Hinsdale Keeps Lobbyist For Tollway Expansion

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale is hiring a lobbyist for the second year in a row to deal with the Illinois Tollway and its expansion of Interstate 294.

The project, the village said in documents, is expected to impact residents and parks during construction. The village is also expecting a big loss in sales tax income with the removal of the tollway oasis because of the highway widening.

"The Oasis will not be replaced in its current forum," the village said in the documents, "rather the village has an agreement with the Tollway allowing the village to redevelop the Oasis property."

This week, the Village Board voted unanimously to keep John D'Alessandro of JLD Consulting Group, which is set to get $5,500 a month for the next year. He has been hired to continually monitor legislative and other "threats" and champion Hinsdale's position with state and tollway leaders, according to village documents.

At the meeting, Trustee Gerald Hughes said the lobbyist has been "highly helpful and valuable," noting the village could terminate the contract with 30 days' notice.

Village President Tom Cauley said D'Alessandro had been "most helpful" compared to other consultants and is providing the village access to the "right people at the tollway."

"He is worth every penny we have spent so far," Cauley said.

D'Alessandro was a key aide for Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn from 2012 to 2015. After Republican Bruce Rauner defeated Quinn in the governor's race, D'Alessandro became a lobbyist.

According to the secretary of state's website, JLD consulting has had a dozen clients this year, with Hinsdale being the only governmental one.