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DuPage considers spending $324,000 on lobbyists

A DuPage County Board panel is recommending approval of one-year contracts for four lobbying firms totaling $324,000.

Three of the firms would work with state lawmakers on the county's behalf, while the other one would focus on federal initiatives.

Jim Healy, chairman of the legislative committee, said DuPage plans to have one more state lobbyist than normal and one fewer federal lobbyist.

“Based upon last year, it became very obvious that we needed to shift as much as we could to Springfield,” Healy said.

On Tuesday morning, Dirk Enger was the only legislative committee member to oppose the four no-bid contracts. The full county board is expected to vote next week.

Two of the lobbyists, All-Circo, Inc. and McGuire Woods Consulting, are seeking to work for the county for the first time.

Chicago-based All-Circo would be paid $120,000 from Sept. 15 to Sept. 14, 2012.

The other new firm, McGuire Woods Consulting, would receive $24,000 from Sept. 15 to Sept. 14, 2012. Healy said McGuire Woods has represented the DuPage Health Department since 2008.

V.A. Persico Consulting would be paid $60,000 to coordinate the county's efforts in Springfield. The Glen Ellyn-based consultant has represented DuPage since 2003.

Meanwhile, Washington-based BGR Group would receive $120,000 to focus on federal initiatives. The DuPage Airport Authority would reimburse the county $40,000 of the proposed contract's amount.