Past President Marie Kuipers chaired the meeting.
Laura Cunningham offered a Thought of the Day:
From Ed Rendell, former governor of Pennsylvania:
From Ed Rendell, former governor of Pennsylvania:
"For my part, I make this pledge to you: The politics of division, of pitting east against west, urban versus rural, region against region, and people against people will have no place in my administration.”
Guests: Kathy Tate-Bradish from the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club and League of Women Voters, Betty Hayford from the League of Women Voters, and Barb Tubekis’s brother, Gary Martin.
We also welcomed member Felicia O’Malley back to our meeting after a long absence.
There were no birthdays or anniversaries to report.
Fred welcomed Kathy and Betty of the League of Women Voters and pointed out that his mother, his wife Ellie, and Joe Fells’ wife Karen have been long time active members of the League.
Barb reported that she has had an initial meeting with the Rotary Club of Wilmette to begin planning for a community needs assessment. Other members are invited to join this multi-club committee.
Barb also reported that the “twinning” project between the Volunteer Center and a volunteer center in England is about to begin. This project will pair “elder” citizens from both communities together to share experiences and develop friendships. Rich, Wes and Marie have volunteered to participate. Anyone else interested should contact Barb.
Happy Bucks-
- Our speaker Kathy is happy that she will be babysitting twin grandsons after our meeting.
- John Peterson is happy for the role John Thomas played in planning the Winnetka Lake Front Master Plan, which is making great progress. Video updates can be seen on the Park District’s web page.
- Marie is happy that he “trigger thumb” has been surgically repaired.
Dig ‘n Grin- David Birkenstein shared some humorous observations about the Chicago Bears.
Program: The League of Women Voters provided arguments in favor of the proposed graduated state income tax that is on this fall’s ballot. A contrary argument will be made at our October 15 meeting. Arguments include:
- The state needs more revenue. Spending cuts cannot solve the pension liabilities and spending on core state services are down substantially over several decades.
- The current flat tax system is unfair, poses too big a burden on those with low incomes, and does not raise enough money. Low income people currently pay a far greater percentage of their incomes in taxes (all taxes) than higher income tax payers.
- The ballot proposal does not increase taxes on anyone making $250,000 or less. It is unlikely that the legislator would subsequently raise taxes on middle class taxpayers due to political concerns.
- History in other states and in Illinois suggests that few millionaires will leaves the state as result.
- To see the entire presentation, click here.