The Cook County Assessor’s office seems to be having trouble with the truth about why Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s assessment rose by just 1 percent while his neighbors saw 40 percent increases.
From ABC7:
“It’s just another example of Rod Blagojevich being the luckiest man in Illinois,” said Jay Stewart, executive director, Better Government Assn.
Stewart doesn’t live far from the governor. He said he saw his property reassessed much higher than the average. While not directly calling the governor’s low reassessment special treatment, Stewart does call it curious.
The Cook County Assessor’s office said it’s misleading to judge by percentages. […]
According to Guerrero, the more telling statistic is that of the 103 comparably-sized homes in Rod Blagojevich’s neighborhood. The governor’s house has the second highest property tax assessment — in part because three years ago his home was over-assessed and went up 40-percent. Other homes in the neighborhood are now “catching up,” according to Guerrero. However, a Daily Herald analysis shows Blagojevich’s neighbors saw an average increase of about 43 percent in 2003.
That’s the key here. Everybody’s assessment in that neighborhood increased three years ago. And, as Jay Stewart asks in the piece…
“I’d like to know how many other people get this oops we over-assessed you the last time so, without being asked to, we’re going to give you a really nice low assessment this time. Again, I’m officially requesting the same treatment right now.”
Some truth would be nice. And as far as motivation is concerned, it wouldn’t be this, would it? Just wondering.