County votes to hire Washington fund raiser

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By PAUL DAILING

Kane County Chronicle

Kane County soon will have lobbyists in the nation's capital.

The Kane County Board on Tuesday voted to hire a consulting group to receive a larger share of federal funds. The Capitol Hill Consulting Group will be paid no more than $11,500 per month, plus expenses not more than 7.5 percent of the monthly charge. This will be the first time the county has had representation in Washington, D.C.

County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay, who recommended the firm, said she was impressed by the range of clients Capitol Hill has represented.

"I think a firm with diversity in clientele is the firm with the broadest perspective to offer," she said.

McConnaughay said she looked at several firms before arriving at Capitol Hill. She said she looked at the firms' principles, makeup, approach and strengths when making her decision.

Others said the firm selection was abrupt.

"We don't have much information on the company, yet we're willing to rush it through," said board member Barbara Wojnicki, R-St. Charles.

While McConnaughay said the county was familiar with the firm and its qualifications, the resolution misspelled the firm's name as "Capital Hill."

McConnaughay said she wanted a firm with experience in obtaining federal money, but did not want possible conflicts of interests with a firm having several clients competing for the same funds.

"There was one firm I liked really well, but they represented other counties," she said.

According to Capitol Hill's Web site, www.caphillgrp.com, the firm's approach is that "everyone at The Capitol Hill Group is part of the team for each client, making the knowledge, contacts, and expertise that each associate brings to the table work for each client's behalf."

McConnaughay said the county will be working closest with Senior Vice President David S. Thompson.

Before joining Capitol Hill, Thompson served as an aide to U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Plano, since 1993. Hastert and McConnaughay are staunch political allies, but McConnaughay said the speaker was not involved in the selection process.

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Capitol Hill Consulting Group Web site: www.caphillgrp.com