Sample Phone Call Script: Feel free to modify to your preferences.

Introduction:

Hi this is Jon Doe, may I speak to (Name) please?

Reason for Call:

My name is John Doe and I am a Schaumburg resident, Business-Owner, and dues paying member of the Schaumburg Business Association. I am calling about the new property tax proposal in Schaumburg that the SBA legislative committee will be voting on, I understand you are on the legislative committee. Do you have a moment to briefly talk about this?

If you happen to be a SBA member or a customer of their business it is important to mention it to them. Even if you are only a resident it is still extremely important to take the time to call the members of the SBA legislative committee. We need to influence the leaders of our community.

IF NO:

Is there another time that would be better for me to call you to tell you why I am against the property tax proposal, and why it’s important for the members of the Schaumburg Business Association’s Legislative Committee to vote against this proposal?

Either leave your phone number or call back at a later time.

Thank you for your time.

Good bye. (Then call back later when they are available)

IF YES:

Thank you, (Name). I am STRONGLY against the Village of Schaumburg’s proposal to create a new property tax.

Pick three or four reasons why you’re against the property tax proposal, but keep the conversation brief. Prepare what you are going to say ahead of time.

Here are some topics you may want to talk about. Pick only a 3-4, no one likes a very long unsolicited phone call. Keep it brief.

• The implications of this potential property tax is huge. In its first year it will take $24 million dollars out of the private sector. At the recent Village Board meeting, the Village said the tax is anticipated to grow by 15% in year 2 and 3 and beyond. I am concerned that once the property tax is implemented it will only grow and grow and not be reversed even if the economy improves.
• I am concerned about the effect of this property tax increase on area businesses and residents. We already pay 10% sales tax and a 12% bar and restaurant tax which is the highest in the whole country.
• All up and down Golf Road I see closed businesses and empty shops. Increasing property taxes is not going to help the businesses that remain stay afloat and keep people employed.
• Unemployment in Schaumburg is near all-time highs. Statewide it is over 11%. This is the wrong time to increase taxes.
• The Village hasn’t cut wasteful spending.
• Schaumburg is paying a minimum of $48/hour for drivers in its snow and ice removal program, when Hoffman Estates only pays $20/hour.
• In the last 6 years, the Village of Schaumburg has raised taxes numerous times including: raising the Sales Tax a half a percentage point, and by dramatically hiking the Hotel, Telephone, and Amusement taxes. Also, they created or expanded 2 TIF districts hiking property taxes by $160 million.
• I am concerned that once the property tax is implemented it will only grow and grow.
• The Village refuses to explore the opportunity to sell the Convention Center & Hotel and lost $15.7 million on this project in the last year alone.
• The Village refuses to explore the opportunity to sell the baseball stadium and municipal airport that cost taxpayers over $2 million per year to maintain and operate. O’Hare Airport is only 9 miles away.
• The Village of Schaumburg is in the final stages of giving a luxury home builder $6.5 million in a land donation, infrastructure, and cash to build $800,000 single family homes.
• From 2003-2009, the number of employees making over $75K increased from 143 employees to 333 employees, a 132% increase.
• From 2003-2009, the number of employees making over $100K increased from 20 employees to 78 employees, a 290% increase.
• The Village of Schaumburg has already increased taxes 17 times since Al Larson became Mayor. When will these tax increases stop?

The Ask

After stating your 3-4 reasons for opposing the Sales Tax, ask them to oppose the new property tax.

(Name) there are a lot of reasons why we should oppose this property tax increase. I am a member of the Schaumburg Freedom Coalition and we are asking all of the members of the SBA legislative committee to vote against recommending this property tax increase.

Will you vote against this property tax hike in the SBA legislative committee?

IF YES:

Thank you for your support on this issue. Can I put you in contact with the Schaumburg Freedom Coalition President, Brian Costin, to talk about what you can do to help defeat this property tax proposal? The Schaumburg Freedom Coalition is leading the campaign against the property tax proposal in Schaumburg.

Collect information and forward to bcostin@SchaumburgFreedom.com

Thank you for your Time.

Good Bye.

IF NO:

At the very least the people of Schaumburg should be given an opportunity to vote on this property tax proposal in a binding public referendum before it becomes permanent.

Is there a reason why you support higher taxes on local residents and businesses?

Listen and write down answer. Don’t argue with them. I repeat don’t argue with them. Email their answer to bcostin@schaumburgfreedom.com and I will follow up with them if necessary.

I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you reconsider. Thank you for your time. Have a great day.

Good Bye

IF UNDECIDED:

At the very least, I believe the people of Schaumburg should be given an opportunity to vote on this property tax proposal in a binding public referendum before it becomes permanent.

Would you like to be contacted by Brian Costin, President of the Schaumburg Freedom Coalition to get more information on this property tax proposal and why higher property taxes is dangerous for our local economy?

IF YES: Get email or phone number and a preferred time to be contacted.

Thank you for your time. Brian Costin will be following up with you.

IF NO:

If you would like more information you can go to www.SchaumburgFreedom.com

Thank you for your time. Have a great day.

Goodbye.