Election spurred Rt. 53 turnaround

Deathbed conversions are, by definition, rare and miraculous events. The exceptions, not surprisingly, are those of the political variety which are so commonplace that they are almost expected, especially in an election year.

How many times have Illinois voters witnessed an entrenched incumbent, insulated from their own constituents by too many years in office, blithely ignoring their concerns right up until election time?

So it is with Lake County Board representative, Aaron Lawlor, who is now attempting to walk back seven years of ardent and full-throated support for the controversial Route 53 extension in a reversal which this same paper called "stunning."

Equally stunning is that after seven years of ignoring taxpayers and residents warnings to the contrary, it finally dawned upon Mr. Lawlor that the proposed extension was way too costly, would result in massive tax hikes and toll increases, would permanently harm the environment and quality of life for residents, and wouldn't solve traffic congestion.

Of course this utter waste of taxpayer funds over the past seven years will likely come as small comfort to many Lake County residents who are opening their 2016 property tax bills to find nasty double-digit increases tucked inside.

When will this waste and abuse end?

And not to be outdone, the equally brazen and unaccountable Illinois Tollway Authority has already decreed that they will arrogantly ignore reality and facts, forging ahead and wasting another $50 million for a project that is now officially unwanted by its chief architect and proponent.

You could watch 24 hours of TMZ and not see anything so dysfunctional and ludicrous. Is it any wonder why people are fed up with Illinois politicians?

Perhaps Aaron Lawler has truly seen the light as he traverses his own road to Damascus. At least that trip will be free of tolls.

John Freihammer

Hawthorn Woods