First Ferris, Now Meigs

Friends of Meigs Field (Booth 4013) are promoting a Senate lobbying campaign to guarantee the future of Chicago's downtown business airport, which-thanks almost entirely to Microsoft Flight Simulator-is one of the most famous in the world.

In December 2001, Meigs was saved by an agreement between Illinois governor George Ryan, who wants to save the airport, and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, who wants to turn Meigs into a park. Despite the fact that the Daley name is a byword for good government and squeaky-clean democracy (Yeah, right. ­Ed.) the Friends of Meigs suspect that City Hall will rat on this agreement at the earliest opportunity and hand Meigs over to the ducks and geese.

Language that protects Meigs has been written into an act of Congress, which has passed the House but is stalled in the Senate. That's why the Friends of Meigs are here, encouraging attendees to contact their senators.