Feel Like a Million?

No two ways about it, there is big money in oil. According to the Daily Herald ...

the state's motor fuel tax law grants counties with more than 1 million residents a significant percentage of the more than $1 billion in annual revenue generated by the tax. In 2013, that amounted to more than $91 million for Cook County. When DuPage County hits that magic number -- projected to happen as soon as 2019, according to estimates from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning -- DuPage County would get half of what Cook County normally gets.
Griffin: How DuPage County population growth could hurt Cook County

Should Lake County be concerned? To find out, your LakeCountyEye asked Dr. I.M. Bhatschidtkhrazzi, Professor of Reproductive Studies at the College of Lake County.

"45 million bucks is a lot of dough. It could pay off a Route 53 Extension in no time. That much gas tax money would erase a $2.89 billion debt in only 64 years." said Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi. "Ya, Lake County is very interested."

Your LakeCountyEye was confused. Wasn't DuPage County in line for the tax windfall once their population hit one million?

"Not if Lake County gets there first." smiled Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi. "One million is not a lot of people."

That did not add up for your LakeCountyEye.

"Sure it does." chuckled Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi. "The population is already at 700,000. Lake County just needs to merge with another County that has 300,000 people. And McHenry County is right next door."

Your LakeCountyEye almost dropped the pumpkin latte. McHenry County?

"Don't worry." grinned Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi. "That deal fell through. McHenry County wanted to earmark the $45 million for farm subsidies."

Your LakeCountyEye was relieved.

"There's more than one way to hit the magic million mark." continued Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi. "Build free Section 8 housing for 300,000 people."

Your LakeCountyEye did not think many people would abide by that.

"Or order the CLCJAWA to spike their water with Viagra."

That was hard for your LakeCountyEye to conceive.

"Or even make like Vladimir Putin and annex the Kenosha / Racine corridor."

Your LakeCountyEye heard enough. Was there any parting advice?

"Tell your operatives," said Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi, "not to complain about the lines at the Goliath rollercoaster. Not yet, at least."