http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/news ... S10809.htm
North Chicago gets tough on drivers who don't have licenses, insurance

By Ralph Zahorik rzahorik@scn1.com

NORTH CHICAGO — A law that could cost uninsured motorists up to $500 in fines and impoundment of their vehicles was approved this week by the City Council.

The law is similar to one in Waukegan and Park City. The Waukegan law provoked an uproar last year when it was adopted. Critics charged it unfairly targeted the city's Hispanic immigrant community.

Waukegan has thousands of illegal immigrants, mainly from Mexico. While most drive to work, many have no valid driver licenses or vehicle liability insurance.

The council voted 5-1 to approve the tough measure, with no discussion. Third Ward Ald. Valerie DeVost cast the only dissenting vote. Seventh Ward Ald. Thelma Mayers was absent.

The measure was first proposed as a means to improve the city's finances but Mayor Leon Rockingham said last month that the measure, called Operation Safe Streets, is needed for public safety. "It's something we need," he said.
"We're implementing this more for the safety of motorists. It will benefit the citizens of North Chicago."

The council also approved an increase in the hotel/motel tax from 6 percent to 9.5 percent and creation of a new 1 percent city sales tax on food and beverages.

Even with a 4.9 percent property tax increase, the maximum allowed without going to a public hearing, the measures aren't expected to bring in enough revenue to cover the city budget of $49 million.

City spending is expected to exceed revenue by about $900,000 in the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

Sixth Ward Ald. Larry Hightower, Finance Committee chairman, called the action a step in the right direction. :For the last five years we've been going into the surplus," he said at a committee meeting last month. "We'll still have a $925,000 deficit but this is the first time we've taken some aggressive action (to reduce the deficit)," he said.


08/09/06