Railway's purchase of train line good, bad

Buffalo Grove plans on having a representative of the Canadian National Railway at the board meeting Monday to do a presentation on its intended purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway train line.

Buffalo Grove likes this proposal because Canadian National plans on reducing the freight trains on the line that runs through town and adding ones on the EJ&E line.

That's good news for Buffalo Grove because it might clear the way for more Metra commuter service through town. However, some other towns aren't so thrilled about the purchase.

Barrington and surrounding towns are opposing the idea because it means more freight and -- officials believe -- more traffic problems in their area.

Long Grove wants to oppose the idea for similar reasons, believing moving freight to the EJ&E will create blockages in other areas.

On Tuesday, Long Grove Village President Maria Rodriguez said she'd like the town to file notice to become a party on the record that opposed the purchase.

She added, though, that the purchase will likely go through and she would like to at least have Long Grove at the table during negotiations.

Moving on: Ralph Shepstone, vice chairman of the Chicago Executive Airport, plans on stepping down soon.

However, at the last airport board meeting he made it clear that he isn't leaving in the midst of questions like others on the board have recently done.

He said he's just planning -- and has been planning for a while -- to retire from the board in the first half of 2008.

Green power: The Wheeling village board on Monday agreed to purchase two 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid SUVs. The village purchased a Toyota Prius last year.

Village Manager Mark Rooney said this adds to other efforts the village has made to "go green."

Those efforts include using renewable materials in construction of the new village hall, he said.

Santa mail: The Buffalo Grove Park District is offering a direct avenue for kids to send their letters to Santa.

Any Buffalo Grove residents who drop off their letters will get a response.

All the letters must be received by Monday. For details, contact Lori Bachrach at (847) 850-2119.

Letters should be sent to Santa Claus, c/o Buffalo Grove Park District, 530 Bernard Drive, Buffalo Grove, 60089. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.