Freshman Rep. Brad Burzynski is happy with his contact with NIU and is looking forward to working with Gene Hoffman.

“I feel comfortable right now with the relationship we are developing,” the DeKalb Republican said of his dialogue with NIU.

“I’ve been pleased with the response that I’ve received and the communication from Northern, and look forward to expanding that,” he said.

Burzynski said he thinks Hoffman will benefit NIU, but didn’t want to speculate on whether NIU should have hired the former 24-year House veteran.

When NIU hired Hoffman in early March, critics charged Hoffman’s $66,000 salary was exorbitant for a one-year program. Hoffman is working to get the temporary tax surcharge made permanent and improving relations in the Chicago suburbs.

NIU defended the move by emphasizing Hoffman is not a lobbyist and his work in the legislature and education makes him especially qualified to help NIU.

“It’s not my place to define what (Hoffman’s) role should be,” Burzynski said. “I’m not going to speculate on whether or not it was a necessary or a wise move.”

In any case, Burzynski said he hopes to continually improve ties with NIU, the area’s biggest employer, while not neglecting the district’s other concerns.