“I am grateful to Dan Duffy for his solid opposition to the Canadian National Railway’s proposed acquisition of the EJ&E railroad which would have a devastating impact on Barrington and other communities in the 26th district.” - Karen Darch, Barrington Village President

“With leadership and cooperation, we can improve transportation.” – Dan Duffy

We desperately need to reduce the congestion on our roads and highways. We need to maintain and build new roads. We cannot do that if the current administration continues to divert designated road funds to other political pet projects. Over the past six years the Governor and his top officials have diverted 4 Billion dollars out of designated “road funds” and moved that money into other areas. Because of these actions, the Governor has also jeopardized Illinois chance of receiving another 9.3 Billion dollars in federal matching road funds. Our roads are being ignored and are literally falling to pieces around us. I will work extremely hard to keep every dollar designated for roads - to be spent on the roads. We must stop the Governor’s diversion or “funds sweeping” process.

CTA Bailout:

The recent bailout of the CTA did not resolve the long term problems of public transportation because it did not reform the bloated, inefficient bureaucracy. It was only a band-aid solution. Without real reform, the CTA will continue to run out of money and will require larger and larger subsidies from the taxpayer. The Governor’s “giveaway” of free rides for everyone over 65 - regardless of income or ability to pay – was a desperate scheme to curry favor at the expense of young families struggling to pay their mortgages and raise their children. We need our tax dollars to solve congestion and rebuild local roads, yet we are now subsidizing public transportation in the city of Chicago.

CN Railroad:

Congestion is already a major problem in the 26th Senate District. If rail traffic increases it will exacerbate an already difficult problem. If the railroad wants to increase traffic, they should be required to build bridges or tunnels to avoid creating more gridlock. Rail and auto gridlock in the area is not only a safety hazard; it is also bad for the economy and the environment.

Letter to the National Transportation Safety Board:September 10, 2008