Senate candidate is no fiscal conservative

Martin McLaughlin is running for the 26th state Senate District claiming he is a "financial conservative." As Barrington Hills village president, McLaughlin raised our property tax rates 22 percent from 1.062820 in 2014, to 1.295399 in 2015.

McLaughlin raised our police pension tax rates 6 percent from 0.195126 in 2014, to 0.207197 in 2015. Barrington Hills residents paid thousands in new taxes.

Our neighbors in Lake and Cook counties will feel that burn later this year as their tax rates are readjusted on their respective schedules.

McLaughlin raised the village budget $105,984 in 2014 and $81,123 in 2015, after taking office in 2013.

We don't know what the true Barrington Hills budget and property tax levy numbers are for 2016 because the village is under investigation by the attorney general and Cook County state's attorney for irregularities.

Our village never had a union contract until McLaughlin took office, signing in a 19 percent salary increase back dated to 2009, just eight weeks into his term. He followed this up with another 6 percent raise 18 months later, committing taxpayers to 10 years of union raises and loss of management control.

Unable to meet the police pension fund payment schedule, McLaughlin made multiple attempts to borrow over $7.5 million - well over a year's tax revenue.

Fortunately, our board rejected this action. Campaign propaganda and Barrington society magazines cannot hide the facts. McLaughlin is a professional politician. Be an informed voter.

Robert Abboud

Barrington Hills