Regional leaders gather to discuss important issues
In front of the Community Center, Mayor Don De Graff greets Senator Barack Obama at a meeting in which regional leaders joined together to address important issues. Mayor De Graff and Senator Obama have committed to working together for South Holland and the region. |
Mayor Don De Graff and Illinois State Representative David Miller recently co-hosted a meeting with Senator Barack Obama, one of the nation’s rising stars, to address some issues important to South Holland and the region.
The meeting, which was held at the South Holland Community Center, was attended by many other South Suburban mayors and state legislators, including State Senator Rev. James Meeks. Also in attendance was Rick Bryant, Chief of Staff for Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.
"I stressed the importance of bringing the SouthEast Metra Rail commuter line to South Holland and gave specific details of why it is needed. Bringing the line from LaSalle Street through South Holland and down to Balmoral is not only a significant way of bringing our residents to and from the city, it is the key to bringing jobs and economic development to the area," said Mayor De Graff.
South Holland has taken the lead on this issue working to gain support from
Metra, the RTA, and state and U.S. legislators. Mayor De Graff explained to Obama that South Holland obtained a $300,000 grant on
behalf of the eight communities involved in the project for a land use and local financing study. Now being administered by the South
Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, the study is expected to be completed this month. The proposed rail line would serve the
communities of Chicago Heights, Crete, Dolton, Glenwood, South Chicago Heights, South Holland, Steger, and
Thornton.
Mayor De Graff said the villages are seeking $80 to $100 million in funding from the Federal Transportation Bill for the initial phase of the project to fund the engineering study and obtain right of ways. Because there is an existing rail line the total project cost is estimated to be approximately $500 million, relatively small when compared to other projects vying for federal funding. It is hoped that the balance of federal funding would come within the next four to six years. "Senator Obama recognizes the great need in the region for the rail line and has pledged to support the project," Mayor De Graff said.
"The meeting was an opportunity for him to become fully informed on the issues important to us in South Holland and in the region. We're developing a strong working relationship," he added.
Obama also pledged his support for the proposed Abraham Lincoln National Airport in Peotone and for House Bill 750 which would require the state to fund public education at 51 percent. Village Administrator J. Wynsma said education funding is a crucial issue because currently funding comes primarily from property taxes, and we need to lighten the burden on our homeowners and businesses. Other issues addressed at the meeting were additional transportation needs and the over concentration of housing choice vouchers holders in the south suburbs.
"I want to thank Mayor De Graff for helping us put this meeting together. In the past there was insensitivity to the needs and issues of our area. This meeting was an opportunity to let our new senator know what issues are important to us," said Rep. David Miller.
Regional leaders gather together to meet with Senator Barack Obama at the South Holland Community Center. Pictured from l-r are: (Back row) Mayor Mark Stricker, Matteson; State Rep., 80th District, George Scully; Mayor Dan Podgorski, Lansing; Mayor Thomas Murawski, Midlothian; Mayor Don De Graff, South Holland; Mayor Al McCowan, University Park; Mayor Rick Reinbold, Richton Park; (Front row): Mayor Rich Hofeld, Homewood; Mayor Michelle Markiewicz-Qualkinbush, Calumet City; Mayor Irene Brodie, Robbins; Mayor Zenovia Evans, Riverdale; US Senator Barack Obama; Mayor William Browne, Hazel Crest; State Rep., 38th District, Robin Kelly; State Rep., 29th District, David Miller.