News

Citizens could get new voice on tollway moves

Posted March 24, 2009 11:00 pm

By Dan Carden Daily Herald Staff

SPRINGFIELD - The state tollway board would be forced to listen to and vote on citizen demands if a proposal approved Wednesday by the Illinois House becomes law.

Under the plan, when at least 1,000 registered voters sign a petition urging the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority board to take action, the board would be required to discuss and vote on that proposed action within 60 days.

"Because the tollway board is appointed and not elected it's had a reputation ... of being not that open to public opinion," said state Rep. Paul Froehlich, a Schaumburg Democrat who sponsored the plan. "I wanted to give people another avenue to pursue."

A tollway spokeswoman said the board has been working with Froehlich on the measure and already has regular monthly meetings with opportunity for public comment. "It's good public policy to adopt a bill like this to ensure public input no matter who is at the helm of the tollway," Joelle McGinnis said.

The plan, approved 66-44 and advancing to the Senate, doesn't limit what citizens could petition the board to act on, opening the door for forcing discussion and votes on tollway expansion and toll hikes.

State Rep. Dennis Reboletti, an Elmhurst Republican, asked if it could be used to even eliminate the tollway.

"Somebody could put that on the agenda... but that is beyond the authority of the toll highway authority," Froehlich said. State law would have to be changed to eliminate the tollway.

Critics questioned why Froehlich would stop with the tollway if this was such a great idea. "It's supposed to be a government for the people, right? So let them have at it," said state Rep. Randy Ramey, a Carol Stream Republican.

There was also an undercurrent of a personal political clash, as prior to 2007 Froehlich was a Republican state lawmaker. That year he switched sides and many GOP members still resent it. In a picture of House members hanging in Republican offices, Froehlich is covered over with a piece of tape.

Roll Call The Illinois House voted 66-44 in favor of a plan that would let citizens petition the tollway board and force a vote on issues. It now advances to the Illinois Senate. Suburban representatives voting "yes" Linda Chapa-LaVia, Aurora Democrat Fred Crespo, Hoffman Estates Democrat Keith Farnham, Elgin Democrat Jack D. Franks, Marengo Democrat Paul Froehlich, Schaumburg Democrat Emily Klunk-McAsey, Lockport Democrat Sidney H. Mathias, Buffalo Grove Republican Michael Tryon, Crystal Lake Republican Mark Walker, Arlington Heights Democrat Eddie Washington, Waukegan Democrat Suburban representatives voting "no" Suzanne "Suzie" Bassi, Palatine Republican Mark H. Beaubien Jr., Barrington Hills Republican Robert A. "Bob" Biggins, Elmhurst Republican Sandy Cole, Grayslake Republican Michael Connelly, Lisle Republican Tom Cross, Oswego Republican (House Republican leader) Mike Fortner, West Chicago Republican Kay Hatcher, Yorkville Republican Rosemary Mulligan, Des Plaines Republican Elaine Nekritz, Northbrook Democrat JoAnn Osmond, Antioch Republican Sandra M. Pihos, Glen Ellyn Republican Randy Ramey, Carol Stream Republican Dennis Reboletti, Elmhurst Republican Kathleen A. Ryg, Vernon Hills Democrat Angelo "Skip" Saviano, Elmwood Park Republican Timothy L. Schmitz, Batavia Republican Darlene Senger, Naperville Republican Ed Sullivan Jr., Mundelein Republican Absent Franco Coladipietro, Bloomingdale Republican Source: HB1075 roll call

Article Categories
Illinois News Region