catalyst-chicago.org

Ralph Martire, an enthusiastic numbers cruncher, had just finished explaining the details of his school finance reform plan at a town meeting in Grayslake when state Sen. Wendell Jones weighed in.

Martire's plan, which would lower property taxes and raise the state sales and income taxes, may make economic sense, said Jones, a Republican from northwest suburban Palatine. But it would fail politically, he continued. "Here's why," Jones explained, turning to the audience of 75 to 100 people. "Who's willing to pay higher sales and income taxes?"