Elgin mayor expects few stimulus funds
Elgin residents should not expect a windfall of funding for capital projects as part of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, area leaders warned Thursday.
Elgin Mayor Ed Schock said the state is on tap for only about $1.8 billion in funding for capital projects; to put that into perspective, the recent Dan Ryan Expressway construction cost about $1 billion.
Still, Elgin leaders have hired a $60,000 lobbyist specifically for Washington in addition to its lobbyists working in Springfield, Schock said.
"There are 450 municipalities in Illinois alone all competing for the dollars," he said. "You spend a little, make a lot."
Schock said it is more important for Springfield lawmakers to pass a capital plan for the state itself.
Keith Farnham, who in November landed the state 43rd House District seat over Republican Ruth Munson, agreed with Schock. They spoke during a town-hall meeting Thursday night at the Gail Borden Public Library.
Farnham, a Democrat, said he will make improving mass transportation a priority during his term. He said gas prices may be lower now, but $4 and $5 a gallon rates will return. Easier access to O'Hare International Airport is one dire need, along with connections west to towns like Hampshire and Rockford.
"We need to shake some of those people up that are inside these agencies like the RTA (Regional Transportation Authority) and get them to think outside the box," he said. "If we don't get into the future with mass transit, we're in a crisis - our county's in a crisis. We're too far behind."
Shortly after being sworn in this month, Farnham and other representatives voted to reaffirm the impeachment of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Farnham said he feels bad for the ousted man's family, but said Blagojevich turned Springfield into a circus. "I feel bad that our name as a state has been dragged down," Farnham said. "This is two governors right in a row - that's enough."
Farnham said he plans to host more town meetings on the city's west side along with Carpentersville and East Dundee, which also are in his district.
"I really want to be accessible in the community," he said.