"t know what urban area you are talking about. I drove from SD to N of LA to pick up I-40 outside of Flagstaff. It was miserable. The next few trips were in and out on !-10; it was bad enough. I'll still take Chicago. At least I can exit at the nearest ramp.

cubssoxfan · 10-25-2011, 03:57 PM

End state pensions for all new hires and let them enroll in a 401K with a modest state contribution. Reform the current pension systems so they don't bankrupt us. End the practice of state pols assigning friends and family to state boards and oversight commitees where they get paid a years wage for 4-14 meetings a year. Immediately eliminate the double dipping of pensions that has been outlined recently in the Chicago Tribune! Get rid of Madigan, Cullerton, Quinn and the Democratic majority and put in business oriented reformers who will slay the deficit dragon and enact laws and policies that attract business to the state and alleviate our high property tax bills.

linicx · 10-25-2011, 05:52 PM

The only way to avoid high real estate taxes is to not buy a house.

cubssoxfan · 10-26-2011, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linicx

The only way to avoid high real estate taxes is to not buy a house.

True, but when I see the multipliers being increased and I see what the $ amount is for pensions I get upset. I am not saying we do away with pensions, and my views may be skewed by "high profile examples" but when I look at salaries that school administrators make and other managers make, it has gotten out of hand. Then when I look at what they get in pension$, doubly mad. These higher earners should pay more out of pocket towards their retirement. I thought the pension was designed to replace social security, since they don't pay in, and give the lower earning workers a fair retirement. The system has gotten away from this.

ccjarider · 10-26-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linicx

The only way to avoid high real estate taxes is to not buy a house.

Not true.
Unless you are homeless, you pay property tax.

linicx · 10-27-2011, 12:43 AM

I have to agree Cubsoxfan some pensions are outrageous. It is my understanding that years ago teachers could not apply for SS, so the only option was the teacher's pension. Today I think teachers can contribute to both. How administrators are paid is a mystery to me, bit it may be tied to how large the school system is. On another note, forty-years ago when companies like CAT were not making billion dollar profits every quarter they gave small pensions and 95% free health benefits to employee, spouse and children. Then office calls were $25 and doctors made house calls. None of us could have predicted office calls would increase 100% for 75% less care by doctors who are barely qualified to have certification. I would agree real estate taxes in Chicago are obnoxious until you get south of Kankakee County. The drive into Chicago to work everyday would be obnoxiousm too. I don't know what there will be an answer until the real estate and Wall Street settles. The threat of Arab oil selling possibly as high as $200 per barrel is making everyone jittery. I think part of the solution is to get the American credit rating upticked to where it was.

No, CC, if you do not own a home in Illinois you do not pay real estate taxes. Illinois has no personal property tax, either. I am quite sure some landlords take part of rent to pay their real estate tax, but the landlord has a different tax burden than the homeowner, as does the homeowner who also owns a vaction or second home in Illinois. Taxation is why some Il residents own a second home in neighbor states.