Noise from O'Hare expansion the new reality

I would like to take a moment to address the editorial that was published in the Daily Herald on July 2. The Daily Herald supported O'Hare expansion, as did a number of local leaders. Chicago wanted additional and reconfigured runways with different areas being affected. Chicago always said it was looking to expand the number of flights by hundreds of thousands per year.

What did they expect would happen with all of this new noise? The O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission is a powerless entity, as it does not have the independent authority to operate a "fly quiet" program or the ability to fine airlines that violate a "fly quiet" program. Moreover, the ONCC is run and funded by the city of Chicago. Its one claim to fame is its soundproofing program, but even that is dictated by a federal court decree.

The Daily Herald should expect no more than they have gotten in the past from the ONCC. It's merely a front organization for Chicago's efforts to expand the airport. Two of the members of Congress mentioned in the Daily Herald editorial were approached years ago in an effort to protect their communities from O'Hare expansion, but the communities were rebuffed by these same members.

Today, the horse is out of the barn, down the street and long gone. Towns abandoned their partnership to end O'Hare expansion, and those same towns are now crying the loudest about the noise. Where were these leaders when Elk Grove Village and former Bensenville Mayor John Giles were leading the charge to protect our communities? Now it is too late. Everyone got what they asked for!

Craig B. Johnson

Mayor

Elk Grove Village