Lobbyist proposes Mundelein cash in on train

Fearing the impact a proposed railway acquisition could have on local road traffic, Mundelein officials are considering hiring a lobbyist to work on their behalf.

They don't believe they'll be able to stop Canadian National's proposed $300 million purchase of the Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railway, but village leaders think a lobbyist could help them collect federal money for projects that would alleviate potential traffic problems caused by more train movement.

"There is potentially money to be doled out for improvements," Trustee Ray Semple said. "We want to make sure Mundelein gets some of that."

Canadian National has proposed a $300 million purchase of the EJ&E, which runs through the Mundelein area in an arc from Waukegan to Gary, Ind. The line would become a bypass route for freight traffic.

Mundelein and other suburban towns have formally opposed the proposed deal, but some groups have supported it.

The federal Surface Transportation Board has final say over the deal.

Christopher Ganschow, owner of Highland Park-based Cagwood Consulting, spoke to the village board Monday night about the services his firm could offer, specifically regarding the proposed railroad deal.

He said the next federal highway transportation bill could include funding for projects that would mitigate the impact additional train traffic could have in the area. Tunnels and bridges are among the options often discussed.

Ganschow said he would offer strategies to get money for crossing improvements and work with government and media sources -- as well as the community -- on the issue.

Ganschow, who first met with village leaders in February, has not said how much his services cost, officials said.

Trustees were interested in Ganschow's informal proposal but didn't make any decisions Monday. They've never hired a lobbyist before, Semple said.

"We've always relied on staff, and that's been effective on the state level," he said. "(But) there's so much at stake here."

The Lake County Board and the Lake County Forest Preserve District board are among the local government agencies that employ lobbyists to promote their causes in Springfield and Washington, D.C.

"It is not uncommon to hire lobbyists to put forth a particular interest to your legislators," Village Administrator John Lobaito said. "We should not leave that stone unturned."

Ganschow is the only lobbyist who's approached the village board so far. Semple said officials are willing to review other proposals.