Toll bridge myopia untreatable?

Myopia covers many conditions. Visual myopia can be treated clinically. Political myopia, a very common affliction, is more difficult to treat as its causes such as self-interest, distortion of facts or simply inability to see the big picture can have the effect of position taking without seeing the truth.

I am afraid that those opposing the Longmeadow Toll Bridge suffer from this type of myopia. Harm to the environment? They can't see the beautiful view of the landscape and open access to the Fox River created by the Red Gate Bridge project.

Not needed? They can't see recent history with the explosive population growth west of the Fox River in the area to be principally served by the new bridge. They can't see the expected growth as the housing industry returns to this area.

They cannot see the past effect of this growth on the existing bridge traffic on the current alternate bridges and the future strain that will occur. They cannot see the benefits of the bridge in opening up jobs and other commerce on both sides of the river when the roadblock of distance traveled to an existing bridge impacts the decision as to where I can work or shop or play.

Cost to the taxpayer? They cannot see the word "toll," nor can they see enhanced revenue streams by easier access to county venues.

Lamentably, for many, this type of myopia is untreatable. The best we can do is to prevent infection by it. Look at the facts. Once you see the need and the benefits of the proposed bridge, you will go a long way towards insulating yourself from this particular strain of myopia.

Raymond Bellock

Sleepy Hollow