Lauzen should respect Longmeadow view

One hundred forty million dollars for Longmeadow toll road and bridge? Kane Chairman Lauzen and the county board are oblivious to the true cost they are paying, having squandered the irreplaceable trust, respect and confidence in their leadership.

In a "guest editorial," Chairman Lauzen asserts that Longmeadow was given a "fair hearing." The reality is the county and KDOT have tried to duck giving the public a say, instead bulldozing this road over the objections of Dundee Township residents.

Trust began to evaporate when Lauzen welshed on a campaign promise of a referendum to gauge support for Longmeadow. Can you respect a politician who breaks promises?

Can we respect a leader who doesn't respect us? The only credible "hearing" given the Longmeadow issue was the Dundee Township referendum in March. Almost 9,000 residents, 72 percent of participating voters, sent an emphatic "NO" to the County. Now Lauzen makes the argument that voters were deluded and didn't understand. He embarrasses himself with this preposterous assertion.

Lauzen should be listening to residents, asking what can be done to make this right for the affected communities. Instead he belittles and disrespects 8,700 people who voted. He has the courage now since he is running unopposed for re-election and thus not accountable at the ballot box.

Can we have confidence in political leadership when KDOT continues to misrepresent Longmeadow as a solution to traffic congestion? Like the Emperor's new clothes, it's obvious to all that it's not. KDOT's own consultant's findings say it won't solve traffic issues.

Can we be confident that our best interests are represented when the county has yet to advance a financial plan for Longmeadow that shows the funding source to complete the road and bridge? Debt?

Trust and respect can't be demanded; they need to be earned.

Leah Cosentino

Algonquin