Originally published December 21, 1990.

Arlington International Racecourse has asked for help on its taxes from surrounding suburbs. 

District 214, along with District 211, District 15, Harper College and Salt Creek Park District, turned down the request submitted by representatives of the racetrack. 

In its contracts with state legislators, track officials have stated that their business was taxed unfairly. They feel that the acetrack should be evaluated at its 1984 value, before the fire burned it to the ground in 1985. 

The track’s officials said that if the relief were paid, the tax burden would be shifted to home- wers and businesses. Thus, the track would be subsidized for its operations. 

Jack Swanson, assistant superintendent for business in District 214, discussed this topic in the November News and Views newsletter for employees of District 214. “The tax relief that racetrack officials have requested from the state legislators would cost District 214 alone more than $400,000 in lost revenue. 

The total cost to the affected schools and park districts would be about 2 million in tax dollars,” Mr. Swanson said. 

Elizabeth Ennis, WHS principal, also agrees with the district. “I feel that a lot of the citizens will feel the pinch on their taxes. If anyone has the ability to raise money, it would be Arlington International Racecourse. They should provide for themselves,” she said.