Reasons to support the CN purchase

There is much ado about Canadian National's desired purchase of the Elgin Joliet and Eastern Railway. The question is, why is the only supporting argument coming from CN themselves? Those familiar with Economics 101 know that faster and more efficient ways of moving and providing goods and services contribute to lower prices. Henceforth, easing the CN congestion through certain suburbs by shifting the traffic through others should be a boost to the economy. Most of the southwestern portion of the EJ&E moved through farmland up until a few years ago. Now, communities such as Aurora, Plainfield, Naperville and others have built up so much that large developments back up to the rail line. But that's not EJ&E's fault. The rail line was there first, not the NIMBYs. It is akin to those who buy houses near O'Hare and then complain about the airplane noise. You knew the airport was there, what did you expect, complete silence? I live within a couple miles from the EJ&E and am not bothered by the train whistles and traffic, and I'm sure there are others who feel the same way. Support the CN purchase.

Harold Downs

Aurora