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Legislator who voted against funding road and bridge projects “excited to announce major road and bridge projects”

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Illinois

* Press release…

Today, State Representative Lindsay Parkhurst (R – Kankakee) is excited to announce major road and bridge projects for the 79th District stemming from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

“I voted against raising taxes for the capital bill because Illinois families are already overtaxed. The people deserve more than two days to consider and vote on such an astronomical spending plan with money the state did not have to spend, but wanted to generate through a myriad of tax increases. However, this vote did not stop me from fighting to get capital projects for the taxpayers of the 79th District in the Rebuild Illinois Plan. I have, and will continue, to advocate strongly for local infrastructure projects to improve the safety of our roads and bridges, and to accommodate for growth in the area. I am happy to report many of these projects are included in IDOT’s Multiyear Plan,” Rep. Parkhurst stated.

The $8.5 million project to improve the efficiency at the intersection of Route 50 and Armour Road has been included in the Capital Plan. The project will span from the Bridge at I-57, down Armour Road, through Route 50, to the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge. The project includes adding turn lanes, removing the 4-way stop sign at CSL Behring and replacing it with a stoplight, and coordinating stoplights on Armour Road and Route 50 to increase the efficiency of the flow of traffic. The first part of this project is slated for 2020.

There is also an $11.5 million project to reconstruct the bridge and improve the geometrics including changing the alignment of the ramps to improve safety at the I-57 Exit 308 interchange. The first part of this project is slated for 2020.

In Grundy County, there will be a $22 million project on I-55 to improve the road and bridges from Gardner Road to the Will County Line. The first part of this project is slated for 2020. […]

The MYP for District 79 includes $447,195,000 for 77 state highway projects in the 79th District covering 113.59 miles.

Well, that’s one way of doing it.

Thoughts?

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:18 pm

Comments

Poster child for the modern GOP; I want stuff but I don’t want to pay for it. I would like my party back instead of its current incarnation as the Grand Order of Old Freeriders.

Comment by former southerner Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:22 pm
=== However, this vote did not stop me from fighting to get capital projects for the taxpayers of the 79th District in the Rebuild Illinois Plan.===

Everyone is a taxpayer.

You are an utter phony and a coward;

Phonies and cowards are those that take credit from those who deserve it and try to make it ALL about them.

Congratulations, Ms. Parkhurst,

You’re a coward and a phony, and taking credit for being both.

Make sure you show up for the ribbon cutting.

Pathetic.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:22 pm
“I’m not chipping in to cover the bill, but you better order my crab rangoon.”

Comment by Montrose Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:23 pm
I wonder if Parkhurst ever read the Little Red Hen.

Comment by Tommydanger Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:26 pm
I voted against funding these much needed safety improvements to roads and bridges in my district that I am now “excited” to announce.

A true profile in courage for the IL GOP circa 2019.

Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:31 pm
We’re all taxpayers.

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:32 pm
Rep. Parkhurst’s statement is a fine illustration of the profound cognitive dissonance that characterizes small-government types.

Is he/ are they aware of it?

Comment by dbk Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:35 pm
@FakeLindseyParkhurst - Yeah, I’m a phony and a coward but better to steal the hard work others have done then do anything hard for “taxpayers” #PhonyHero

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I like to complain and seem thoughtful, but usually I’m just lazy and I’ll resort to pandering. #EasyLifts

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - Why should I risk my job when I can have others to take risks, and do the right thing? #DoTheSafeThing

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I’m such a strong leader in the caucus, I make sure my phony press release goes out taking credit for others hard work before anyone #FirstToPhony

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:36 pm
Rep Parkhurst failed to mention the work on I-57 near the 3rd airport, which is in her district. She is completely opposed to the airport.

Comment by Just saying Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:37 pm
Im pretty sure the Peotone Airport exit that Pritzker just announced is in her district. The rest of it seems like chump change compared to that amount.

Comment by Been There Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:40 pm
Not sure what the issue is here. All politicians are hypocritical when it comes to spending and revenue. Also this is a tax that everyone will be paying, so everyone should benefit from the capital project spending.

Comment by Chicagonk Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:41 pm
Conservatives: This road is falling apart! The government can’t do anything right!

Also: How dare you raise my taxes!

Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:42 pm
Rep. Cake-and-Eat-It-Too speaks.

Comment by Rich Hill Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:47 pm
Vote No and take the Dough is a time honored tradition in both Parties. Not sure about the outrage. Does anyone think Build Illinois, Illinois First, or Illinois Jobs Now were unanimous votes?

Comment by Oldtimer Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:48 pm
@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I’ll be getting ready for the photo ops so if you can’t get ahold of me, see you at the ribbon cuttings #NeverMissAChanceToStealCredit

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I wanted to vote for projects in my district but I was elected to vote Red on everything and take credit for anything #FauxMushroom

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - To me, leadership is blaming people who best help my district when I won’t do it myself #YoureBadForHelpingMe

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I think I’m relevant. You can count on me to vote to hurt my district but will write important phony press releases anyway #FakeNewsForFakeHero

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:49 pm
==I want stuff but I don’t want to pay for it.==

Another way of saying it: “I want stuff but don’t want to vote for it…but hoping it passes.”

And here is their consituents: “What?? The state is broke, we can’t afford it, I’d rather drive on dirt roads than spend more. Pay the bills…taxes, blah, blah, blah.”

Then, when work is completed: “So glad these people finally did something about this road.”

Comment by Alex Ander Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:54 pm
The traditional signs placed at these construction sites should read:

This project is brought to you by Gov JB and responsible legislators DESPITE the opposition of your local representative to this infrastructure program.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:54 pm
@FakeLindseyParkhurst - my goal is to do as little as possible and maximize my lazy help my district doesn’t get from my votes. #CookieCutterMushroom

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - Usually I mail it in, this time I press released it in #FunnyPhony

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I want everyone to know, if it’s broke, vote Red and have someone else fix it. The squeaky no vote gets the money #WinByWhining

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I tell folks all the time, you want something done, get some else to vote for it and I’ll try to take credit, all I ask is spell my name right #WhoCaresPhonyCredit

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:56 pm
==All politicians are hypocritical when it comes to spending and revenue…==

That’s what the pundits cynically tell us anyways. Reality contradicts this ole fiction, as lotsa legislators actually voted for the very tax increases that funded this much needed and called for infrastructure. So yeah, I guess some pols are more transparent than others.

Comment by DarkDante Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 4:59 pm
This is why Rep. Toni McCombie’s Democratic opponent is running a smart campaign with the slogan: Let’s Grow the 71st. McCombie voted against the capital bill that has lots of investments in NW Illinois.

Comment by west wing Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 5:08 pm
Representative Lindsay Parkhurst I want stuff but I don’t want to pay for it. The 79th needs to vote her out.

Comment by just me Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 5:27 pm
- Captain Obvious -

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - the last thing I need is to vote for things my district needs. I’m not that thoughtful legislator. #AllAboutMe

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I’ll make sure I stand with a shovel and hard hat. It will be the only heavy lifting I did with these projects. #PropsToHelpThePhony

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I want to care about my district, but in reality, I care for them to buy my phony caring, not my actual caring #SmokeAndPhony

@FakeLindseyParkhurst - I’ll show up early for photos and questions, even if I’m late to doing the right thing and voting for it. #EarlyBirdGetsThePhonyPressPop

Anything else?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 5:39 pm
Meh, he’s in the minority. The minority isn’t expected to actually govern. Let the cry baby cry all he wants.

Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 5:56 pm
Who’s “he”?

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 5:58 pm
Chicagonk:
Yeah, well, you can tell yourself that if it helps you sleep…but there are actually a lot…a majority, even, who stepped up and actually said - on the record - that they knew this was a tough vote (the tax increases or gaming expansions) but they knew the capital was direly needed….and so they were willing to take the tough votes. Others, were not. And yet, they seem to be over the moon to host ribbon cuttings. Down with big government - unless its a project in my district - then, bigger and better!

Comment by DownStateGirl Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 7:32 pm
Norseman @ 4:54 pm:

The traditional signs placed at these construction sites should really read:

This project is brought to you by Metro Chicago taxpayers, Gov JB and responsible legislators DESPITE the opposition of your local representative to this infrastructure program.

Crime ridden Chicago bails out downstate…again.

Comment by Froganon Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 7:44 pm
Norseman 4:54

+ 1,000

I’d love to see that sign by federal projects, too.

Comment by Lynn S. Tuesday, Oct 22, 19 @ 8:47 pm
too bad state monies can’t be directed to districts where the reps voted FOR the funding. Let those who voted against explain it to their people.

Comment by truthteller Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 7:05 am
==too bad state monies can’t be directed to districts where the reps voted FOR the funding.==

Amen. I always have felt the money should only go to legislators’ districts who voted for measures. Cant enforce it that way, but would be nice if it happened like that

Comment by Labour Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 7:50 am
Let’s not pretend that this is a GOP-only thing. Every tier 1 targeted house Dem did the exact same thing. Monica Bristow and Katie Stuart both voted against the gas tax hike, yet both are touting the infrastructure projects in their districts and are taking credit for them.

Comment by Dave W Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 8:33 am
- Dave W -

I’m sure you’re angered equally for all of them.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 8:53 am
This bill had bipartisan support and bipartisan resistance. My travels convinced me that our road infrastructure needs serious repair, so I came down on the side supporting this one, though I believe the gas tax could have and should have been less than what was passed.

That said, once the bill passes, it’s vital that Reps work to get those dollars spread out equitably. All of the taxpayers are paying for this. My guess is that Rep. Parkhurst’s district was likely opposed to this tax. (As I stated, it’s a guess) Now that it passed, as taxpayers, they are entitled to an equitable share of the infrastructure improvements.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 9:04 am
LOL…

Where to *begin*…

=== This bill had bipartisan support and bipartisan resistance===

What does this even *mean*, lol.

You vote against this bill and do the phony dance of “I worked for you for the dollars I’m against” is a total phony and coward move.

=== it’s vital that Reps work to get those dollars spread out equitably.===

“You do the lift, but where’s mine”… you’re cool with that? Of course *you* are. You’re the same guy that’ll complain about abortion but votes pro-choice, LOL.

As long as it’s a Republican, you’re good. Rauner pro-life, a racist president, they’re a Republican, you’re with them, even if you tout a phony policy “line” that you draw as too far.

=== taxpayers===

We are all taxpayers. If this Representative wanted tax dollars, vote for them. You and she are utter phonies and cowards, “fighting” after the heavy lift. Ugh.

=== entitled to an equitable share===

No. Projects should be funded by the necessity and need and the safety. Once again you show you’re “I want mine, just save that Rep” folly.

I needed this comedy. Thank you, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 9:20 am
== However, this vote did not stop me from fighting to get capital projects for the taxpayers of the 79th District==

By definition, voting no is not fighting for something. Did she not take any logic courses during college or law school?

Comment by Occasional Quipper Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 9:23 am
===yet both are touting the infrastructure projects in their districts and are taking credit for them===

Not that I have seen. You have any links to back up that claim?

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 9:24 am
== “fighting” after the heavy lift. Ugh.==

Calling this a “heavy lift” for a lot of those Reps is quite something. For a few, it was. For many, not so much.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 10:23 am
=== For many, not so much.===

… and for Ms. Parkhurst, there was no lift at all.

Just phony “fighting”, and stealing credit.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 10:29 am
=== You have any links to back up that claim?===

Guess not.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 2:18 pm
The touting and fighting for what would have gotten done out of sheer need anyway?? …. these projects ( and 100s more) probably been on the books better part of a decade if not longer and IDOT finally got the dough to do it…Some projects in GA dists are more of a want than need… that would have been a different “fight”

Comment by NorthsideNoMore Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 3:05 pm
This is kind of like the statehouse version of the ” well POTUS never used the word ‘Biden’”

Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Oct 23, 19 @ 4:51 pm