File photo
File photo
Normal Mayor Chris Koos has been nominated by President Donald Trump, as recommended by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors.
"Mayor Koos understands the importance of passenger rail to communities in Illinois and across the country," Durbin told WGLT. "He will be an important voice for Illinois and the Midwest in support of growing and protecting Amtrak’s national network, and I look forward to supporting his nomination.”
Normal has one of the busiest Amtrak stations in Illinois. Koos said that if he is confirmed he would like to align his visions with other members on the board, according to WGLT.
“I think that’s one of the things I’ve always had trouble with Amtrak is that the federal government, depending on the administration that’s in power, kind of puts them on a see-saw of budgeting. One year you’ve got a lot of money, the next year you are being threatened with closure," he said.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), who also is a member of the board, was happy with the nomination of Koos.
“Mayor Koos has long advocated for common-sense transportation policies, and his views and experience as an Illinois municipal leader will be a welcome addition to this board," she said in a statement. "I look forward to supporting his nomination."
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