By Bob Wichlinski Post-Tribune columnist
Once again, attorneys Bob Harper and Dan Whitten have elected to represent those opposed to a high-profile initiative. This time the case is the South Shore extension. They've become experts at trying controversial cases in the court of public opinion. Consequently, they reinforce their reputation as defenders of the disenfranchised. To their credit, they offer their personal and professional time, talents and treasure to represent the opposition: anti-sprawl, anti-dump, anti-Illiana Expressway, anti-South Shore extension, anti-County Road 100 South, anti-RDA, anti-the issue de jour.
They're effective at applying the brakes to a project, to the delight of their clients.
My concern is that their approach, while righteous, fails to solve the problem that forced the conflict in the first place.
No dump in south Porter County, but no long-term solution to the county's increasing solid waste disposal needs. No Illiana, but no solution to rising congestion and profound demands upon our infrastructure. No South Shore extension, but no solution to increased need for commuter transportation. No County Road 100 South improvement, but no plan to increase safety while preparing for the inevitable increase in traffic resulting from the new Interstate 65 interchange. No long-term plan to invest the $15.5 million in Major Moves proceeds Porter County has been banking for over a year. No plan for the hospital sale proceeds. No economic development plan embracing emerging economy employment. No plan for "smart growth," just 400 pages of more government. requiring increased payroll to enforce it. Quotes, quips, and criticisms carefully crafted to inspire those opposed while intimidating the competition, but absent a meaningful solution.
It's important to consider that Dan remains a member of the Porter County Council, which voted to join the RDA. Bob remains the president of the Board of Commissioners. Clearly, little materializes in Porter County government without their approval, given they are leaders in the political party that holds the majority on both boards.
When the council voted to join the RDA and remit the required $3.5 million annual admission fee, the RDA's enabling legislation clearly identified commuter rail transportation as a principal objective. And as its name implies, the RDA is in the development business. The council appoints a representative to the RDA who serves at their pleasure. Ironically, the council's RDA appointee supported funding the Northwest Indiana Forum's outreach campaign, which has drawn their most recent criticism. Provided they're routinely communicating with their appointee, none of what transpired should be surprising. Expressions of fury and frustration amount to little more than public relations.
True leaders are patient planners. They celebrate the successful reconciliation of competing interests. They painstakingly promote a respectful, inclusive, inviting process that produces lasting, meaningful solutions to critical challenges. While I appreciate Bob and Dan's passion and public service, their approach is disappointing.
Historically, they win their case, but what do we as clients really receive from the settlement?
Bob Wichlinski is a retired elected official and serves as a political analyst for LakeShore Broadcasting.
Contact Bob at www.219.com
1 comment:
Hi Steve,
I'm going to have to dig into 219.com one of these days. Even though it isn't a blog, it looks like it has a lot of good information.
When I look at Illinois and the places where Metra runs, I always think about Geneva and the fancy North Shore communities where people drive cars that cost more than some houses in NWI cost.
Not building the South Shore extension is short sighted. Making Valpo, Lowell and Munster more attractive to highly-paid Chicago executives will do well for the region. (Of course, they will demand good government -- so that might explain some of the opposition).
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