Yes, ask the voters about Route 53

Amid the embarrassment of the Blagojevich fiasco in Springfield, one bit of abiding politics has been almost amusing.

In opposing calls for a special election to fill Barack Obama's unexpired term in the Senate, critics on the talk show circuit actually have said, with no hint of self-awareness: The reason the GOP wants an election is because it's the only way a Republican has a chance to win the Senate seat.

The point is made as a kind of allegation. Yes, of course, that's why the GOP is pushing for a special election, but let's not miss the larger point: Democracy is good. It's laughable to think anyone should have to apologize for suggesting that the people should have a vote.

We bring that up today as we ponder a proposal being floated by Lake County Board member David B. Stolman of Buffalo Grove to put an advisory referendum on the ballot asking whether Route 53 should be extended north from Lake-Cook Road on up to Gurnee and Waukegan.

A variety of proposals to extend that major road, either as a highway or as a tollway, have been debated for decades. It's one of the most controversial road projects in the suburbs.

Proponents see it as an economic boon for suburbs in central and northeastern Lake County. For motorists in the Northwest and West suburbs, it would provide a shortcut not just into northeastern Lake County but toward southern Wisconsin too. And in doing that, proponents argue, it would reduce noxious road congestion elsewhere.

But some towns like Long Grove would be cut in half by the extension, and opponents decry the environmental damage the project might bring. In addition, those concerned about rapid growth worry that a Route 53 might hasten it. Critics also say the hundreds of millions of dollars required to build the extension would be better spent to improve existing roads.

This has been the battle for decades. And it's been largely silent in recent years, simply because there has been no money for the project anyway.

But that could change with Obama's inauguration as president later this month. He has outlined a massive federal program to upgrade the nation's deteriorating infrastructure, and that could free up money for road projects like the Route 53 extension.

In that light, the timing seems right for Stolman's suggestion of a referendum.

We think that makes sense. This issue has been argued and debated and battled for years. Why not ask what the people think and let the voters in Lake County have a say?

Democracy is good, and in this case, it's pretty economical too since voters will be going to the polls on April 7 anyway for the local elections.