Proposed Longmeadow Parkway Toll Road

After taking a walk along Longmeadow Parkway today, I’m disgusted by the decimation of the mature trees behind homes. Kane County’s contractors have cut down a large number of trees and bushes that would separate homeowners from the proposed 4-lane roadway. I’m especially disgusted that the current Village of Algonquin board has encouraged and allowed this destruction to take place. The current Algonquin board hasn’t reached out to homeowners’ associations or residents along Longmeadow to lessen the impact of this toll road on our community. Yes, I’m calling it a toll road. According to dictionary.com a toll road is defined as “a road or highway on which a toll is exacted.”

Many elected officials have stated the main purpose of this roadway is to reduce congestion. Kane County Division of Transportation’s commissioned traffic studies show it won’t help. It will put more traffic on the already congested Randall Road; more traffic through neighborhoods; and avert traffic from east Algonquin Road businesses.

This toll road is for developers at taxpayers’ expense. According to public records, Kane County will likely be pursuing general obligation bonds that are backed by taxpayers. If tolls don’t cover costs, taxpayers will. If and when development comes, it will put a strain on current police, fire and public works resources. More services, more tax money. This 4-lane roadway designed for 45/50 mph traffic, including the largest class of semi-trailer trucks, will dissect neighborhoods so children will no longer be able to walk to school safely. This increases busing costs that will be eventually passed on to taxpayers.

I’ve talked to many residents along the Longmeadow Parkway corridor and heard their personal stories.  Some homeowners have unanswered questions, such as: Why did the Village of Algonquin allow their homes to be built so close to a “planned” 4-lane major roadway? Why was the area along Longmeadow zoned residential and not commercial? Why weren’t there signs in place stating future transportation corridor? All great questions but no answers from elected officials.

I’ve lived in Algonquin for 20 years and truly care about our community. Please consider voting for me on April 4. I’ll represent all of Algonquin’s residents.

Why are local elections important?

Historically, more voters exercise their right to vote in the Presidential election than a local election. Educator Patrick O'Connor wrote a column for the Huffington Post on the topic. Here is an excerpt, "Since these local campaigns are kind of low key, voters somehow get the impression these elections aren’t all that important — but nothing could be further from the truth. Positions on the school board, zoning commission and library board shape the quality of life and future direction of our towns — the places where we live our lives — in ways that are vastly more direct than the federal government. Obamacare certainly touches everyone’s life, but the impact of putting a cocktail lounge next to the high school is more direct, and maybe even more important.

Somehow, voters don’t see it that way, which is why over 50 percent of registered voters will turn out for a presidential election, but the turnout in a local election is usually less than 10 percent. In many cases, it can be as low as three percent. "