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Originally Posted by DanielG
I used to live downstate (grew up in Champaign) -- so I know that there is a constant conflict between the Chicago area and downstate. You should take advantage of Chicago and all it has to offer -- your tax money does pay for it too!
I wish you safe travels (tollways or free)!
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Hi Daniel -- thanks for the well-wishes! I don't mean to sound like such a sourpuss, but Chicago is just SUCH a financial drain on the state. Working at a downstate school, I can also attest to the unfairness of distribution of funds to educational institutions. And how good old Governor Rod promised to keep the Paris work camp open during his campaign only to close it, and increase funding to the Kankakaa work camp. That's a whole different story, better left for another day! I am sure you understand, given your background.
I do enjoy Chicago in small doses. Problem is, I am usually so worked up at the terrible drivers on I-57, I-90/94, and the tollway, that by the time I get downtown I am too pissed off to enjoy anything! Well, that and the fact that I can't afford frequent trips into the city. Sticker shock on everything from gas to food to parking garages!
Anyway, I'm sure I'll use the tollways here and there, but I doubt I'll bother with I-pass. It just seems a hassle... though I am probably making a mountain of a mole hill. Fundamentally, though, I am still opposed to the idea of inconveniencing any IL tax payer. I am sure I'm not the only downstater who is not interested in messing with I-Pass and will thus end up paying double tolls.
BTW -- how much of the toll collection actually goes to paying for the road itself? I'll bet that $ finds its ways to all sorts of shady places it was never intended to benefit.
Anyway, thanks for your understanding. I didn't mean to come off quite so strongly!
Chris