Toll authority just perpetuates itself
Brian McPartlin recently addressed a Schaumburg business association and commented on the economic viability of the Illinois tollway.
Mr. McPartlin is an excellent spokesman for the tollway, very articulate and convincing in his expounding of the tollway spin. He cited the financial problems of both state and federal governments
There is no doubt about it; the tollway is a moneymaker, it always has been, and has also been a cash cow for politicians and insiders since its inception.
McPartlin credited the tollways success to the courage and will of the governor, but he forgets to mention at what cost and who benefited.
The flaunted cameras on the Open Road System and the year-old system it replaced, the collection of penalties program and oasis leases, bonds and financial matters were all channeled to political insiders and friends of the governor.
McPartin's comment that the growth of the suburban areas was not envisioned when the tollway was conceptualized is not correct.
At the end of World War II, it was evident that there would be an exodus from the cities. Social demographics indicated that by the year 2000, the metropolitan area around Chicago would exceed the city in population. It was a national trend not limited to Chicago.
The 1939 World's Fair demonstrated roadways of the future. President Eisenhower, remembering military movements before and during World War II and the expected growth of rural areas, established what is now called the Eisenhower Interstate Highway System.
The legislative intent and statute clearly anticipates the growth in rural areas and stipulates once the original bonds were redeemed, the toll authority would be dissolved and the toll roads become freeways.
About eight years ago, former Gov. Ryan commented, when questioned at the Hillside Oasis reconstruction project, that the toll roads would become freeways "in 20 years."
He was passing the buck, but at least he admitted that they should be freeways. What would happen to the self-perpetuating bureaucracy that is the toll authority if that occurred?
John Culloton
Chicago