As pained as Ken Idstein is over Illinois’ spiraling out-migration problem, the lifelong Grayslake resident admits he understands why things have come to this.
“Property taxes are the fastest thing rising,” Idstein told the Lake County Gazette. “There needs to be consolidation of duplicative units of government; there needs to be alternative ways of funding schools. There are a lot of things to be considered and discussed as to how we get this problem under control.”
Idstein, running in the GOP primary in the 62nd District for the seat held by Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake), aims to be part of the solution.
In his talks with voters, Idstein said many of them have expressed an openness to adopting a system used in other states where a one-time tax is assessed to the purchase and sale of property as a means of generating revenue for the state.
“From what I hear, many Illinois residents would agree to a one-time fee to have property taxes lowered by as much as 50 percent,” said Idstein, a longtime home mortgage professional.
Idstein points to Census Bureau data showing from July 2015 to July 2016 more than 5,000 people fled Lake County as irrefutable proof something has to give sooner rather than later.
“The leaders in Springfield need to be doing all they can to make things easier for people,” he said, stressing that’s where he sees himself coming in.
“I can reach across the aisle with like-minded legislators to come up with solutions,” he said. "Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and I are childhood friends, I know we can work together to get things done.”
Idstein said rolling back the 32 percent income tax hike that was recently enacted as part of the state budget is something else he plans to work to repel.
“I feel like my message is resonating loud and strong,” he said. “People are reaching out daily to offer their help for my campaign.”
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