From the Aurora Beacon News

Kane panel recommends Statehouse lobbyist
April 23, 2008By STEVE LORD
GENEVA -- The Kane County Board's Transportation Committee this week recommended a new, one-year contract with a lobbying organization for transportation issues.
The committee recommended the contract with Illinois Governmental Consulting Group of Chicago for $3,000 a month, from June 1 to May 31, 2009.
The company has for several years lobbied on behalf of the county's Transportation Division for funding for roads and public transit, and any other issues that might affect transportation.
The company talks on Kane's behalf to legislators, the governor's office and with state government staff, said Frank Cortese, a principal with the company.
"We are just trying to open the lines of communication," Cortese told the Transportation Committee. "We are constantly updating legislators."
But board member Gerry Jones, D-Aurora, a committee member, said he does not think the company is doing enough. He criticized the lobbying company for lack of communication with the county during the last legislative session.
"Frank wasn't there," Jones said. "I just don't see the results there."
Jones voted against recommending the new contract, but most committee members voted for it. The contract now will go to the Executive Committee and possibly to the full board.
Board member John Hoscheit, R-St. Charles, said Cortese and his company have a good reputation, and he thinks they have done well for the county.
"I think it's critical with what's going on down there we have someone to coordinate with us," he said.