Addison Township still backs O'Hare fight

Addison Township residents support continuing the fight against airport expansion, back more public transportation and want more social service programs, early vote totals show Tuesday.

Township officials say the results from Tuesday's advisory questions will help them decide how to divvy up future budgets, although no immediate action will be taken.

With all 64 precincts reporting, unofficial vote totals show almost 60 percent support saving homes and businesses in the line of O'Hare International Airport expansion. Almost 65 percent said the township should try to secure more state funds for public transportation, and more than 88 percent voted to increase social service programs offered for senior citizens and families.

Township Supervisor Kathy Cermak-Durante said anti-O'Hare sentiment has cooled in the township over the years, while senior services are always a hot topic.

"When you fight something for so long, I think people believe you can't fight city hall," she said. "We will try and do what we can, but we don't have that big of voice It's pretty hard to do when you've got all of Chicago fighting for (expansion)."

She says senior citizens are primarily concerned with public transit so they can visit doctors and access 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.