Voice of the People

Our state legislators and special interest groups are trying to convince us that the South Shore Expansion will be “free”. In fact, the monies will come out of the pockets of area taxpayers and will cost us plenty.

The centerpiece of their free ride scam is to capture 350 million dollars from sales tax revenue from Porter and Lake Counties.

If enacted, State Coffers will be short an equal amount. This must be offset by cuts elsewhere (not likely) or by an increase in some other tax or fee. This costs us.

Another 150 million dollars will come from the RDA. Porter County funds this through an income tax and Lake County through casino tax monies. This costs us.

Lastly, 500 million dollars in federal pork barrels money will be used. This costs us.

And the burden on taxpayers doesn't stop once construction is complete. Historically, mass transit has not been able to support itself. Presently, taxpayers in Illinois are being asked to bail out a failed mass transit system in Chicago.

The issue of the desire of the populace for this project is also an issue. A recent poll by a local newspaper found 70 percent of respondents opposed using sales tax revenue for this project.

Don't believe the snake oil salesmen when they tell you this will be free. It will cost us plenty, now and in the future.

Alan Hewitt

Chesterton

Posted 1/22/2008