Letter to the Editor: No Extra Sales Tax for Deerbrook

I personally think a one percent shoppers tax going into the pocket of a Deerbrook developer - on top of the Cook County's steep 10.5 sales tax (one of the highest in the nation) - is excessive and might even kill patronage at the shopping center.

Seniors on fixed incomes and the less affluent will likely be discouraged to shop there, and merchants will probably lose business. Seems like their must be a better way to save this troubled property. I appreciate the fact that the Village Board of Trustees is proceeding slowly in this process. It does need considerable study.

The recent loss of several businesses in our community illustrates that we can't take them for granted. Other nearby communities are aggressively recruiting them. We need to create an effective Economic Development Commission who will promote Deerfield and attract and retain business.

Ed Collins, Deerfield