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Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. intends to increase the pressure on Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
The Abraham Lincoln National Airport Commission needs to enter into a long-term land lease with the state in order to move forward with plans to build a south suburban airport.Before this can happen, it needs Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s approval.
Rick Bryant, spokesman for U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., said ALNAC has a strategic plan that should grab the attention of both Blagojevich and the public.
“We are going to launch a public relations effort aimed at closing the deal — specifically aimed at putting public pressure on the governor,” Bryant said.
“It will be a multimedia campaign,” Bryant said, adding municipalities in support of the airport have already pledged to donate around $100,000. He said the campaign is estimated to cost $250,000, and will consist of billboards, yard signs, radio and TV advertisements and mail fliers. […]
George Ochsenfeld, president of Shut This Airport Nightmare Down, said the new campaign to promote the airport is only intended to embarrass and pressure Blagojevich.
“Congressman Jackson is way off base thinking he can push this through,” Ochsenfeld said. “He’s just obsessing about an airport that will never happen.”
Country Club Hills has already ponied up $20,000 to the cause.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 3, 06 @ 3:46 am
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Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 3, 06 @ 1:45 pm
What don’t the communities use the money to attract business to the south suburbs. Real economic growth would be much better then a airport that will probably fail, and bring no tax base to the south suburbs.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 3, 06 @ 1:52 pm
Not sure why no one will say it. Regardless of the merits of the case for or against the a new airport, we know the Guv will act in favor of those who are most supportive of his coffers for re-election.
Time to really see if it is about an airport or just air time for Jackson. If you want the airport, donate 50-100k of the add campaign to the Guv and save the rest. You will get the approval and save cash. Why spend 250k for at best a 50-50 shot. Put 100k down on a sure thing. Looks like those opposed and those for are fairly well split so it doesn’t tip the election for him either way, might as well pocket a little cash on an issue that is a wash.
Comment by the Patriot Monday, Apr 3, 06 @ 1:57 pm
It is not the third airport–Rockford already has an operating airport close to Chicago. No wonder this state is in such a financial mess!!! We have to build an airport just so the guv can get re-elected and to make a special interest group happy. How about taking the money and using it where the state really needs it–in new schools and roads? What a novel idea that would be!
Comment by ANON Monday, Apr 3, 06 @ 2:30 pm
I think the reason Jr. is putting so much into this and that he really has nothing to show for the decade or so he has been in Congress. This could be his “Stroger Hospital” or his “UIC”
Comment by Big Mike Monday, Apr 3, 06 @ 3:22 pm
I agree Big Mike, Jackson is doing this to get his name out there, he has done nothing during his terms and seems to only show up when there is personal gain.
Comment by UofI Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 7:17 am
Where does JBT stand on the airport?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 7:59 am