Lake Forest successfully opposes additional rail freight traffic!

Randy will oppose additional rail freight traffic as Mayor

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved the Canadian Pacific/KC Southern merger, and thanks in part to Lake Forest’s objections, rejected Metra’s request that CP/KC be required to install the third track as a condition of the merger.

The active leadership and efforts of Mayor George Pandaleon and Lake Forest City Staff has helped ensure Lake Forest residents, especially those on the West Side, will not experience increased rail freight traffic. Randy was on City Council in 2016-2017 when it adopted the policy of engagement and communication to advocate for Lake Forest citizens and forestall all attempts to increase freight rail traffic through our town while minimizing taxpayer expense. Mayor Pandaleon, in collaboration with neighboring communities, engaged the STB to fight for Lake Forest residents.

There will be no “Third Rail.” Again.

Read the letter sent to the STB below. Also posted to the City of Lake Forest website.

Randy fully supported this opposition and will lead Lake Forest’s collaboration with neighboring communities to oppose any additional freight traffic as Mayor.

The Beidler campaign mistakenly continues to lend credence to the idea that construction of a third rail may be possible. For now and the foreseeable future, this decision by the STB effectively closes the door on such a proposal. City policy of engagement and communication has proven effective and fiscally sound.

As a proven leader and problem solver, Randy's analysis of the most effective way to approach and solve this problem aligned with the City’s approach and yielded the best possible outcome for Lake Forest and all its residents.