Addressing the TCJA and SALT Deductions at the County Board Level

During last week's meet and greet coffees, a voter asked me "what does the county board do, anyway?" This was a great opportunity to share about the work that the board does do, while pointing out the areas I felt could be improved. Most importantly, it was an opportunity to discuss the advocacy the DuPage County Board should take up, and could, with more Democratic leadership.

Earlier this week, Member Liz Chaplin, the DuPage County Board's only Democrat, asked residents at the York Township Democratic Organization's monthly meeting to let her know of any issues we wished to be included in the Board's federal agenda. Please see my letter to Member Chaplin below:

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Dear Member Chaplin,

Thank you for speaking at the York Township Democratic Organization’s meeting last week. During your comments, you encouraged York Township residents to send along concerns we wish to be advocated for by the DuPage County Board at the federal level this year.

I feel that one of the most pressing issues facing DuPage County in the coming year is the burden placed on DuPage residents as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). During the December holiday season, we saw residents who own property rushing to pay their property taxes early. Many of these residents found later that these pre-payment may not help them avoid the penalties imposed by the TCJA towards their state and local tax (SALT) deductions if their assessment was not current for the 2018 tax year. While some DuPage families may see short-term benefits of the TCJA, the long term effects will have negative impacts on our community.

Homeownership is an essential building block to a middle class future. For many families, your home is your largest and most prized asset. The limiting of SALT deductions could make homes in DuPage county too expensive for the average family, reducing the incentive to buy a home or reducing the amount of older homeowners who can remain in their homes following retirement. An increase in property taxes also affects renters, who may see larger rent increases.

Furthermore, property taxes help provide the services which make DuPage County so desirable. From our fantastic public schools to our safe communities, DuPage residents will see a reduction in these essential services if the negative aspects of the TCJA are not addressed.

I wish the DuPage County Board to take two actions in response to the TCJA.

First, the Board should condemn this misguided and short-sighted federal bill which will increase the tax burden for many families while favoring the richest among us.

Second, the Board must take up budgetary concerns at the county level to reduce unnecessary and excessive expenditures. Without these actions, the Board could see a revenue shortfall in the coming fiscal years which could require a tax increase on DuPage residents. With the TCJA at the federal level, any increase in taxes by the Board on DuPage residents could be a significant burden for DuPage families.

Thank you for your consideration and your leadership representing DuPage County residents,

Ashley J. Selmon

Meet and Greet Events in Elmhurst

Saturday I had the opportunity to attend two meet-and-greets with District 1 voters. Both groups were engaged and excited to learn more about my campaign and my vision for the future of DuPage County.

I discussed our county's impending budget troubles, the decisions made by the current board which have created these issues, and the solutions to avoid undue taxation on DuPage residents. I also discussed the need for real transparency, and how to improve those efforts with newly elected leadership. The attendees asked great questions and were excited to tell their fellow District 1 residents that they have great Democratic choices in the March 20 primary.

I want to thank all of those who attended these meet-and-greets as well as our generous hosts, Anne Mathias and Kirsten Powers.

Endorsed by Run for Something!

January has been an exciting month. On January 19, Run for Something endorsed our campaign! You can see the endorsement announcement here.

Run for Something is a national organization which works to recruit, support, and encourage a new generation of progressive leadership in the United States, especially at the local level. I am honored to be endorsed by this amazing organization.

With just 8 days until early voting starts, I am fired up and ready to work hard to earn the votes of District 1 residents. This month will be filled with meeting residents to discuss my vision for DuPage County's future, meeting with local activists and volunteers who are spending their free time working to improve DuPage County, and most importantly, knocking on lots of doors!

Ready to join our campaign? Learn more here.

How does a local candidate spend a winter Saturday?

You may be wondering: how does a local, grassroots-driven, candidate spend a cold winter Saturday in January? By getting ready to canvas and campaign for the March primary of course!

Today I wrote some language to share the news about my campaign with residents throughout District 1, designed some attention-grabbing door hangers, and ordered them. I am only able to do this because of your generous support and donations. Thank you!

Want to help get these door hangers on the doors of voters? Visit our volunteer page and let me know you're ready to help Turn DuPage Blue!

Petition Turn In!

Bright and early (or not so bright out as it turns out), I went to the DuPage County administrative building to turn in your petition signatures.

I say "your" because I could not have done it without all of you.

Whether you were kind enough to answer a knock at the door from me or a volunteer, greet a "hello" outside of a shopping center, sign your name, or take a card with more information,  you helped democracy flourish in DuPage County. Thank you!

Now the fun starts. Between now and the primary on March 20, I will continue knocking on doors, making sure voters in District 1 know they have new, Democratic options for their county board and listening to which issues are most important to making their lives in DuPage County a little easier. You can make sure you are registered to vote here.

If you are interested in volunteering or hosting a meet-and-greet with your neighbors, click here to Get Involved.

Our grassroots campaign will require your support as well. If you can, give $20.18 to propel our campaign into 2018.

Election Night!

DuPage County Democratic candidates

Election night is always magical for me. Knowing people have fought and died for the right to cast a ballot is empowering (even on the nights when the results are not what I would hope for).

Even though DuPage county did not have an election tonight, nearly one third of our country saw elections in their communities from the national level all the way down to school board elections. Watching election results roll in tonight was exciting -- we saw Democratic candidates winning of all ages, genders, and passions. They ran strong campaigns, full of volunteer support, focused on the issues that matter to all of us -- building strong communities, investing in our futures, and showing that we are more alike than we are different.

If you're inspired by the election results tonight and wondering how you can get involved here in DuPage, visit our Get Involved page. We have a few short weeks until petitions get turned in, a few short months until the March 20th primary, and just under a year until the November 6th general election. Join us!

Thank you Indivisible DuPage!

Thank you Indivisible DuPage for such a warm welcome, even on a cold and rainy Sunday! 

It was an honor to talk about growing up in Wheaton and seeing the benefits of great public schools in my own life. I want to make sure children in my district see those same opportunities -- that's just one of the reasons why I'm running for County Board in District 1.

Please watch the recording of the live stream from the event here -- you'll see me speak as well as all the other county and state level candidates.

Join Ashley at Indivisible DuPage's Monthly Meeting

This Sunday (October 22), Ashley will be at the Indivisible DuPage Monthly Meeting at a candidate meet-and-greet. Come meet Ashley as well as some other county-wide Democratic candidates.

Join us from 2:00-4:00pm at the Wheaton Community Center at 1777 S. Blanchard Street, Wheaton, IL 60189.

Find the details and RSVP here.

Candidate Reception on November 8th in Elmhurst

Bob Peickert, chair of the DuPage County Democratic Party, is hosting a reception in his Elmhurst home to introduce local Democrats to their candidates.

Ashley will be there to listen to residents discuss issues which are important to them, including transportation access, property taxes, the opioid crisis -- and any other issues which matter to local families.

Jim Caffrey, candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives in the 47th district, will also be in attendance.

Be sure to RSVP and I look forward to meeting you!

Collecting Petition Signatures in Bensenville

On Saturday, we spent the afternoon in Bensenville meeting some residents and collecting petition signatures. Walking around the neighborhood was a great reminder of what makes DuPage such a great place to live -- families of all ages and all backgrounds were out enjoying a warm Fall day.

Thank you for your friendliness and excitement Bensenville (and your fantastic Halloween decorations!) - we will see you again soon!