Route 53 expansion would boost economy

Few issues unite taxpayers as consistently as investing in our transportation infrastructure. While we write as members of different political parties, we are first and foremost representatives of the citizens of Lake and McHenry counties and champions of our communities' prosperity.

The expansion of Illinois Route 53 would do as much to grow the Northwest suburbs' economy as any other current proposal. The reasons are simple: in emergencies, ambulances and fire trucks will have clearer paths to their destinations; motorists will spend more time with their families and less time stuck in traffic; and goods and services will move from destination to destination faster, driving job creation, economic growth and demand for real estate.

This is why the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning views expanding Route 53 as critical to our region's economic future. It is also why voters have resoundingly supported expanding Route 53 in a recent advisory referendum, and why polling demonstrates that taxpayers from McHenry and Lake counties, representing every political and demographic group, want this project to move forward.

In 2011, the Illinois Tollway put together a Blue Ribbon Advisory Council, which greenlighted the expansion, with major environmental protections for the project area specifically established. Before the project can begin, however, an environmental impact study must be conducted. This in-depth analysis of the project will provide empirical data in a transparent fashion. The Tollway has the funding to conduct the study, so it should begin without further delay.

Advocates and the public remain steadfast in their support of the expansion of Route 53 because a viable solution to the transportation bottleneck in Lake and McHenry Counties is desperately needed. Expanding Illinois Route 53 will help meet that need and make our communities better places to raise families, start businesses and pursue the American dream.

Jack D. Franks, Chairman, McHenry County Board of Directors

Former State Representatives

Sidney Mathias, Member, Lake County Board of Directors

We need town halls, and they need dialogue

I attended U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth's town hall meeting April 11 in Palatine. I was disappointed that only like-minded people attended the forum and took the opportunity to hear our senator.

For our democracy to rebound from the shocks of the 2016 election, there needs to be a reasonable and respectful dialogue. Both sides must reach outside their comfort zones to understand differing views and others' perspectives.

Rep. Peter Roskam, whose district includes Palatine, refuses to hold an in-person town hall meeting and says he's no fan of "circus" town hall meetings. He prefers a more controlled setting for town-hall-style meetings by telephone.

In those calls, his staff screens questions and he generally shuts callers off without follow-up questions or rebuttal. This is not a dialogue.

Duckworth took questions from attendees who were picked randomly without screening. The Duckworth town hall could not have been more civil. It was not a "circus." But unfortunately, it lacked any opposing voices to hers.

Frankly, this astonished me. During the rise of the Tea Party, town hall meetings were well attended by both sides. I attended one in Barrington where then-Rep. Joe Walsh encouraged Tea Party supporters and demeaned Democratic skeptics. But there were two sides represented and there was discussion.

In Palatine, only one side chose to attend. There are plenty of Republicans in the 6th District. In the 2016 election, almost 60 percent of voters supported Roskam in the House election. I don't understand why Sen. Duckworth's town hall meeting was so one-sided. And I can't understand why Rep.Roskam won't host an in-person town hall.

Eric Hochstein

Barrington

Automatic registration assures access to polls

I have lived in Buffalo Grove for 19 years and, like many voters, I was shocked when President Trump claimed without evidence that millions of voters illegally cast their ballots in the 2016 election. Thankfully, in Illinois there is bipartisan consensus that widespread voter fraud is a myth, and that we should instead devote energy to modernizing our voting system with tools like Automatic Voter Registration.

As crafted by both Democrats and Republicans, AVR would allow eligible voters to register to vote while renewing their driver's license or when interacting with other state agencies. Only citizens would be registered, and everyone would have a clear opportunity to opt out of voter registration if they chose. By passing Senate Bill 1933, the Illinois General Assembly could streamline the registration process while making our voter lists more accurate and secure.

One reason that AVR has strong bipartisan support is because it has already been tried and tested. In fact, 29 states have passed or are considering AVR bills. These measures have improved civic engagement by shortening lines on Election Day while at the same time boosting voter turnout. According to a new report from the nonpartisan group Nonprofit VOTE, the highest turnout increase between the 2012 and 2016 elections occurred in Oregon, the first state to implement AVR.

In Illinois, AVR will ensure that every eligible voter - Democrat, Republican or Independent - has an opportunity to have their voice heard on Election Day. As a mother, an educator and as Jewish clergy working in the Northwest suburbs, I want to see this commonsense legislation passed. Republicans and Democrats alike should be able to unite around AVR.

Ilana Axel

Buffalo Grove

Who benefits from dismantling higher ed?

Like many others, I am frustrated by the willful and man-made dismantling of higher education in Illinois and, after reading the recent reports about the further downgrading of the public universities along with the state of Illinois by the bond rating agencies, the Latin phrase, Cui bono, or who benefits, came to mind.

So, who benefits from the deterioration of higher education in Illinois? It is certainly not the people who want to send their children to quality institutions of higher education in Illinois. It can't be the universities themselves, since many have seen their enrollments continue to drop because of the uncertainty about their survival, which will wreak havoc not only on them, but also on the communities that depend on them.

Could it be the wealthy investors of bond funds? Their returns will only increase as they are able to raise the interest rates for lending to the public institutions of Illinois.

Will the free market Libertarians with connections to the Koch Brothers benefit when the workforce is compliant, unable to think critically because they were denied a liberal arts education in Illinois public universities?

Is this what is meant when Governor Bruce Rauner is labeled a fiscal conservative? Not for us, who will be saddled with debt for decades to come and declining services, but for his wealthy donors?

Nancy M. Hans

Naperville

Who is representing the 99 percent?

Why does it feel that life is citizens vs the government? We vote, but rich people's interests buy the election.

Plans for our lives are hidden from us by those elected to represent us. Tax dollars are squandered on lawsuits against public employees' earned compensation. Needy families are having assistance (not total support; day care, afterschool programs, head start, medical, mental health support) eliminated due to dereliction of elected officials' constitutional duty to create a budget.

All levels of education are suffering from underfunding; children's education sacrificed. The very government we elected has punished the voters since taking office. The elected are paid, have insurance and their pensions are fully funded. The government goes to the highest bidder. Shamefully the citizens are not the highest bidder. We are just the jerks you call, email, text, slow mail and badger for $1, $5 or 1$10. Not enough to earn representation.

Voters disapprove of your performance and effort on the job. Greatest disapproval is for how you prostitute yourselves and pander to other rich people. I respect people who do not lie, cheat or steal. Respect and integrity are earned and required when you deal with the lives of families.

I don't know most of you. You may be good somewhere. As someone affecting the lives of my family and friends, you are far less than good. Lost integrity and respect are just that - lost.

Alan P. Murdoch

Arlington Heights