Dear Friend:
Several communities in the 55th District are being awarded OSLAD, or Open Space Land Acquisition Development, grants. The grants are part of $18.2 million in state funds for dozens of projects at existing parks and development of new parks and open space in Illinois. Here are a few of the developments that will be taking place in the 55th District:
BARTLETT PARK DISTRICT (Cook County) $311,400, to develop 8 acres on Lambert Lane for use as a neighborhood park. Facilities include a playground, shelter, tennis court, 1/2 court basketball, walking path with fitness stations, a dog park, an arboretum and native prairie plants for site landscaping.
VILLAGE OF SOUTH ELGIN (Kane County) $225,000, for Phase II development of Thornwood Park on McDonald Road. Park elements include a soccer field, skate park, trails with fitness stations, native prairie plants and landscaping.
Staying Vigilant on Protecting Public from Sex Offenders
I am working on passing a bill that will require sexual offenders to report and register with law enforcement agencies within 180 days (rather than one year) from the date of last registration and every 180 days (rather than one year) thereafter.
House Bill 4305 is currently up for debate in the House after it moved out of committee. This is a measure that I have been working on for three years in conjunction with changes to Jessica’s Law that was passed two years ago in the General Assembly. Jessica’s Law is the informal name given to a 2005 Florida law designed to punish child sex predators and reduce their ability to re-offend.
Two years ago, I helped create a law requiring that if a person must register as a sex offender in Illinois for an act involving a victim under the age of 16, then they are required to wear an approved electronic monitoring device. The device, worn for the duration of the person’s parole or mandatory supervised release term, will allow law enforcement officials to identify an offender’s location and presence near crime scenes or prohibited areas.
The new bill that I am advocating this year is another step to ensure safety in the community against convicted sexual predators. More frequent registration of our most dangerous criminals will result in improved tracking for our law enforcement officials. I will continue to keep you posted as this bill moves in the House.
Railway News
Recently, I wrote a letter informing officials in the communities I represent of my opposition to the proposal by the Canadian National Railroad to purchase the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern rail line. I am including a portion of this letter in this newsletter so that all residents understand my position on this issue.
I understand the purpose and necessity to efficiently utilize our freight railways to move goods and products throughout our state. I am, however, concerned with several aspects of this possible acquisition.
Several towns that I represent stand to be largely affected by this proposal. Currently, approximately four trains pass through the Village of Wayne on these tracks. This proposal would increase the number of trains to about 24—many of which would be carrying hazardous materials as they tie up roadways for motorists, emergency vehicles, and school bus routes carrying children to school.
I have spoken at length with local officials that stand to be affected by this proposition and I have also appealed to officials at the Surface Transportation Board to weigh this decision carefully as many residents have shared my concerns about this proposal.
I have received many comments from residents and I will continue to listen to all feedback on this acquisition—whether positive or negative.
June Blood Drive Approaching
We have a little more than a month to go before our upcoming blood drive. I know I’ve written about this topic in the past but it is important I keep reminding you what a crucial need there is to increase our blood donations at our local blood centers. Please mark your calendar and take time to join me for this event as I will be working with Heartland Blood Centers for this worthwhile event.
The blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 14, at my district office, 1883 N. Neltnor Blvd. (Rte. 59), West Chicago.
Your blood donation could save as many as three patients!
Anyone can participate in this free event. Interested participants can call my office at (630) 876-0703 for more details or to be added to the schedule. More information to follow…
As always, please continue to give me your feedback on these issues or any others by e-mailing (staterepramey55@aol.com) or by calling my district office (630) 876-0703. You can also find more information about legislative issues or get added to the Email E-newsletter list by visiting www.randyramey.org.
Warmest regards,
Randy Ramey
State Representative 55th District
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