Alderman Balcer,
I hope this email finds you well.
PLEASE do NOT vote to start charging churches and other non-profits for water.
Many of us feed and clothe the poor. We use water to do this.
You know my church, First Trinity Lutheran Church, does this in Bridgeport (your 11th ward).
Two times per week we give clothes away for FREE to Bridgeport voters, and to people from all over the city.
We lose money doing this.
We donate our money to keep Bridgeport clothed.
Not only are we not-for-profit, we are forfeiting profit for the sake of those in need.
I believe so strongly in this mission that I work part time at First Trinity while working for auxiliary services at the Lab Schools, where our mayor sends his kids to school for more than my salary, to supplement my income.
Our parish is made up of a large base of working, working poor, and poor people in your ward, among others.
Our parish is your ward. Please open your ears to us.
Our church and other churches, synagogues, and non-profits (such as Benton House in Bridgeport - 11th ward and Union Avenue Methodist Church) that are picking up the slack after many human services have already been cut from the poor do not need another burden.
Don't tax us by creating another bill for us.
Please vote against this part of the mayor's budget, and help those of us who voted for you.
And those who might in the future.
I would suggest taxing those who are already rich and eliminating tax breaks for corporations, rather than taxing the poor, if the budget needs balancing.
That is what Jesus would do, if he were an alderman.
God's peace and the Holy Spirit's discernment to you.
Pastor Tom, First Trinity Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Chicago
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