Businesses Deserve Fair, Consistent Rules

The following Letter to the Editor states the opinions of the author. Patch is providing a platform for writers to express their views. 

 THE “ANTI-BUSINESS” HOAX

Just as we thought we were finished with a contentious national election, we are suddenly thrust into a contentious local election. Argumentive words can be easily thrown around and certainly have been at public meetings by people who should know better. Accusations that trustees are “anti-business” because they want to establish specific procedures for changing tax status are false and serve no useful purpose.

Businesses want and deserve a level playing field. It provides an equal opportunity for those who are willing to risk it. My wife and I were excited about the idea of starting a business here in Niles. It was a chance, but we took it. Most people want to be their own boss and we did too. We begged, borrowed and broke open the proverbial piggy bank because we wanted to make a better life for our kids. We chose Niles because we lived here and felt that we could commercially serve our community.

Earlier:

It is almost laughable to claim that a business owner like me is “anti-business” because I want systemized, open, fair and equal rules about changing the tax status for a business already here. What will we hear next? That a teacher is “anti-education?” That a carpenter is “anti-construction?” That a librarian is “anti-reading?” That a clergyman is “anti-religion?” It would be nonsense. Every business in Niles benefits from having other healthy businesses in Niles. A rising tide lifts all ships. Name-calling is nothing but cheap street theatre and in reality is a hoax. No business problem should ever become a tool for politicians to claim the false so that the truth is clouded.

Time for a dose of reality.

Almost all of the large communities that surround Niles have clearly written rules regarding what information is needed for a village board to approve tax status. These rules for applications provide the information to make fair and equal decisions. And that is good and proper. One of the pillars of our wonderful US

The Constitution provides EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW. Equal protection means equal application. Period. Businesses are like citizens; they want to know what the rules are and that the rules are enforced equally and without favoritism.

Niles can no longer lag behind in this process. Fortunately there are other trustees who see this sensible approach in dealing with this issue. We will put into place procedures which are clear and fair to the businesses. Elected officials should approach village policy with prudence, not provocative and meaningless name-calling.

By Chris Hanusiak

Niles Village Trustee

Note: Mr. Hanusiak has declared his candidacy for mayor of Niles in the April 9 election.

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