Airplane cookies? Fuck yeah!
What an eventful day.
Last night Gerg and I got completely trashed off our asses at NEO. So I accidently got up late. Today was the day that the Federal Aviation Administration issued its "Record of Decision". The project has been going on for about 4 years now, and it finally has the green light to officially start.
So there was a huge groundbreaking ceremony at O'Hare Field. Candy picked me to go with them to the airport. Candy, Maria, Melody, Carol, and I walked into the staging area and pretty much right into Mayor Daley's entourage. Just then I realized I was being filmed standing near Daley on national news. That's a weird feeling.
So they had the conference and it had many impressive guests. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) were present, Mayor Richard M. Daley, several representatives from the governor's office, State Senate and House, most of the O'Hare Modernization Program, and various media crews and police agencies.
Daley spoke first about how important it is that O'Hare be expanded. He talked about how creating a 3rd airport in Peotone would be a mistake. He lauded most of the government, and gave particular shout-outs to former Gov. George Ryan -- who is on trial right now for criminal conduct while in office. Daley made sure to voice his support for him; it's the age old battle between Chicago politicians, who are usually Democrats, and state attorneys, who are usually Republicans.
Daley expressed his anger at the people in Springfield that held up the project and indirectly pointed his blame at Elk Grove Village, Bensenville, etc. Most suburbs are in support of the expansion project, however. He is a great speaker and you can tell he really cares about his city.
Sen. Dick Durbin spoke, which was good, but regrettably, Obama did not.
My boss Carol Bellinger with the first signed offer, meaning that we've officially been able to acquire properties in the Bensenville expansion area.
Party time! From left to right: Melody, Carol, Nancy, Steve, Rita, Mike. Not everyone on our staff is pictured.
Maria (my mom-away-from-Mom who is also Paco's Mom) and Rita.
Digna and Nancy... ow!
The Paco-meister.
Me looking like Wolverine & eating cake.
Daley's crew.
Schmoozing.
They had awesome food: tons of cheese & meat, vegetables & fruit and several types of cookies.
Mayor Daley speaking.
Dick Durbin (D-IL).
Local & national news crews.
O'Hare International Airport. You can see the Sears Tower in the background.
Airplane cookies!
Rosemarie Andolino, our Executive Director at the OMP.
Groundbreaking.
Note Daley's bright orange tie.
Dozin.
Candy, Melody, Maria, and Carol. Melody wore my sweet 80s sunglasses the whole time.
Rosie & Daley at the press conference.
The crew again.
OMP Represent!
Daley & some other politicians.
The best picture I've ever seen.
Interviewed by CNN.
Urbs in Horto, bitch!!