RESPONSE FROM LLOYD HORNBOLSTEL

15 March, 2000

Mr. Joseph A. Vanderwerff Sr. PE

County Engineer

Winnebago County Highway Dept.

Rockford, IL 61101

Dear Mr. Vanderwerff:

I have a copy of your letter of 14 March to Eugene A. Brown concerning the Perryville Road extension.

First, I have been involved in a number of cost benefit studies during some fifty years in public service.  These studies were not done to satisfy public law, but done by professional engineers to justify public works projects to the taxpayers who pay their salaries.  Cost benefit studies actually reduce costs by identification of area where engineering changes can bring the project in under the original budget.

Second, I, among others have appeared over many years before the County Board, Public Works, and have worked with board members to stop Perryville Road construction north of Hy 173.  To say that there has been no public input regarding this issue is pure hogwash.  Specifically, I recall a number of years ago then county engineer Jack Kretzer planning to destroy an historic Roscoe rail bridge to cross the South Kinnikinnick wetland.  I placed the bridge on the National Register of Historic Places - the bridge still stands as recreational bike path crossing and Jack Kretzer is no longer County Engineer.

Third, I have found the most professional individuals I have had the pleasure to work with are those who can react to change and keep public planning contemporary with ever changing needs.  Those who abide by "it has been our plan for 20 years" to justify a project would have us still using crank telephones and mechanical typewriters if they had their way.

Fourth, there is a county wide groundswell of resistance to this road extension - read any newspaper, listen to radio talk shows and you will get the message that people are fed up with the destruction of their property, natural resources, and reduction of other public services to pay for this road.  Perryville Road has no justifiable use except as a payback to specific county board members for campaign donations by contractors, developers who would be the only benefactors at the expense of everyone else in the county.

Sincerely,

Lloyd Hornbostel