Lake County forest preserve is out of control

Like a flesh-eating disease feeding on its host body, the Lake County Forest Preserve continues to feed on the taxpayers, growing exponentially as the years pass. In 2003, the preserve general fund had over $10 million. Today, that same fund has over $20 million. So why do they push us for more with the continual tax levies? Most Lake County residents cannot afford more taxes.

When the LCFP was created 50 years ago, it was a great idea with good intentions. Today millions of dollars in land have been taken off the tax rolls (over 30,000 acres) and millions of dollars in buildings not paying taxes has created an empire to rival large American corporations.

Recently, the LCFP opened a newly built operations building in Lindenhurst at a cost of over $20 million. The facility houses maintenance personnel and a police force of 45 officers, another example of duplicated efforts and waste of tax dollars. Whenever a problem comes up in the LCFP requiring more than road kill removal or dog walking without a permit, the Lake County Sheriff Department is called. Simple solution, disband the LCFP Police Dept.

Another solution would be to discard the LCFP as we know it. Lake County has 18 townships consisting of villages and unincorporated areas. All villages and unincorporated areas have parks and recreational areas being maintained by their personnel. Turn over all forest preserve facilities and properties to the local townships and villages with closer jurisdictional control. I realize this may be too simple of an idea; however, something needs to be done. The Lake County Forest Preserve is out of control.

Brad Buckley

Ingleside