A lobbyist to help Roselle?

Roselle leaders are exploring whether a lobbyist in Springfield might help boost village business, economics and tourism.

On Monday, the village board listened to a presentation from Scott Marquardt, president and chief legal counsel to Roger C. Marquardt and Co. Inc., to learn how a lobbyist might benefit Roselle. He spent about 20 minutes explaining that a lobbyist might benefit Roselle in the long run but cannot alleviate current financial woes caused by flat property tax revenues or problems with the Illinois budget.

Hiring a lobbyist, he said, will not persuade lawmakers to release money to Roselle that "just isn't there right now."

"A lobbyist can get you more influence in Springfield, but you must have the proper expectation," Marquardt said. "I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a firm and then you're going to be let down."

Instead, he explained Roselle might benefit from hiring a lobbyist to work on behalf of the village for about two years - or two legislative sessions - to build relationships both while lawmakers are in Springfield and during their off time.

The relationships that grow could help with village concerns like publicizing Lynfred Winery with signs along major roadways, the placement of tollbooths or exits as western access is built to O'Hare International Airport, and issues with train noise within the village.

Village President Gayle Smolinski questioned whether a lobbyist could work on behalf of not only the village but also in the interest of other taxing bodies like the park district and library. Marquardt said this is not his firm's typical approach, but the idea could present benefits like creating multiple funding sources for future projects.

No decision was made on the matter Monday. Village Administrator Jeff O'Dell said the idea is very preliminary, and Roselle officials have not discussed how much they would be willing to pay for a lobbyist. He also praised Marquardt for his straightforward approach Monday.

"I think he gave us a realistic idea of what we might be able to expect and what a lobbyist simply can't fix for Roselle or any village," he said.

Lobbying: Roselle could benefit in long run