Residents do not want Rt. 53 extension

Thank you to the Daily Herald editorial board for reflecting the voices of Lake County residents in its Dec. 21 editorial "Where's the political will to justify continued spending on Route 53 extension?"

It is hard to understand how the Illinois Tollway can proceed with an environmental impact study given many of the reasons mentioned in this editorial, namely Chairman Lawlor's opposition, an over-$1.3 billion project funding gap and the serious threat Route 53 poses to the public health of residents who live in the corridor.

Government works best when officials listen to the voices of its constituents. The Tollway moving forward with an environmental impact study for Route 53 shows it is out-of-touch with Lake County residents.

My family and friends call on Gov. Rauner and tollway Chairman Bob Schillerstrom to drop all consideration of extending Route 53. Lake County residents do not want an extension of Route 53. Again, thank you.

Judith Gaca

Grayslake