What did suburbs expect at O'Hare?

I am delighted that Chicago can go ahead with its O'Hare expansion plans ("Judge OKs demolition," Aug. 8).

I have long believed that the city and airport should pave runways over O'Hare's suburban neighbors, starting with former Sen. Pate Phillip's house.

Memo to Bensenville, Park Ridge and Arlington Heights residents: You live near an airport. One of the world's busiest, in fact.

Most of you moved near the airport after it had long been an international gateway. You moved nearby, and then you started complaining.

The protests from local politicians about a crisis in air travel are so shortsighted. The long-range trend for air travel is continued growth, especially in flights to emerging markets in East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.

O'Hare can be a leader in international travel if it builds the runways it needs.

The alternative is our region's economy being held hostage to selfish homeowners who want to retire where Runway 3 belongs. No, thank you.

Kenneth Salkover

Chicago