Residents can voice opinions on ballot

Addison Township residents will be asked to weigh in on O'Hare expansion, public transportation and social service programs Feb. 5.

Voters will see three advisory questions on the ballot that will help the township board decide how to budget for these programs in the future.

Though no immediate action will be taken, Township Supervisor Kathy Cermak-Durante said the goal is to help officials understand what constituents need.

"These are the overwhelming issues that people bring to us," Cermak-Durante said .

Traditionally, Addison Township has opposed O'Hare expansion, and now officials are asking whether this is a good way to continue spending township funds.

Cermak-Durante said voices for and against this policy were split during Addison Township's annual town hall meeting last spring.

"We have fought it in the past and now it depends on how the vote sways," she said.

Addison Township residents also can tell officials if they should be working to garner state funds for more public transit in the area. Cermak-Durante said this is an important issue for senior citizens who worry about getting to appointments at hospitals and clinics and accessing shopping centers.

Currently, Addison Township also offers programs for seniors and families like the 55 Alive Rules of the Road refresher course, social activities and a food pantry. Some of this is funded through the not-for-profit Addison Township fund.

But now, the board wants voters to tell them if they should be doing more.

Addison Township

Questions:

• Should Addison Township continue working to oppose O'Hare expansion?

• Should Addison Township pursue more state funds to increase public transit in the township?

• Should Addison Township continue to expand senior citizen and family programs at no cost to taxpayers?

Cost: None

Details: (630) 530-8161 or www.addisontownship.com