Chicago Tribune: The State of the State Message (Gov wants 3rd Airport)

[Tweed]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0502040187feb04,1,6644133.story?coll=chi-news-hed

"SPRINGFIELD -- Avoiding mention of the latest deficit crisis to confront his administration, Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Thursday vowed to push for a new Peotone airport in a State of the State Message stripped of ambitious initiatives that would drive up government spending.

Blagojevich called on lawmakers to resolve the state's medical malpractice crisis, nurture the Illinois wine industry, promote local production and testing of products used to fight terrorism and remove roadblocks to preschool for the children of undocumented immigrants.

But his 50-minute address, much briefer and far less combative than his previous speeches to the legislature, was more remarkable for what the governor didn't say than what he did.

There was no discussion of the topics that legislative leaders predict will dominate their agenda in coming months--a budget deficit estimated at up to $2 billion, possible expansion of gambling to ease the state's financial woes, and widespread inequities in school funding."

[Paulie]

1. I bet they never drove down to Peotone

It's really really really in the STICKS folks!

Unless there is easy transport back into the city, it's pointless. No matter if they claim it's for southern Illinois. They can use St. Louis or Indy if they are going to haul that far.

Gary makes more sense.

[xray s]

2. An airport in Peotone is a stupid idea

It will be a giant waste of money. The airlines don't want it. It's too far from the city. It will only make a bunch of money for contractors to pour concrete for no damn good reason. They should be fixing the highways and schools instead.

It is amazing that the govenor supports this waste of money at a time the state budget is really hurting and services are being cut. It was a dumb idea when Ryan pushed it. And its a dumb idea still.

[seventythree]

3. agree

I think it makes more sense to put it in Rockford where they already have the infrastructure -- just expand it as needed. They have three airlines which make destination flights, not just connections to O'Hare, now. That area truly could use some good transportation to the city as there are many, many commuters, so if a high speed rail was put in, it would carry way more than just the plane traffic. The real advantage would be to take the overload from O'Hare on destination flights out. The south side already has Midway, for Pete's sake. Has there even been a final decisions on all those ATA gates that are available? Peotone has always been a looser,and this is nothing but a bow to Cong. Jackson.

[barb162]

4. Peotone area land has already been bought up by politicians

from both parties (according to what I heard) so the politicians keep wanting it built. These rich bastards want their big dollars in hand when they resell to the state, despite the state of IL finances.

It makes no financial sense to build an entire new airport especially when you notice that Delta, United, American are at or near bankruptcy.