Quit stalling on needed capital plan
Even as Naperville and surrounding communities continue to grow and prosper, our infrastructure needs have become ever more pressing. From the congestion on Route 59 to the demands that rising enrollments have placed on our schools, the need for a capital plan has become obvious. That is why I am frustrated with the failure of the Democrats in Springfield to pass a capital plan that will rebuild our roads and schools, both here in the 48th District and across Illinois.
While Gov. Blagojevich and Speaker Madigan play games, congestion on our streets and highways continues to worsen. For a suburban community like ours, more traffic means more time stuck on the highway and less time with our families and friends. Meanwhile, the number of bridges in Illinois rated "structurally deficient" grows, possibly putting the safety of all our citizens at risk. As a community that depends on our ability to get from "here to there", these needs must be addressed, and I will continue to pressure the Democrat-led legislature and governor to act.
Here in the 48th District we enjoy some of the finest schools in our state, producing excellent students and adding great value to our community. Yet our school buildings are showing signs of age, with maintenance costs beginning to spiral out of control. We could address these infrastructure needs if only our leaders in Springfield would show the leadership needed to pass a capital plan.
The need for a capital bill is clear not only for our community, but for our entire state. Every day that Democrats waste by not negotiating a capital plan means more crowding, more congestion, and ultimately less quality of life for all our citizens. I will do all I can as your state representative to move a capital plan forward, but I cannot do it alone. I hope all of this page's readers will join me in pressuring the Democrat-led legislature and the governor to show true leadership by passing a capital bill that addresses the needs of our communities.
State Rep. Jim Meyer
Naperville