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* From the RGA…
Do As I Say, Not As I Do: Illinois Dem Gov Candidate Chris Kennedy Caught Using Tax Reduction He Attacked
After spending months railing against property taxes on the campaign trail, a new report shows that Illinois Democrat gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy’s rhetoric does not match his actions. POLITICO has revealed that Kennedy, who has criticized Illinois’ property tax appeal system as a way of giving “lucrative tax breaks to politically connected insiders,” used the same process he condemned to pursue an appeal for a 20 percent tax reduction on his home in suburban Chicago.
POLITICO reports:
“Democrat Chris Kennedy has made Illinois property taxes — among the highest in the nation — a focus of his campaign for governor. He’s railed against an appeal system that he has likened to “extortion” for kicking lucrative tax breaks to politically connected insiders with high-powered lawyers.
But even as Kennedy took to social media and forums to complain about a ‘rigged system,’ he was actively pursuing a second property tax appeal of his own — asking for a 20 percent reduction for his personal home in the Chicago suburb of Kenilworth.
Kennedy then quietly withdrew his appeal request, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO, seven days after a story surfaced that was critical of property tax reductions won by his chief primary opponent, billionaire J.B. Pritzker.
‘Dear board members, please withdraw the above-referenced complaint for the 2016 assessment year,’ said the letter, dated May 19.
It was penned by Kennedy’s attorneys, Tully & Associates, a firm has donated at least $60,000 to members of the board that considers such requests. The firm also represented Kennedy and business partners when they won a nearly 63 percent reduction in one of the buildings under development, according to Crain’s Chicago.”
Chris Kennedy’s message to Illinois voters is clear: do as I say, not as I do. Kennedy’s decision to engage in this level of hypocrisy shows voters that they can’t trust him to tell the truth or govern effectively.
Meh. He withdrew it. Nobody busted him out first. He did it on his own. I just have trouble getting all worked up about this. Maybe I’m wrong. Your thoughts?
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 1:43 pm
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I’m not worked up about it.
I do think Kennedy’s chances of being Cook County Assessor had been greatly reduced…
… but, I’m not bothered.
Rauner had multiple homeowner exemptions “rolling” at one point.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 1:47 pm
I’m actually encouraged. Means he has someone competent on his staff.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 1:47 pm
Snore. I favor a graduated income tax rate, yet I still pay a lower flat rate–I suppose I’m a hypocrite for that also.
Comment by JPC Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 1:49 pm
Kennedy has much bigger problems than this, namely his lack of charisma, bizarro (non)position on legal pot, and inability to articulate a clear, progressive vision of Illinois that Democrats can rally around.
Comment by Dr. M Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 1:50 pm
he won’t even make it on the ballot so why are they wasting their time? Heck they should want him as their opponent.
Comment by Spliff Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 1:52 pm
No mention of him removing toilets to get reduction in property taxes. Seems like a non-issue.
Comment by SKI Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:04 pm
You could certainly, credibly, argue that the appeal system is messed up, and still, with merit, appeal your assessed value. It’s the only system there is.
Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:08 pm
It illustrates Kennedy’s hypocrisy and self righteous attitude. He only withdrew it after the issue erupted for JB.
Comment by issue Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:09 pm
Kennedy seems charismatic enough to me. Met and seen him speak. Many of us have protested our taxes. That’s the system.
Big opportunity for Kennedy. Pritzker seems to be the status quo candidate that the electorate doesn’t like.
Comment by Bee Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:10 pm
Why can’t you file an appeal while complaining about the unfairness of the appeals process? I don’t get it.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:12 pm
It’s ok to appeal your property taxes.
It’s not ok to appeal your property taxes while you holler at other people for doing it.
Comment by Buster crab Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:13 pm
meh.
Its like Kennedy, tepid and mostly uninteresting
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:14 pm
“But, but, I’m a Kennedy!”
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:24 pm
Honest mistakes don’t rise to the level where they should be fatal.
Not even breaking a sweat, let alone worked up.
Comment by A guy Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:49 pm
Everyone has a right to protest their assessment. I don’t think that’s dirty. His attack was for Pritzker using some legally questionable tactics, not the overall right to contest your assessment.
Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:55 pm
Everybody should appeal their assessments every year, or at least check out the value of the property relative to the assessed valuation. Just because the system is lacking does not mean you should not participate in the process.
Comment by taxrate62 Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 2:56 pm
This is truly a non-story. First, being against high property taxes is not inconsistent with filing an appeal. Second, it is simple to file an appeal. Everyone can do it, not just the powerful and connected. Third, he withdrew the appeal on his own (that’s the only part of the story I slightly dislike–he should have stuck to his guns)..
Comment by Quiet Sage Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 3:07 pm
If this is his worst scandal, it’s a molehill compared to JB’s mountain range. What’s worse? Bringing your behavior in line with your rhetoric? Or refusing to apologize or own any blame at all for a laundry list of transgressions?
Comment by Mrs Robinson Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 5:45 pm
This is much to do about nothing.
Comment by Mama Thursday, Jul 27, 17 @ 6:01 pm
Whats the rub ? He made a finacial decsion to appeal, why would he not if he felt he was overpaying? Then he made a politcal decision. He should have stayed the course, most folks vote their pocket book and respect financial common sense.
Comment by NorthsideNoMore Friday, Jul 28, 17 @ 1:15 am