State Rep. Cross to talk over top issues with Will County officials

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state Rep. Tom Cross

Updated: March 9, 2012 8:17AM

If there is a local issue you’d like to see addressed in Springfield, now is probably a good time to contact your representative.

State Rep. Tom Cross, R-Oswego, plans to meet regularly with all the county’s legislators to go over local issues and ensure important topics don’t fall through the cracks.

The first meeting is scheduled for later this month.

The announcement by state Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi, D-Joliet, that he would not seek another term in office prompted Cross to organize local legislators and set up a series of meetings.

“I wanted to start meeting once a quarter, maybe more, just to make sure we’re on top of all the issues,” Cross said.  

“The communication’s always been fine. I just think there are some big issues out there,” he said, mentioning the proposed Peotone airport and intermodal transportation facility. “This way we can be a little ahead of the curve.”

Cross ran the idea by County Executive Larry Walsh and county board chairman Jim Moustis, then sent letters inviting every legislator in Will County to meet.

Nick Palmer, chief of staff for County Executive Larry Walsh’s office, said Walsh’s office supports the idea.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with all our Will County legislators,” Palmer said. “I think this is a more structured way of going about it.”

He also cited the airport as a major issue facing the county.

“The budget’s always going to be an issue for the state and how that impacts Will County,” Palmer said. “Anything that’s going to take away authority from the county or municipalities or impose unfunded mandates we’re going to oppose.”