Concerns voiced about sale of EJ&E

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Halvorson, Durbin highlight concerns about sale of EJ&E
Vow to protect interests of communities that may be impacted by changes

http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/articles/2008/03/20/news/530geje.txt

Thursday, March 20, 2008 3:24 PM CDT

FRANKFORT, IL - State Senate Majority Leader and Democratic Congressional Nominee Debbie Halvorson Wednesday highlighted the concerns of local residents about the proposed acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway by the Canadian National Railway.

Halvorson was joined by U.S. Senator Richard Durbin, Will County Executive Larry Walsh, Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland and members of the Frankfort Village Board.

“Canadian National’s acquisition will have a serious impact on the day-to-day lives of Frankfort residents and families across this region,” said Halvorson. “On top of traffic congestion and safety concerns, the plan stands to threaten property values of working families who are already being hit hard enough.

“I will work with Senator Durbin and Mayor Holland to ensure that any plan that moves forward serves the best interests of local residents.”

Senator Durbin has been actively involved in negotiations with Canadian Railway since it first submitted a proposal to acquire a major portion of the 198-mile EJ&E, which encircles Chicago and reaches Waukegan, Joliet and South Chicago and Gary, Indiana.

“I think it is essential that we work together to see that each community affected by the deal has its concerns addressed. I look forward to bringing about a workable solution by keeping an open dialogue between Canadian National and community leaders,” Senator Durbin said.

The current proposal would result in up to a 400 percent increase in rail traffic, raising red flags about safety, longer commutes, environmental impacts, and property valu

2

NIMBY’s twisting their shorts.

3

For a somewhat more realistic view of the facts rather than the hysteria, you might want to check out the information on www.cnrealitycheck.blogspot.com.

J. Giblin

4

“Anyone who lives in places like Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale or Downers Grove know that wonderful communities can and do exist with well over a hundred freight, Amtrak and Metra trains per day passing through them.”

I think that this is a great point. It should be made to all of these mayors who seem to think that there towns will be ruined if the CN gets the J.

5

On a lighter note, maybe CN should hand out puppy dogs and kitty cats to everyone thats having a hissy fit. Puppies and kitties always seem to cheer people up…lol

Paul

6

Both state senator Halvorson and senator Durbin are hunting political brownie points, since this is an election year. What they say now doesn’t mean they can follow through with later. Seems to me to be more of a pacifier for the nimby’s

Some interesting reading there, thanks for the link

inch