McHenry County extends relationship with D.C. lobbyist

Lobbyist may be a dirty word out on the campaign trail, but McHenry County leaders were happy Thursday to extend their relationship with a Washington, D.C., firm that represents their interests in the Capitol.

The county board voted 22-1 in favor of a one-year, $93,000 contract to retain the Ferguson Group as its lobbying firm next year, with an option to renew the deal in 2010 and again in 2011.

Officials credit the firm with helping land $1.8 million in federal assistance since it began working for the county in 2006. The county has paid the firm about $270,000 in that time.

Supporters said it is especially important for the county to maintain a presence in Washington next year with a new administration taking power.

"If we're not at the table with people who know what's going on in Washington, then we're not going to get the funds we need," County Board Chairman Ken Koehler said.

Board member John Hammerand cast the lone vote against the measure.

"It's misdirected," he said. "Our problem is with getting state funding, not so much federal."