March 16, 2019
Dear editor;
Incumbent Oswego Village president, Gail Johnson, has been fiscally irresponsible.
For example: Taxing: Sales tax from 0.5% to 1.25%; 1% food and beverage tax; increased water fees by $2.70/100 cubic feet. Borrowing: $24 Million TIF proven unnecessary by two prior administrations. Spending: Slashed developer fees resulting in $1,558 and $1,993 less per home/townhome (respectively) for our school district; waived all development fees for the TIF project and gave land and cash to developer for free. Recently gave away valuable buildings to wealthy restaurant owners.
Joe West voted with Gail Johnson on virtually every issue, including the TIF over the past four years. Only one of his three trustee candidates ever has voted in Oswego (Mr. Ghaemi) and then only once. One is responsible to vote before one governs.
I will vote for Troy Parlier and James Marter, Brian Thomas, and Terry Olson. Troy and his team are smart, conservative, thoughtful, and leaders. They have pledged to attempt to cut taxes by reviewing all past tax increases; investigating options to deal cost-effectively with the TIF budget; reviewing costs added to the Village by the Gail Johnson administration; energizing efforts to bring new business into Oswego, especially high tech; and removing barriers to business growth.
Leonard R Wass
Precinct committeeman Oswego 10
Oswego