Dupage Policy Journal

State Senate District 25 candidate Heather Brown is bringing attention to the obscured history and rising costs of tolls in Illinois, emphasizing the need for transparency in the toll system. Highlighting the shift from toll booths to electronic systems, Brown expressed concern about the increasing toll increments that burden the working class.

“How much did you use to pay for tolls?” Brown said on Facebook. “The history on the tollways has disappeared. People only accept they have to pay while driving around our State.”

“We no longer have toll booths with the working class, as they have gone electronic along with so many other businesses, with increments rising all the time.”

According to Brown, it is crucial to revisit the initial commitments made when tolls were first introduced. In response to Brown's query, Tom Warrington shared his thoughts. 

"It’s nice how they have streamlined the process of ripping drivers off. Illinois hits you on just about every expressway on top of the ridiculous gas taxes," Warrington said.

Warrington, who hails from Michigan and was unfamiliar with tolls when he moved to Illinois, later discovered that they were intended to be temporary in the state. He felt that people might have been misled by this claim.

Despite promises made decades ago to phase out toll roads in America, several states including Illinois continue to maintain these systems. Initially, state politicians assured residents of a future without tolls using slogans like "Toll Free in 73," implying that by 1973 there would be no need for tolls. However, due to their revenue-generating potential which led to job creation and political power consolidation, state leaders chose to keep them. Even attempts by former Illinois governor George Ryan to abolish toll plazas faced hurdles. As per an article on Digital Global Traveler, in 2022 - 50 years after the initial promise - tolls continue to exist with state leaders providing various contracts and reasons for their persistence, and notably, increasing costs.

Brown is an Independent Alderman of West Chicago, recognized for her seven-year tenure and ability to bridge political divides. She is known for consistently voting "No" on levies, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal conservatism. As stated on her website, this stance extends to opposing water rate increases, reflecting a dedication to responsible financial decisions that prioritize community welfare.

State Senate District 25 is currently represented by State Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). The district includes all or parts of Aurora, North Aurora, Batavia, West Chicago, South Elgin, Wayne and Bartlett. Villa is seeking reelection to represent District 25 as per Ballotpedia.