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I AGE If - PLAINDEALER - FRIDAY. MARCH S, 1982 111 Pl.AINDfcALhR Editorial Opinion TV Polling One of the flies in the ointment today is the overuse of polling. An example might be as follows: President Reagan decides to reduce the rate of growth of the food stamp program-to eliminate waste and fraud. Trie local TV station reporter, who may not know much about the program to begin with, embarks with camera man to main street, where he or she stops people on the sidewalk and asks if they like food stamps. Of course, all those getting stamps want them, and probably more. Over hMftprobably don't really know what Reagan is trying to do. Neither the reporter nor the modest chaps questioned really know what is going cm. More misinformation, more ignorance than light is spread in this kind of polling. The moral is that TV reporters should poll people who are supposed to know something about the issues if more light than misinformation is to be disseminated. Teacher Salaries One of the major union efforts of the times is to organize teachers and government workers. Thus a recent study in the field of teacher unions by the Public Service Research council is of current interest. The study examined changes in average classroom teacher salaries in various states to determine the result of collective bargaining by teacher unions in recent years. The surprise-to some at least-was that in states where there is no collective bargaining law for teachers, more than half (65 percent) received pay hikes above the national average in the 10-year period ending in 1980. In states with collective bargaining laws, only half the teachers did. That seems to confirm the finding of a 1970 study reported on in the Industrial and Labor Relations Review, which held that there was no statistically significant positive effect of teacher negotiations on salaries, once variables are taken into account. But, of course, teachers are sometimes underpaid, and some in recent years have resorted to strikes to gain higher pay. Teachers in California, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin have often struck. (All these states have collective bargaining laws.) But, teachers in Illinois and Ohio have struck often also, though in these states there's no such law. The greatest stability is found in the southern states (only Tennessee and Florida have bargaining laws there). In many southern and midwestern states no strikes occurred in the 10-year period. In many, wage increases were above average. Among states with no strikes and higher than average teacher salary increases in the 10-year period were Iowa, North and South Dakota (with bargaining laws) and Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina (without laws). It can be cited, in some states where hikes were large, that there was farther to go to attain the national average. Automatic Tax Credit On Federal Returns When taxpayers file their 1981 federal tax returns this year, they will automatically receive a 1.25 percent tax credit as a result of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, the Internal Revenue Service said. The tax credit, part of a total reduction goal of 23 percent between 198M984, is built into the 1981 Income Tax Table and also reflected in the tax rate schedule computation used by tax­ payers who cannot use the Tax Table. While the credit is 1.25 percent, the actual effect upon each taxpayer depends in part upon the taxpayer's individual cir­ cumstances including such items as marital status and financial investments. The 1.25 percent tax credit corresponds to a 5 percent reduction in the withholding after Sept. 30, 1981. There will be additional 10 percent reductions effective July 1982 and July 1983. A five percent reduction in 1984 will complete the total tax reduction package of 23 percent. Beginning in 1985, the law provides for a new concept called "indexing." "In­ dexing" means that the individual income tax brackets, the personal exemption, and the zero bracket amount will be adjusted for inflation as measured by changes in the Consumer Price Index. For more information concerning the tax reduction credit, and indexing, the IRS offers the free Publication 553, "Highlights of 1981 Tax Changes," available by using the handy order blank in the tax package. Open Meetings Guide Available To Public Illinois Attorney General Ty Fahner has announced that a new Guide To The Illinois Open Meetings Act is available at no charge to public officials, news media organizations, and in­ terested members of the general public. The updated version of the guide was made necessary by changes in the Open Meetings statute which took effect Jan. 1. Attorney General Fahner championed the clarifying amendments through the legislature to correct the confusion presented by the loose, language of the existing statute. On releasing the guide booklet to the public, At- ' PLAINDEALER*^ Letter to the Editor Public Pulse (III* PlatndMl«r InvltM Ml* public to «• (hit column •• on oiprouioa of tfiair vlowi on iufc|o<tt of gonorol Mwotl in our community. Our only roquott It (Hot tfio writers (Ivo llfnoturo. M tMroti on4 phono nunihil. Wroth too. that ono Individual not writ* on tho MM »uh|oct moro thon onco o month. Wo ro«orvo tho riflht to doloto any motorloi which wo contMor llholou* Of in «h|octitnohl« totto ) tomey Genera! Fahner observed, "Open govern­ ment is the foundation of our democratic way of life. To keep government accessible and the public informed, we must insure that the meetings, deliberations, and decisions of government transpire in full public view." Those interested in ob­ taining copies of the Open Meetings guide may do so by wiriting Attorney General Ty Fahner, 500 South Second street, Springfield, 111., 62706. ANNEXATION THOUGHTS "Editor: "On March 16, McHenry residents will have the op­ portunity to vote on an­ nexing the village of McHenry Shores to the city. A number of voters from the Shores petitioned for this annexation through the prescribed legal process and the Circuit court of McHenry County has authorized this issue to be placed on the ballot. "This group of Shores residents became disen­ chanted with their eight- year-old local government when its officers tried to ram through an expensive special assessment road im­ provement program last year and elected a slate of trustees that took over control. After assuming office, the newly elected board members found an imposing debt due to engineering costs on the proposed road program incurred by the previous board and meager tax resources to finance needed village services. Noting the 'economics of size,' members of the group suggested the village seek a merger with McHenry so that their tax dollars would buy equitable services. "McHenry residents might be concerned about the cost impact of the an­ nexation of the village on the city and present residents. However, a review of the additional city revenues that would be received from the Shores suggest that they will substantially offset the cost of any police protection or road maintenance, the two main items which McHenry would assume. The shores residents would still have to finance, possibly through special assessments and grants, proposed im­ provements, first in a sewer system and then on the roads. "Although the Shores would seem to receive the major benefits from the proposed merger, McHenry does have an important reason to approve the proposal. This is control. "Part of the planning for McHenry Shores' new sewer system includes a disposal plant that would serve the Shores, southeast McHenry, and certain unincorporated properties in that area. With the merger of the two municipalities, control of the sewer plant would remain in McHenry city and preclude future disputes on rates and allocations of capacity. "McHenry also has a vital interest in the Shores area because of the proposed hospital construction ad­ jacent. The city council also recently authorized the issuance of industrial bonds for commercial construction on Highpoint road, which is unincorporated but abuts the Shores. "A clue word to possible future problems was spoken by a Shores trustee who opposed the merger and who referred to McHenry as 'the competition.' In the event that the merger question should fail, the shores government would be pressed to increase its tax base and this could lead to massive annexations on the south edge of McHenry. "Competition between small municipalities lead to Doing favors for peo­ ple is habit-forming in both directions. For Your In format ion Door friends. Do at your husband hav* o will? In torn# th* widow can be loft with only '/> of tho ottatc and nothing can bo dono about it. Only 2 to 3% of thi» nation's widows got any monoy at all from tholr husband's privoto-lndustry ponsion plons-ofton bocauso tholr husbands novor bothorod to apply for survivor's bonofits. Rospoctfuliy, (Retirement Widowhood Guldo-AARP) eft PETER M.JISTEN & SON FUNERAL HOME McHENRY, ILLINOIS 385-0063 golden opportunities for sophisticated attorneys of large developers, in­ dustrialists or mining in­ terests in negotiating an­ nexation agreements less favorable to the community. "McHenry residents have only to look south to Crystal Lake to see the results. For years Crystal Lake has contended with Lakewood, which was formed as a village almost inside of city limits, over water and sewer rates and service, boun­ daries and fire protection. Because of Lakewood's dependence on some of Crystal Lake's municipal services, the city, in effect, lost a part of its control over these systems through litigation. Then about 10 years ago when owners of the Turnberry development was dickering with Crystal Lake over subdivision c o n t r o l o r d i n a n c e requirements and amounts of developer contributions, the village president of Lakewood stepped in and offered unconditional an­ nexation. The result was the complete loss of any con­ tributions to the school districts and parks and the negating of any develop­ ments standards that Crystal Lake tried to im­ pose. "More recently, Crystal Lake has been burned by the village of Lake in the Hills, which lies less than three miles to the south. A major gravel company which bought the Crystal Lake airport land and had owned acreage abutting the south city limits requested an­ nexation to Lake in the Hills. "Although protested by Crystal Lake in court, this annexation has apparently gone through along with other gravel pit land which extends to Route 31, ef­ fectively closing off for Crystal Lake any southward expansion or control. Thus Crystal Lake lost its airport and faces the opening of a large gravel pit at the edg&^ of an attractive subdivision,? its city limits. "This example should suggest to McHenry that annexation and control of the Shores area would be in its best interest. Because of public internal reactions in the Shores, the opportunity has been offered to McHenry to receive this area into the city. If rejected now, the chances are that the Shores trustees, present and future, would have to seek other solutions and this could work mischief with McHenry's planning and development in the future. "If the city should reject the request for overtures annexation now, there probably would not be a second chance. "Lloyd Berger" "To the Editor: "The question of the an­ nexation of McHenry Shores by the city of McHenry will soon be placed before each member of these respective communities voting in the March primary. It will also be resolved by these voters. It is a very significant question. No matter which way it is resolved, its resolution will affect the populations of both com­ munities. It is my reasoned opinion that a decision for annexation will be the most advantageous to all. Among the recognised benefits inuring to the city of McHenry are: (1) an in­ creased tax base, including Tonyan Industrial park; (2) parkland and beach property; (3) an excellent method for providing needed* sewage facilities ami waste treatment for our new hospital, for McHenry Shores, and for the future growth In population-no need to sell industrial revenue bonds in a tight and expensive market; (4) single control over traffic and the development of roads in an area destined for stepped-up development. With the advent of the new hospital it is inevitable that ready access to it be provided. "The logic of combining assets and liabilities at this time is irrefutable. Both entities must provide basic services. McHenry Shores must have a sewage facility as does McHenry for its new hospital. Annexation will bring with it unification of purpose and effort. Results: Savings in administrative costs; one additional sewage system providing services for today and the future making effective use of precious dollars. "With the new hospital, the area surrounding it will see commercial growth. McHenry needs this growth. The present and projected outlook for the economy demands it. It will be assured if, as Mayor Stanek and President Panarelli have acknowledged, the competitive posture is eliminated. One community will not suffer at the expense of the other.* "Our boundaries already touch. It should be obvious that given present day economics, competition between adjoining com­ munities does not provide for the long-term welfare of the overall area. Pooling of resources and unification of plans and effort does. "Another important consideration for the McHenry voter is the fact that the citizens of McHenry Shores contribute to the well- being of our business and commercial communities. They may work here. They shop here and, in part, are dependent on McHenry for everyday necessities. "The successful planning and organization of an urban community-McHenry-must ARE YOU NEW IN 1 The McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone New? WE WOULD LIE TO EXTEND A ROYAL WELCOME TO EVERY NEWCOMER TO OUR AREA!!! CALL LORRAINE MONAHAN 305-5475 » urn witurn % ROYAL WELCOME MOW YOUR AKA-MYAl WELCME NES IT KST concern itself with an­ ticipated growth and regional considerations. This has long been a recognized principle of community growth. When social and economic situations of the immediate area, both present and future, are considered, the problems inherent in an­ nexation are significantly outweighed by the long- range benefits that all will enjoy. "I strongly recommend that the voter consider the long-term benefits that will accrue to the City of McHenry as well as the short-term burdens that r easily can be resolved ami­ cably. The present status of the Round Lake-Round Lake Beach area Is visible evidence of a failure to do so. "Respectfully, "Harry H. Semrow, Jr." CONGRESSIONAL RIPOFF "Editor: "I just received a letter from Pittsburg, Pa., with the following message that appeared in a newspaper there. "The writer said the newspaper had been printing many notes from readers expressing their anger and f r u s t r a t i o n o v e r congressional rip-offs and tax breaks. Further, he said no one has come up with an idea - a real method - of showing these greedy lawmakers how many people are really disgusted with this tax-dodging stupidity. "As a suggestion, the writer said, 'How about everyone who is really mad flying a white handkerchief on his car aerial, staring March 1?' "He further urged that what he suggested in Pitt­ sburg should go nation-wide. "How about it, McHenry? Let's join! "M. Sandidge "McHenry »» Small Sally: Mommy, why does it rain? Mother: To make things grow. To give us apples, pears, corn flowers . . . Small Sally: Then why does it rain on the sidewalk? JACK WALSH, AGENT EARL 1 WALSH, BROKER INSURANCE ft BONDS Hr*, Auto, Form, life hpwwiillin MUASlt COMPANIES SOU W. Kim tt., McH*nry W W W DENNIS CONWAY AUTO. UK. FIRf State Farm Irs. C& Ml? W. ElmStrMt McHenry. HI. Ifclink, LAWYER JAMES NJ AyAttASLE TO "SACTSCS !M: Personal Infury/Trials Will*/Probst* Dlvorc*-R*al fst«ta Workman's Compansatlon 14M W. ilm Str**t, McHanry. Ml For --olnlm»nl phon*i3S6-2440 Farm Equipment George P. Freund,Inc ^o^e*New ̂ tolloiic 4102 W. Crystal LakaRd. Bus.385-0420 Res.385-0227 DR. LEONARD BOTTAM ii tyas Isamlnad-Caiilatl lamas Olasias FHtad Mo«i.. TIM*., Thurs. Frl. 4-4 pat Twos.. THwrs. Frl. 7-9 pm Sat. WiaaailM 4III or 3M-1MI HBTT-- OFFICE MACHINES SAKS. SIRVICI ft MMTALS Friday tH f:00 91 Grant it.. Crystal Lotto rkono:4»-122* ft Pays To Advtrtise In Tbt Plaiidealer I i r e l l i RADIAL TIRES ~ FOR ALL CARS Europa Motors, Inc. 2318 Rta. 120 815-3S5-0700 Copytt! FINEST QUALITY COPYING WITH OUR NEW 8200 Automated Xerox Copier S* us, also, for every kind of printing n««dl McHenry Printing Services 3909 W. MAIN 386-7690 TRAILERS HORSi « CATTll TkAllERS DUMP FLATBEDS CAR HAULERS TRAILER HITCHES ((XPERT INST All ATION) RUNNING IOAROS 0RADEN WINCHES ADAMS ENTERPRISES 301/W ilt 120 McHanry 11 tl» MS SV0 From WashJngtoriI By UA Representative Lynn Martin In our attempt to set this country back on a productive economic track, we are looking for ways to keep our spending habits in line with our revenues. One solution has been to cut back federally funded programs- thus cutting our spending. I would like to address another solution which is often initially dismissed as a minimal tool, if not strictly a "PR" gimic. I suggest that the elimination of waste, fraud and abuse can add up and is gravely important to an attitude change for federal employees and all of us who deal with the federal government. The General Accounting office has just released some figures for the operation of its hotline to report waste, fraud or abuse. Since its inception in January of 1979, the GAO hotline has received ova- 35,000 calls from all across the country. Of those calls, 6,700 alleged criminal wrongdoing that warranted further investigation and were sent to the Inspector General for detailed study. A total of 4,824 substantiated claims of criminal wrongdoing came from these, and 1,924 cases of poor management. That's almost a one in five record. The types of tips •ranged from allegations of welfare cheating, food stamp fraud and those cheating on income tax to orivate use of government property and the misuse of government grant funds. Allegations involved all of the 18 cabinet departments with the top five being 1) Health and Human Services, 2) Department of Defense, 3) the Internal Revenue Ser­ vice (Treasury), 4) Department of Labor, and 5) the Department of Housing and Uroan Development It is interesting to note that 70 percent of the calls came from the public and 30 percent were from federal employees. Illinois ranks number 13 in the number of substantive cases received by GAO when compared to the rest of the nation. California ranked first, Washington, D.C., second, and Texas, third. Total number of cases from Illinois - 188 as compared with the 773 figure from California. So, as you see, the GAO hotline has had a successful three years, and according to their office they have been "swamped" so far this year. Exact dollar savings have been impossible to calculate so far, although GAO is working on computing a figure soon. They say it is well into the millions of dollars. The national toll free fraud hotline in Washington is (800) 424-5454, and they want to hear about any wrongdoing involving federal funds or a federal agency. Bidding For Business Retailers know that to make a sale you must first get customers into the store. A t t r a c t i v e w i n d o w displays can play a part in convincing customers to enter, and McHenry County college is holding a seminar designed to teach the techniques for making ex­ citing, creative window displays. The seminar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, will include instruction in dressing manikins, draping and hanging clothing, "flying" clothes and use of props. Because the total picture in the window is important, the seminar will also include using a theme, accessorizing the window, cleanliness of the area and lighting the area. To register for the seminar, report to the college campus on Route 14 at Lucas road. Registration hours are 8 a.m., to 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mon­ days through Thursdays. On Friday the hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. SERVICE LINE , McHENRY CHAMBER OK COMMERCE M5-4WO FAMILY SERVICE t MENTAL HEALTH CtlNIC 5409 W. Woukogon Road McHonry 335-4400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE McHonry County 24 hours a day, 7 day* a wook Parents Anonymous mootings on Tuosdoy. Coll SI 5-344-3944 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-S22-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-S550 Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. wook days (Evor had a problem Involving tho federal government and net known where to collf And thon been given the ru no round or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how to holpf Ten sfwdallsts available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWtTCHSOARD Illinois Phone: S00-97240B4 (For confidential conversations on problems dealing with run­ away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone *00-424-9213 (Complaints about Intorstato moving by companies, buses or trains. Sponsored by Interstate Com mere* commission.) CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Phono 300-433-2544 (For Questions or Complaints on products ranging from toys to ovens} NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 800-424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether a particular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those Interested In buying a used car.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES 24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline TOU FREE: 300-252-2878 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 100438-2444 (Operates ftvo national lines. Answers Inquiries about or repor­ ting on the safety of products from kitchen appliances to children's toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEATING AND COOUNG INFORMATION CSNTER 800-523-2929 P.O. Sox 1507 Rock villa, Md. 20850 (Dispenses Information on solar systems for hooting and cooling to anyono from architects to homo owners looking for a sun- powered hul -water systom.) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312-793-3580 Chicago, III* \J BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Holpf Counseling Service. 355 2991.24 hour . YOUTH SERVICE SUREAU FOR McHENRY COUNTY . 4719 W. Elm St.. McHenry Phono: 344-3240 24 bear Crisis Intervantlon and Canfldsntial CaunsaUng for ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTUNE Phonal 217-522-5514 Answor to qw actions on govarnmant MENTAL HEALTH 1-300-392-3900 Crisis Cantor Una <o» McHanry Co. 24 Hour Emsrgancy numbsr bad prsfsnnls wal sDaff wW us wr your ccM. Spansortng agancy McHonry County Comprehensive Mental Haalth Sarvlca System. NATIONAL NRDOIWDORHObO WATCH ASSOCIATION Post Office Bex 17480 Washington, D.C.. 28B41 Phone (733) 471-S4S4 McHENRY COUNTY CETAOUTRBACH CSNTER 544RusselCt. Woodstock, N 53093 (818)333-7103 J6B TRAINING OPPRRBD McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR THE RETARDED RobortG. Lambourn, Bxactlvo Director Phone:344-1236