It often seems that northwest Illinois loses out on state projects, so when State Representative John Cabello writes that he does not support the $275 million restoration of rail service between Chicago and Rockford that would bring our tax money back to the region it causes one to wonder.
He cites the support of Democrat governors for the project, and according to the figures he provides, it appears former Republican Governor Rauner added $52 million to the cost by causing it to pause during his administration.
Is it a problem for our representative that this project has been initiated by Democrats?
Additional taxes are not required for the project, and the certainty that the Representative has that they will be needed in the future is based on his certainty that the state will discontinue funding the operation of the service.
As our representative in Springfield will he intend to work with other legislators along the train’s corridor to make sure this does not happen?
I will concede that a transportation tax request may be likely in the future for the service to continue, but even then, it must be approved by the county boards along the train’s route.
As a former county board member, John Cabello knows this is where the final decision on a transportation tax is made — by the local people you elected to best serve your needs.
It should be noted that none of the rail project is in the district served by Cabello, although his constituents in Winnebago County would be affected if a transportation tax is asked for.
Cabello also seems certain that the finished project will be a failure.
What are his guarantees that the privately funded bus service currently operating will always be available and what the ticket price will be?
His Republican party has not done a very good job of controlling inflation, particularly fuel prices, putting a financial strain on any enterprise depending on fuel. What would the complete loss of public transportation to Chicago mean to his constituents?
The current Republican party seems to have little concern over the environmental impact of our continued reliance on hydrocarbon powered personal passenger vehicles. What is their vision for the future of public transportation?
By not supporting this project Representative Cabello is not going to save you any tax money, only stand by with us as we watch our $275 million in tax money go to a project somewhere else in the state.
Stephen Judd lives in Ridott.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Return of Rockford to Chicago rail is a cause to support | Opinion
Reporting by Stephen Judd, Special to the Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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By Stephen Judd, Special to the Rockford Register Star | USA TODAY Network
