Why not more support of Navistar?

I would like to register my strong support for the plan Navistar has presented regarding use of the former Lucent properties in Lisle. They have put forth a solid and responsible plan to establish their world headquarters at the former Lucent campus along I-88. It will create jobs and it will establish the region as a leader in the development of hybrid technologies. And it will bring a good neighbor to our community and our county.

In this economic climate, the idea that DuPage County would be anything less than enthusiastic is beyond me. Our state simply can't afford to let a company like Navistar walk away and relocate to South Carolina, Alabama or Texas, especially in these economic times.

We need to decide if we are going to make this region an attractive and vibrant place to live, work and do business or if we are going to throw up enough roadblocks to send the message that we'd prefer companies take their business elsewhere.

In an age where the competition isn't just between states, but global, I think that our leadership in the DuPage Forest Preserve District, the village of Lisle and the DuPage County Board need to turn this around and turn it around quickly. I urge them to do just that.

Michael Birck

Chairman and co-founder, Tellabs, Inc.

Naperville