The wake of the RTA's crushing defeat brings a renewed push for the RDA and a rebuke of its opposition. Opponents are coined a "vocal minority" as well as hayseeds, obstructionists and even racists. We're accused of desiring a wall to keep "them people" out and of spreading misinformation. I believe RDA opponents make up the majority in Porter County and the opposition is not being accurately portrayed. 

The RDA was formed for four tasks: South Shore and Gary/Chicago International Airport expansion, bus regionalization and improved access to Lake Michigan. Proponents mailed shiny fliers promising 26,000 jobs.  Let's examine this closely.

Rail expansion estimates are over $1 billion, but a federal match of $500 million is assured. Or is it? NICTD announced in July that the Valparaiso line is nowhere close to meeting Federal Transportation Administration cost-effectiveness standards, which is necessary to compete for federal funds. Valparaiso has been dropped from study completely and Lowell is on "hiatus." When I find constituents in favor of the RDA it is generally because they've been led to believe the RDA will bring the South Shore to Valparaiso. Now, who's spreading misinformation?

Expansion of Gary's Airport has been "on the brink of success" for many years. Currently, progress is stalled because of an absolute need for property owned by Gary's schools. The schools know the airport's dilemma and have responded with an asking price well above appraised value. How's that for cooperation?

Why should Porter County residents pay for buses in Lake County when Lake receives millions in casino money and has tax rates that dwarf ours? In Porter County, Valparaiso's V-line and Chicago Dash need RDA support. Neither has large numbers of riders nor has either reached ridership estimates. Nice busses, but cost outweighs benefits.

Improved access to Lake Michigan is unarguably a good thing. We now have a lakefront park amongst steel mills. Yet should people have money taken from their paychecks for an out-of-the way park during a recession?

I wouldn't expect a full 26000 jobs yet, but I would expect more than a few. As far as a wall to keep "them people" out, the only wall is that of higher taxes. Opponents aren't worried about "them people," only "that government."

I maintain the best way to attract people and business is low taxes. Couple that with our great schools and unique atmosphere and we've got a winner. Travel time to Chicago is much greater than the suburbs we try to emulate, and one must travel through the nation's murder capital to get there. Without low taxes and our rural-residential, small town atmosphere, what will we have to separate us from the pack? Well, I guess we'll have the RDA.

Laura Shurr Blaney is an at-large member of the Porter County Council. The opinion expressed in this column is the writer's and not necessarily that of The Times.