Herald off base on Rt. 53 referendum

I was very disappointed to see the Daily Herald's Jan. 11 editorial supporting County Board member David Stolman's proposed countywide advisory referendum regarding the controversial extension of Route 53. I can only assume that this was a hastily taken position, without consideration of its implications. The proposal allows people that don't live near the extension and bear none of the "costs," but might believe they would benefit if they ever traveled in the area, to overwhelm those who are directly affected. If this is truly the Herald's position then it must also apply to other similar projects. For example, O'Hare's expansion and the CN rail purchase could be put to a vote by the population of northeastern Illinois. Would Mr. Stolman and the Herald support a two-county referendum regarding widening Lake-Cook Road through Buffalo Grove (Mr. Stolman's constituency), something Buffalo Grove has opposed?

As a Long Grove resident, I am opposed to the extension of Route 53 partially because it has a direct, very negative, effect on me. On the other hand, the expansion of O'Hare might make my air travel a little easier and I am not affected by the "costs," e.g., bulldozing of homes. Those that are affected, understandably, oppose the expansion. Should the future of that project be influenced by the vote of people like me? The Herald says yes. Democracy, as practiced in the United States, is not only about majority rule, it also considers the effect upon and rights of those affected by any proposal. I hope that the Herald will reconsider its endorsement of a countywide referendum.

Richard Parkinson

Long Grove