Des Plaines extends lobbyist agreements

Des Plaines' city council has extended agreements with three lobbyists hired to represent the city's interests in Springfield.

The council this week approved lobbyist services agreements with Government Consulting Services of Illinois for $12,000, McGuireWoods Consulting for $25,200, and Alfred G. Ronan for $60,000. The deals are expected to run from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015.

City Manager Mike Bartholomew said in a memo to aldermen that "representation is required in Springfield in order to ensure that the city's interests continue to be well represented before the state legislature, governor's office, and other state departments and agencies."

That has included staying abreast of gambling legislation and the effect it would have on Des Plaines, which is home to Rivers Casino.

Mayor Matt Bogusz said all three lobbyists are "very professional, effective and they've done some good work for us down in Springfield."