October 17, 2024
Dear editor;
I am writing in support of the Kane County Forest Preserve Land Preservation and Preserve Improvement referendum November 5.
It wasn’t that long ago this area was more rural and less developed. The widespread congestion we have now is a stark reminder of the rapid changes Kane County has undergone over the past 25 years, to the point where we now face increased flooding, depletion of our underground water supplies, a shortage of open space, and higher taxes for schools and roads.
Now we have the opportunity to make another small investment that will pay big dividends in our quality of life- about $3 a month for the average homeowner. That’s a small price to pay to preserve, protect and maintain open space in Kane County. In addition, the Kane Forest Preserve District will be lowering property taxes beginning in 2026 due to their responsible financial management. So even if this referendum passes, our forest preserve tax bills will still be going down after the next two years, while preserving and restoring additional open space and natural lands to be enjoyed by our families and future generations.
This additional funding will be used for increasing wildlife habitat particularly along rivers and streams, increasing aquifer recharge, improving water and air quality, and adding to existing forest preserves for more outdoor recreation for us all.
With land prices skyrocketing and the amount of natural lands dwindling, we must act now to preserve our last remaining open space for our children and our grandchildren before they are lost to development.
Please join me in voting yes for the Kane County Forest Preserve Land Acquisition and Preserve Improvement Referendum November 5.
John Rogner, Elgin