Mayor Jim Langfelder’s end-of-year selection of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s plan for a park on the YWCA block, renamed the North Mansion block, fell on Springfield’s holiday season like a lump of coal. It could turn out to be a nice park, as it was designed by an internationally known landscape architect, but that’s not why […]
Editor’s Note
Posted inOpinion
Editor’s Note 12/28/17
In this, the final issue of 2017, we are grateful for many things. For another year, our 42nd, of Illinois Times surviving in business to have a voice in this raucous and turbulent world of public affairs. For the coworkers who dedicate their best efforts each week to putting out this little paper. For the […]
Posted inOpinion
The great scamazon
In September Amazon, the $136-billion-a-year, multi-tentacled monopolist, sparked a prairie fire of excitement among state and local economic development officials when it coyly announced its intention to build a second corporate headquarters in Someplace, North America. CEO Jeff Bezos baited his location-subsidy trap with red meat, announcing that Amazon “expect[ed] to invest over $5 billion […]
Posted inOpinion
Editor’s note 12/21/17
Nobody laid a glove on the popular and confident Mayor Jim Langfelder during his appearance at Citizens Club last week. In answer to questions, the mayor made clear he has no intention of reducing police or fire personnel. This is despite growing evidence that Springfield can ill afford its force that numbers far more than […]
Posted inOpinion
Why net neutrality is an important democratic virtue
We’re told by politicos, pundits and internet providers themselves that access to the net is crucial to our educational achievement, future prosperity and ability to be self-governing. Yet while this digital highway is deemed vital to our nation’s well-being, access to it is not offered as a public service – i.e., an investment in the […]
Posted inOpinion
INDEPENDENT?
The Springfield police union is crying foul over the way the city handled the discovery that police interview rooms have been under constant electronic surveillance. The union says that recordings contributed to a no-confidence vote in Chief Kenny Winslow taken one day after union attorney Ron Stone sent a letter to the chief raising concerns, […]
Posted inOpinion
Editor’s Note 12/14/17
One of the best things about Doug Jones’ win over Roy Moore in Alabama is that it energized the state’s long-dormant Democratic Party and chastened the Republicans. There is nothing like a win to get a political party thinking about the possibility of more wins down the road, and nothing like an atrocious candidate losing […]
Posted inOpinion
Why so many Americans hate Trump’s tax reform
Sam Rayburn of Texas, who was a legendary Speaker of the U.S. House in the 1940s and ’50s, offered this piece of ethical advice for lawmakers who were conflicted over whether to vote for the people or the lobbyists: “Every now and then, a politician ought to do something just because it’s right.” Wow, ethics […]
Posted inOpinion
Editor’s note 12/7/17
Trolls of old were the ones who ate farmers’ goats. Now President Trump takes pride in being regarded as an internet troll, one who sends out provocative messages intended to cause maximum disruption. This week Trump has taken his trolling far beyond Twitter, reversing national monument protection for Bears Ears, endorsing Roy Moore, planning to […]
Posted inOpinion
Why Al Franken should not resign
Jim Hightower is on vacation this week. The chorus of loud demands for Senator Al Franken’s resignation began from the moment that Leeann Tweeden accused him of sexual harassment. Those calls intensified after three more women – two of them anonymous – said the Minnesota Democrat had touched them inappropriately. They haven’t subsided yet. Although […]
Posted inOpinion
Editor’s Note 11/30/17
In this our Holiday Guide issue, it is appropriate to pass along some guidance for the shadow side of holidays, where not all is fun and games. Staab Funeral Home, and other Springfield funeral homes, hold regular gatherings aimed at helping their clients get through the holiday season while grieving a family member who has […]
