Illinois Senator Darin LaHood visits Chillicothe
- Details
- Category: Opinion
- Published on Friday, 22 April 2011 17:27
- Written by Administrator
Monday morning, Illinois Senator Darin LaHood visited Chillicothe. An informal meeting was held at City Hall. Those attending were Mayor Troy Childers, Greg Truninger, Gus Krantz, Kevin Yates, Ben Alvarez, Police Chief Steve Maurer, Karen Moewe, and Rich St John. The meeting was deemed fruitful at least as much as can be done at this time.
Various people gave reports on their respective areas and possible needs, Kevin Yates on Park District, Gus Krantz representing Chamber and Mike Krost on viaduct issues, Ben Alvarez on Pearce Community Center, Greg Truninger on economic incentives. The mayor also discussed the viaduct problem. The focus of the meeting was obviously on the viaduct problems.
The goal is to get some immediate work on the viaduct replacement. The state has committed to repairing the aging and unsafe viaducts but in conjunction with the by-pass that could be 30 years away. Senator LaHood represents the 37th district of which this falls under. He also serves on the transportation committee for the State of Illinois. This combination coupled with his father, Ray LaHood serving as the Secretary of the U.S. Transportation Agency they hoped to bring some light, and possible action to this problem.
Safety was presented as the primary issue with both accidents and fatalities happening under the old and obsolete viaducts. Many reasons were cited including school bus avoidance. Sen. LaHood stated he would do all that he could to expedite some action. In fact, he is meeting with the BNSF railroad executives in Galesburg this week. He will discuss this issue at that time in the hopes of getting to the proper people in the BNSF organization to begin some coordinated efforts. This appears to be good news for Chillicothe.
Mr. LaHood spoke of his participation in various projects such as spending reductions and workman’s compensation reform. The obvious goal is to right the financial crisis at the state level while promoting and retaining businesses in Illinois. Senator LaHood left here definitely knowing Chillicothe is strongly in need of some action on the viaduct replacement. The group felt that Senator LaHood may provide some action or at the minimum, some ongoing dialogue to get some resolves sooner than later.
