State attorney general offers to mediate Navistar flap

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is offering to negotiate between Navistar and the Lisle residents angered over the handling of the company's planned relocation of its headquarters to the community.

In a letter to local residents, Madigan said her office had already been contacted by Navistar and now wants to hear their side.

"While my office does not represent any party in this matter, Navistar has already contacted us about its own concerns, and we would like to hear from you as well. We believe differences can be bridged if we have an opportunity to meet with you and seek a reasonable approach," Madigan said in the letter dated June 7 that was mailed to community members.

Madigan goes on to say public health and safety are top priorities for her office along with job creation and that they "are not mutually exclusive goals."

Contacted about the letter Tuesday, Julie Schnell, a local resident who's been critical of Navistar's handling, declined to comment since she'd not received any letter and has had no contact with Lisa Madigan or her office.

Navistar recently announced it was no longer interested in moving its world headquarters to Lisle, citing vocal opposition from residential neighbors. However, Gov. Pat Quinn subsequently signed a law that would offer the company millions in tax breaks should it go ahead with plans. The tax break could be worth $3.3 million a year for 10 years. It allows employers who create or retain jobs to claim a credit against their state corporate taxes.

Those involved in pushing the tax break say it could be used anywhere in the state and with the apparent demise of the Lisle site, others are scrambling to see if Navistar might be interested in moving elsewhere in Illinois.

Navistar is a leading manufacturer of trucks and truck engines and had announced plans to move several of its operations to the suburbs from Indiana.