Company trying to split communities

Canadian National is attempting to pit the residents of the 80 communities Canadian National trains currently pass through against the "over-privileged" residents of Barrington. This classic "divide and conquer" technique is designed to distract from the intentions of Canadian National itself.

Canadian National's argument is that increasing train traffic on the little-used Elgin, Joliet and Eastern rail line will reduce rail congestion throughout the Chicago area.

Canadian National fails to disclose that the rail line crosses many east-west rail lines at grade. Increased traffic will cause more congestion where these lines intersect. Major infrastructure improvements will be required.

Additionally, the communities along the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern rail line will require major infrastructure improvements to ensure public safety after an increase in freight traffic.

Since Canadian National will be the major benefactor, why shouldn't Canadian National be required to pay for infrastructure improvements? Why should taxpayers throughout Illinois shoulder this burden while Canadian National profits?

Canadian National is appealing to residents in these 80 communities to stand up against "Barrington." If Barrington wins, the 80 communities will continue to lose, the company proclaims.

Why should anyone trust Canadian National, a foreign corporation? Who will hold the company accountable for decreasing rail congestion? What happens if the company doesn't decrease congestion? Where is the recourse for the citizens of Illinois against a Canadian corporation?

The state must require Canadian National to pay for all improvements and be held accountable for a decrease in train congestion. If Canadian National accepts, the entire region benefits. If the company walks away, they weren't committed to reducing rail congestion in the first place.

It is imperative that the 80 affected communities and the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern communities work together to hold the company financially and legally accountable for this proposed transaction. If Canadian National succeeds in dividing and conquering, all communities lose and the cost for infrastructure improvement will be spread throughout the region with no recourse whatsoever.

Brent Cohrs

Bartlett