Lake County Gazette

Ken Idstein has issued a challenge for legislators regarding property taxes and school funding as he vies for the seat held by Rep. Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) in the 62nd District.

“I challenge all legislators in the state of Illinois, and us citizens, to continue to share concerns about this issue but more so to make suggestions on alternatives,” Idstein, a Republican, told the Lake County Gazette of his growing concern about property taxes being used for school funding.

“I took a call the other day from a resident that was concerned about my comments on a real estate transaction fee as an alternative to property taxes funding schools," he said. "My suggestion of the transaction fee was simply that, another suggestion to bring to the table.”

Grayslake Republican Ken Idstein, running for the 62nd District Illinois State House

With the issue of property taxes being such a central component of Idstein's campaign platform, it’s unlikely his comments won’t be the last made on the subject by the longtime home mortgage industry professional.

“There are many of us that believe that school funding needs to be removed from property taxes,” he said. “I continually envision the gentleman in Wauconda who got very emotional in his driveway as he shared with me that he cannot retire here in Illinois – where his children and grandchildren live. Suggesting that school funding needs to move away from property taxes needs to be in tandem with suggestions of alternatives.”

Idstein is on record with his belief that there needs to be consolidation in government and other reforms enacted in Springfield.

“... My campaign is reaching deep into the thoughts and suggestions of the residents in District 62,” he said. “Together we can work across the aisle and get this done in Springfield.”

He previously pointed to recent Census Bureau data showing that 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.

The 62nd House District includes parts of Grayslake, the Round Lake communities, Hainesville, Wauconda and Gurnee.