Privatization doesn't work in Chicago

Dear Editor,

If Dick Trail thinks private operation of functions undertaken by the city is a good idea, he should come to Chicago and see how well that has worked out.

Granted, McCook is generally much less inclined to political corruption than this city, but earlier this year the mayor pushed through a long-term lease on city parking meters.

Sounds simple, right? Well, so far the contractor has failed miserably.

Not only has the cost of parking increased substantially with more increases to come, the payment kiosks don't always work, tickets of a substantial dollar amount are issued to parkers who have paid in good faith, and in general this has generated more public ire than just about anything the city council has done in recent memory.

Guess in part it depends on how close to home things hit, and parking is a BIG issue in this city.

If you don't believe that, come visit a day or two after a substantial snowstorm.

The other lease-to-private deal was the Chicago Skyway.

This is a 7.8 mile route that bypasses a great deal of city traffic for those who want to get to the Indiana Toll Road (why it was built is another story).

Basically it is a huge bridge over much of the south part of the city. It used to cost a standard car about $2 to use it. It is now $3 with another increase scheduled for 2011.

Natalie Hilberg

Vernon Hills, Ill.

(Formerly of Indianola, Neb.)