We can't let CN railroad suburbs

We have debated the Canadian National deal to purchase the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad from U.S. Steel on the county board extensively and in the end, the board voted in favor of the CN proposal.

All the commissioners who felt they would get relief from rail traffic voted in favor of it, and those suburban commissioners (including myself) who would get stuck with additional freight traffic voted against it.

Simply put, they don't want lower safety, environmental, and quality of life standards in their communities and they're trying to stick it in ours.

It's simply baffling, especially when Canadian National has stated that within three years after purchasing EJ&E, the number of trains running on those eastern lines will be back to their previous levels.

Mind you, this is freight from China, shipped to a Canadian port, transported by Canadian rail, bypassing Chicago on its way to Memphis and destined for Europe.

This will create no new jobs. In fact, EJ&E workers will lose jobs.

Residents and Metra riders will suffer, not to mention the proposed STAR line that local, state and federal officials have been working on for over 10 years (which will undoubtedly create jobs and economic growth).

I thought I knew what audacity was. Canadian National has elevated it to an art form. Apparently they want us to believe that poorer air quality and exposure to hazardous waste, longer travel times and decreased safety conditions are what's best.

Amazingly, they want taxpayers to pay for the infrastructure and residents and commuters will suffer.

We've all heard of the "Audacity of Hope." Well, Canadian National needs to understand the Audacity of Nope.

Timothy O' Schneider

Commissioner

Cook County Board

Bartlett