Opposition to Cook County's new beverage tax is under siege by local chambers of commerce that are calling for a recall in an effort to provide some relief for local restaurants and stores.
A vote to repeal the controversial tax was expected to be taken Oct. 10.
North Cook News asked Jon Rider, executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, for his take on the situation.
Q: What is your position on the call for repeal?
A: Imposing additional taxes on small business always negatively effects our economy. These additional costs come directly out of the pockets of the owners and employees. If it was scaled back, it would be easier to absorb and manage.
Q: How have your chamber members been affected by the beverage tax?
A: Our restaurants are paying more for their products and consumers are doing the same.
Q: Do you think there is a chance the tax will be repealed due to opposition?
A: Only if the cook county commissioners listen and realize this was too large of a tax.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: Like many consumers, I was in Lake County and stopped to buy soda for the weekend. It’s not that I can’t afford the tax, it is because I choose not to pay the tax to Cook County.
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