I trust Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert when he states that Auffenberg has annual sales of $40 million at the South Illinois Street location and is generating $400,000 in sales tax for the city. Eckert has also stated that the state sends a lump sum sales tax revenue check with no breakdown by company. Where is the mayor getting his information and why can't the taxpayers view this information?

President Ronald Reagan said "Trust but verify." I feel the taxpayers need to see verifiable data that companies are in compliance with the business agreements.

Eckert can feel outraged all he wants that we are bringing these issues to light. He can also claim that these matters should be discussed behind closed doors. My feeling is that if he doesn't want matters such as this discussed in the open then he shouldn't offer to give taxpayer money to private companies. These companies openly accepted to take taxpayer money in exchange for annual sales and employment levels. Why can't the companies provide information to verify their compliance with the agreement?

All the taxpayers are asking is for a copy of last week's payroll showing only names and hours worked (no pay nor personal identifiable information). Along with the past 12 monthly sales tax reports filed with the state.

Trust, verify and end of conversation. By failing to produce any data, they are only leaving open the possibility that these companies are not in compliance.

Michael Hagberg

Candidate for Ward 5 alderman

Belleville