Alderman Vi Daley voted against the increase in property taxes.   The budget passed by a vote of 36 -14 and the property tax increase passed 29 - 21.

Alderman Daley's statement before the City Council follows: 

Governments, at every level, find themselves in difficult budgetary times.  At the same time that county government is proposing a 2% sales tax increase, and state government is in gridlock, we in city council find ourselves trying to craft a budget that meets the needs of our vibrant city without adding to the already heavy burden on our taxpayers.

I am proud the 43rd Ward is home to some of the best and more desired neighborhoods in Chicago.  Unfortunately along with that comes some of the highest property taxes in the City.

I realize that difficult times call for difficult decisions and I am committed to continuing to work to maintain the growth and progress that our city has made these last many years.  But at the same time, I was elected to reflect and represent the wishes of the people who elected me to office.  And because of that I cannot in good conscience support an increase in residential property taxes as a component of this year's budget.