WASHINGTON D.C. — Rochelle Mayor Chet Olson joined several mayors across the state and representatives from the Illinois Municipal League as part of an invitation to the nation’s capital this week.

The nearly 50 representatives from IML and Illinois mayors in Olson’s group met with several of President Trump’s staff to relay current affairs of the state. Everyone also had a chance to tour the White House and network with several people on the national level.

The IML represents the nearly 1,300 communities in the state of Illinois.

“President Trump is making a special effort to invite different states and municipal leagues to have meetings with some key staff people in Washington…This is an opportunity to highlight what’s going on in Illinois,” Olson said.

After the White House tour, Olson attended a meeting with the mayors of Illinois to hear from representatives of governmental agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and the Housing and Urban Development.

Speakers also included DJ Gribbon, Special Assistant to the President on Infrastructure, and Rick Dearborn, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff.

Olson explained why he believes events of this type help to establish relations in person with government officials.

“As a group, as a whole, it’s always better to come representing the state versus trying to represent individually, as a group we are pretty powerful. The President is very willing to listen to each state’s concerns and issues,” Olson said. “Through large boards it gives us the avenues to make these appointments with key staff on the state and federal level, and to work face to face on projects we need.”

Olson explained there are joint programs that benefit the city of Rochelle, first starting on the federal level, especially when it comes to infrastructure and rail improvements.

“Much of that is the Dept. of Transportation…that’s where the funding starts, at the federal level, then trickles to the states and local governments for their projects,” Olson said.

 Rochelle projects

Part of Olson’s visit to Washington, D.C. included stops at Ill. Rep. Adam Kinzinger’s and Ill. Sen. Dick Durbin’s offices to personally discuss current and possible future projects in the ‘Hub City.’

Several topics discussed included transportation projects, road improvements for Ill. State Rte. 251, expansion of the city railroad, possible Dement Road extension, and funding options for a future Steward Road upgrade into Lee County.

Olson also extended a thank you to the federal government for the support and grants the city has received over the years.

“I’ve been a firm believer ever since I’ve been mayor that it’s important to meet these folks one on one, get on a first name basis, because they get a better feel for the projects,” Olson said. “It’s basically like being a lobbyist, but lobbying for the city of Rochelle. It’s important to do that face to face in my opinion.”