Sam Yingling Proposes 30% Cut to Elected Official Salary

This evening at its monthly board meeting, Avon Township Supervisor Sam Yingling will introduce a resolution to reduce the salaries of all Township elected officials by approximately 30%.  He will also propose a measure that will require elected officials to contribute a portion of their health benefits.  Currently, taxpayers pick up the tab for the full cost of health benefits. 

If adopted, this will be the single largest reduction in compensation to elected officials in Lake County, possibly the State of Illinois.

“I never intended to run for public office,“ said Yingling, “but when I saw the previous administration approve egregious pay hikes for elected officials, I had to take action.”

Illinois law prevents townships from changing salaries during a current administration.  Yingling believes Illinois’ Property Tax and Township Codes are in desperate need of an overhaul.  He has become a vocal advocate for reform to the codes.  “Illinois has more layers of government than any other state.   The current law promotes inefficiencies, often favoring elected officials at the expense of taxpayers.” 

Cutting waste and creating greater efficiency in government are among the main reasons Yingling is running against Sandy Cole for State Representative in the new 62nd District:

“Taxpayers have had enough.  I’ve had enough.  Cole has consistently voted against reform.  She simply doesn’t get it.  Just last month she voted against modifying her own taxpayer funded pension.  Her reason: It was political.  We need to send a message to Cole and every other elected official that we expect them to save taxpayer money at every opportunity.  Taxpayers are sick and tired of self-serving politicians like Cole placing blame on others and seeking to protect their own pocketbooks. Voters want action now! “

Since Yingling took the reigns as Avon Township Supervisor, he has voluntarily returned the pay raises put in place by the previous administration.  He has also cut the Township’s tax levies by 22%, cut spending by about the same amount, while increasing services – including a program giving property tax assistance to seniors and veterans.