Guest Commentary
By Algernon H. Penn, Chairman
Friends of ALNAC
Many of you have been aware of the efforts to bring a third airport to Chicago’s South Suburbs. THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN NATIONAL AIRPORT, which has been sponsored by Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (2nd-IL), is a project that is long overdue for it’s development.
In this very difficult economy, job retention and job growth are the most important issues that we face in Illinois. This project will be the first privately funded airport in our nation’s history that does not require any state or federal money thus leaving the taxpayers with ZERO risk. Also this project will provide 1,000 construction jobs and 15,000 permanent jobs upon completion. It will also draw private investment to a region that desperately needs it.
The Chicago Southland region and Chicago’s South Side is in dire and desperate need of those jobs. In the southern suburbs there are 6 people for every 1 job. In the north and northwest suburbs, there are 3 jobs to every 1 person. in spite of what comes from Washington, the Chicago Southland region needs it own stimulus plan. It’s called THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN NATIONAL AIRPORT.
We need your support and here is how you can help.
On Wednesday April 8, 2009-6:00 PM at South Suburban College at the Kindig Performing Arts Center in South Holland, there will be a public meeting with State Representatives David Miller, Will Davis, Al Riley, Kevin McCarthy, Bob Rita and Anthony Deluca about the need to pass a capital construction program. Part of the capital plan is a request by Governor Pat Quinn to include $100 million dollars to purchase the remaining land in the footprint of the airport. Governor Quinn was quoted last week saying, ” I want to build the 3rd airport and I want to build it as fast as humanly possible.”
Let’s make him do that.
This may be our last opportunity to change the economic climate of this region for good. We need your support and your presence at the two meetings. Please come and support this effort that will provide a lasting legacy for years to come!