On Thursday, Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor released a video that was abnormal even for her in terms of its dishonesty. Taylor has long established herself as a politician who will mislead voters but her latest installment is beyond the pale. Her video lied about municipal bonds, road improvements and taxes, among other claims.
“Debt from the previous mayor”
In her video, Taylor claims she paid off $50 million in debt left over from the previous administration. That is a total misrepresentation. There were municipal bonds issued by previous administrations but not debt wracked up by the last one as Taylor would have you believe. Municipal bonds are a common vehicle used to fund large projects. Two of the most noteworthy ones in Waukegan were the bond to fund the Genesse Theatre renovation and capital improvements such as roads, bridges and lead pipe replacement during the Cunningham administration.
“88 million spent on infrastructure improvements”
That figure is dramatically inflated. If Taylor had actually spent that much money on roads, residents wouldn’t be rattling through crumbling concrete on Washington Street or bouncing through pot holes on Genesse. She is instead taking credit for the capital improvements began by the previous mayor when municipal bonds were issued and about $7 million per year was allocated, which continues. Taylor interestingly voted against both as alderwoman. Now she inflates the number and claims she did it. The American Rescue Plan from the Joe Biden administration is the source of about $18 million for the city, not a financing measure from Taylor.
“No Property Tax Increase”
Taylor once again made the false claim alleging the previous mayor raised property tax bills by 13%. The Waukegan portion of a property tax bill is about 6%. The city levy would have to had go up by 110% in order for this to be accurate. Her claims is fiction. Taylor knows a thing or two about taking money from homeowners and businesses. Since being sworn in as Mayor of Waukegan, revenue from fines, fees, permits have ballooned, sometimes by as much as 160%. While Taylor did not raise the city levy, the increases amount to a back door tax. The money taken comes from your pockets but by other methods.
“Balanced Budget”
Taylor also claims she balanced the budget. As we reported, there is a $7 million dollar FY25 shortfall. It is in the top level budget numbers and stated clearly in the 488 page document. A budget which spends $245 million on revenue of $238 million is not a balanced one.
A Track Record of Dishonesty
Taylor is the same politician who as alderman seconded a measure to raise water rates, voted yes and then attacked her opponent during her campaign. Taylor is also the same politician who claimed she needed to be elected in order to “bring order to the chaos” citing a sexually oriented rumor she was spreading about a female city employee. The rumor was entirely false, created a hostile work environment and cost taxpayers over $130k.
A politician who lies so blatantly is disrespecting the people she is supposed to be serving. Mayor Ann Taylor thinks you are not smart enough to know better. She is disrespecting you.