(The following story by Stephanie Kohl appeared on the Pioneer Press website on June 5.)
CHICAGO — In an effort to slow Canadian National’s acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway, Lake Zurich Trustee Jim Johnson encouraged residents to send letters to the Surface Transportation Board.
According to Johnson, the letters are all read by STB members and staff. An abundance of letters that must be read and recorded could slow the acquisition process down.
In addition, Johnson said if the letters can slow the process until after Dec. 30, the make up of the STB Board will change. The current chairman is retiring Dec. 30 and must be replaced.
A newly formed organization, calling itself The Regional Answer to Canadian National, is looking for municipalities to become members and provide financial support. The organization is looking for communities to provide $10,000 in seed money to continue publicly opposing the acquisition. The money would be used for printing, mailers, advertising, publicity, studies and operations expenses. The organization could also seek a lobbyist and may need additional money for legal costs associated with fighting the acquisition.
Mayor John Tolomei said he has discussed TRAC with Barrington Village President Karen Darch and can get more information from her if the Village Board is interested in joining TRAC.
“I think the $10,000 would be well spent given the adverse effect additional freight trains would have on the community,” said Trustee Steve Callahan.
Tolomei said he would pass more information to board members when he receives it. Village Administrator Bob Vitas said the seed money would have to come out of the contingency fund within the village’s general fund.
For more information on Lake Zurich’s position and updates on the CN acquisition, visit the village Web site at www.volz.org.