Mulligan Applauds Des Plaines for O'Hare Decision

September 6, 2001

As the Des Plaines City Council officially jumped off the fence on the O'Hare expansion issue, State Representative Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines) commended the council for sticking with the Suburban O'Hare Commission in a unified effort to fight O'Hare Airport expansion. On the evening prior to the vote, Mulligan addressed the aldermen, urging them to stay with SOC.

"Des Plaines is a vital member of the Suburban O'Hare Commission and tonight the council made a stand for the citizens of Des Plaines and put their health and safety first," said Mulligan. "I applaud the aldermen for putting economics aside and ensuring Des Plaines' participation in the SOC efforts against O'Hare expansion."

The city council agreed to contribute $250,000 to SOC's effort to mobilize opposition to Chicago's $6 billion expansion plan. The money will go to support a $1.2 million campaign that includes radio ads, phone banking and direct mail pieces into O'Hare's surrounding communities. Mulligan believes the effort is critical if the Chicago plan is to be stopped.

"The expansion of O'Hare will only bring more flights and harm to neighbors like Des Plaines with increased air, ground and noise pollution," said Mulligan. "Tonight's vote ensures that Des Plaines will stand and fight against expansion plans that will prove detrimental to our community."