Guest Opinion | Thursday, June 6,2013

The case against metro government

Local governmental efficiency and city-county consolidation, also known as metro government, are not regular topics of conversation for most Sangamon County residents. Not so for the 23 members of the

Guest Opinion | Thursday, May 2,2013

Leak questions remain, but there are deeper problems

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

Many questions remain unanswered regarding the unlawful release by School District 186 of student data from the Capital College Preparatory Academy (CCPA), and the official apology issued by the Sprin

Guest Opinion | Thursday, April 4,2013

Will school controversies bring voters to the polls?

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

Tuesday, April 9, is Election Day and, if past trends hold true, only a small percentage of voters will head to the polls to select new representatives to guide Springfield’s beleaguered educati

Guest Opinion | Thursday, February 28,2013

Keep pushing for excellence in education

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

School reform has proven to be tricky business in Springfield. Leading up to Dr. Walter Milton’s hire as superintendent in 2007, Springfield Public Schools were under growing public pressure to

Guest Opinion | Thursday, February 7,2013

School safety is larger than Newtown

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

On Dec 14, 2012, the nation was stunned and sickened by a senseless tragedy that took the lives of 26 innocent people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. This horrific act has again brou

Remembering | Thursday, December 27,2012

A tireless advocate of education as the key to success

DR. GORDON A. SMITH May 8, 1933 – July 26, 2012

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).And through his faith in Christ, Gordon Smith did much. He lived a long, full life. His achievements were many, as were the lives

Politics | Thursday, November 15,2012

A way forward for local Democrats

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

Election night was a mixed bag for local Democrats as nearly a hundred activists, many who worked on local races, filled Floyd’s Thirst Parlor to await vote returns. The mood was festive and opt

Guest Opinion | Thursday, September 27,2012

City needs a residency requirement

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

Signs of an approaching election season are unmistakable as candidate signs clutter our view, TV ads inundate the airwaves and political party conventions monopolize the news. This upcoming Nov. 6 ele

Guest Opinion | Thursday, June 21,2012

How can we love America yet hate politics?

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

Recently, I was sharing stories with current political candidate about campaigning and musing about how nasty some people can be to those seeking office. Frustration with all things political is spill

Opinion | Thursday, March 29,2012

Don’t let Springfield be Harrisburg, Pa.

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

Harrisburg, Pa., and Springfield have some interesting and frightening parallels. Like Springfield, Harrisburg is the capital city and the county seat. The city has a population of nearly 50,000 with