Residents from Algonquin Hills, the subdivision I have cut through to get between Harrison Street in Algonquin to the Cary-Algonquin Road has gravel roads, want taxpayers to fix their roads.
The last time I tried that route, I had to turn back because the private non-dedicated road was in such bad shape.
Because the roads are private non-dedicated roads, the Algonquin Township Road Commissioner does not maintain them.
Highway Commissioner Danijela Sandberg is authorized to use a portion of Motor Fuel Taxes to help residents such as these.
I’m familiar with the issue, having attended the Silver Lakes subdivision meeting at the Township garage with my father while I was still in college.
That was my first local government meeting.
At issue was whether bonds would be issued to pave the streets.
These would be retired through property taxes on the subdivision.
Someone brought suit and that practice was held to be illegal.
Nevertheless, I remember collecting taxes to pay off the bonds four ofrfive years later, so the residents got their roads paved.
Now that that digression is over, let me get back to Algonquin’s Annual Town Meeting.
Each year there is a resolution to authorize the Road Commissioner to arrange for the spraying of mosquitoes.
But, the money to pay for that service comes from all Algonquin Township taxpayers and benefits only those living in unincorporated areas.
I live in the Algonquin Township portion of Lakewood.
While Crystal Lake sprays one street away, Lakewood does not.
When I inquired as to what I see as discrimination, the rely is that I live in a municipality.
My reply: “Yes, but I am in the same situation as residents of non-incorporated areas: nobody is killing mosquitoes.”
I think I’m being discriminated against.
Oh well, the residents from Algonquin Hills solved my problem.
They voted 55-0 ,with one abstension, to kill the program.
This summer I shall not be discriminated against.
I’ll continue to get bitten by mosquitoes, but so will residents of unincorporated areas.
And my tax dollars will not be spent where it does not benefit me.
So, what is the unintended consequence referenced in the title?
Deadly mosquitos, but no spraying in unincorporated areas.
