The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce has taken issue with a recent story entitled “Chicago Southland Chamber changes sides.”

The story, printed a few weeks ago apparently ruffled a few feathers, prompting communication from Chamber President Lisa Zeigler.

Zeigler, felt it necessary to clarify the chamber’s position, since the story was centered on statements by past president Bill Frank, one of the chambers’ board of directors.

A quick review of the story showed that it was factually correct. The chamber’s support of Will County’s efforts to control a new airport does represent a switch in thinking. Support for Will County was evidenced by Zeigler’s own statement.

“The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce supports the initiatives of the Illinois Department of Transportation to effectively move forward with their plan, which is supported by Will County officials. We feel that they have the best chance of putting the airport on the fast-track to fruition,” Zeigler said.

She explained that the chamber’s board of directors made their decision based on the immediate need for the airport for the purpose of growth and jobs, adding that the project will add to the growing infrastructure that serves the southland logistics industry allowing global competition.

Zeigler’s message was obviously an attempt at damage control, since being for Will County can only be perceived as against Jackson, since the two are like sides in an ongoing chess match.

The last game of the match ended in a stalemate; last year when competing airport layout plans, credited to each side, were rejected by the Federal Aviation Administration in favor of a single plan.

Zeigler attempted to dismiss the sides when she said, “We (the chamber) support all leaders, communities, and organizations working together toward the same goal.”

But Zeigler also talked about the chamber taking a leadership role in the airport’s development.

Leaders are not fence-sitters. And it appears they fell off the fence, onto the Will County side.

The chamber has long promoted the project from their position on the fence. But their position has long differed from a majority of Will County residents, local officials, airlines, and others who believe a need has yet to be proven for a new airport.

But, local residents and officials can take comfort. According to Zeigler, The chamber favors, “A plan that requires less demolition of business and residential properties, and will treat these owners most fairly in regard to land acquisitions.”

Perhaps the chamber can take a position against the rapid razing of homes in the airport site that seemingly have no basis for demolition.