Politics & Government

Was Mayor Gonzalez Right to Go Against $16 Million in Tollway Construction Projects? Let's Talk

Gonzalez took a controversial stance against approving "millions" in construction projects.

Updated Dec. 16, 2011 at 8:54 a.m.

The Illinois Tollway board needs to be better at seeking minority contractors and guiding work toward the South Suburbs, according to Mayor David Gonzalez.

That's why he said he refused to vote to approve several 2012 construction projects Wednesday, supposedly worth around $16 million. These projects are part of a 15-year, $12.1 billion construction program.

Find out what's happening in Chicago Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Gonzalez explained his stance to the Chicago Tribune.

"The issue is that we’re heading toward a huge capital development program and we have to make every effort to make sure we increase our minority participation in those contracts … to create jobs and (ensure people are) fairly represented in the south suburbs,” Gonzalez said.

Find out what's happening in Chicago Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Despite the new appointee's stance, the board did approve the contracts, along with several others, totaling $132 million, with Gonzalez abstaining from the vote, according to the Tribune.

Gonzalez said he did approve 16 of the 24 projects, but stood against about $16 million in contracts in which he felt minority participation was too low.

The mayor said he did it because he wants south Cook County to get a "fair share" of construction jobs.

What do you think of Gonzalez deciding not to vote?

Should he be praised for a valiant effort to represent the people of the South Suburbs? Do you think he had an ulterior motive?

No matter how you feel, it's good to get a conversation going about these big decisions.

So hit the comments section, and let's talk.

Feel free to speak your mind and give an honest opinion, but please keep it clean and respectful. Any questions about what that means? Take a look at our Patch Terms of Use.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here