Guest Opinion | Thursday, January 5,2012

The 1 percent that used to be

Recently I visited Asheville, N.C., and witnessed how the 1 percent used to live. About one million people make the pilgrimage to the Biltmore House each year, and my wife and I now number among them.

Guest Opinion | Thursday, December 29,2011

Resolutions for a compassionate Springfield

By Diane Hughes

With annum’s end here again, it’s time to bring out paper and pen – iPod or -Pad? – to begin another list of good intentions for the new year. For me it’s a challenge&nbs

Guest Opinion | Thursday, December 22,2011

Talking turkey about food regulation

By Stephen McDonnell

As millions of Americans gather around dinner tables this holiday season, there’s no better time to be mindful of where our food comes from and who is ensuring its safety. This is particularly i

Guest Opinion | Thursday, December 15,2011

Now’s the time to get involved in local politics

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

Can it be possible that the good ol’ boy political machine is weakening in Sangamon County? Clearly, some kind of change is underway. The normally disciplined and restrained Republican Party eng

Guest Opinion | Thursday, December 8,2011

I (sort of) love taxes

By Nick Capo

For fiction lovers, the upcoming presidential campaign, which might match Newt Gingrich against Barack Obama, promises to deliver a cornucopia of entertaining untruths.Gingrich published a book last y

Guest Opinion | Thursday, December 1,2011

Revitalize neighborhoods by mobilizing voters

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

Get ready voters, election season is here again. Door knocking has already begun as candidates for national, state and local offices pass petitions to get their names on the ballot. Critical offices l

Guest Opinion | Wednesday, November 23,2011

Audri says goodbye to Pops

By Rick Wade

Sept. 10. Pops had been in bed sleeping nearly 24 hours, so Karen and I went in to try to wake him, get him up. His eyes were open and staring straight ahead. The harsh snoring sound coming out of his

Guest Opinion | Thursday, November 17,2011

A Libertarian asks, ‘What immigration problem?’

By Sr. Kathlyn Mulcahy

Arizona, Alabama and Georgia have each enacted stringent laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration. Before saying more, let’s be clear about the alleged problem. What is an “illegal immigr

Guest Opinion | Thursday, November 10,2011

’Tis the season for shopping ‘local first’

By Sharon Whalen

This week the Capital Area Independent Business Alliance launches its second annual SHOP LOCAL FIRST HOLIDAY SWEEPSTAKES. More than half of the 200-plus businesses that belong to the alliance are part

Guest Opinion | Thursday, November 3,2011

Springfield tourism needs state support

By Tim Farley

During the fall veto session there is the potential the state Tourism Promotion Funds (TPF) could once again be targeted for cuts. Though there may be no immediate direct threat to this fund, it is be