Guest Opinion | Thursday, February 16,2012

Mayor falls short on promise to hire minority firefighters

Like Captain Ahab, will the Springfield Fire Department ruthlessly pursue its colorless foe?When the top brass of the Springfield Fire Department filed in and took their seats before the alderman to p

Guest Opinion | Thursday, January 12,2012

Don’t leave city budget to consultants

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

Last week’s bizarre discussion at the city council committee meeting about the vote to deny employees in civil unions health benefits obscured another important issue raised that night. When Ald

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 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 | Thursday, October 20,2011

Good ol’ boy government

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

When it was announced that three women would share the Nobel Peace Prize, women across the world rejoiced. In America, women have long fought for and won their rights and have become accustomed to rea

Guest Opinion | Thursday, September 22,2011

Maximus to the rescue: The backstory

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Springfield City Council approved a $50,000 contract with Maximus, Inc., “to perform a review of a fiscally-sustainable staffing level for the city.” During debat

Guest Opinion | Thursday, September 15,2011

Mayor Houston’s politics and promises

By Sheila Stocks-Smith

I watched with fascination the two recent nationally televised Republican debates. No, I am not a Republican nor is my allegiance to President Obama slipping. Perhaps I am drawn to these debates becau