Letters to the Editor

SEEKING ARTISANSThe Illinois Artisans Program is approaching its 30th year. We would like to invite you to become part of this unique and growing program. Created in 1985 by Gov. James R. Thompson, the program draws national and statewide attention to the exceptional fine craft and art in the state. The program provides venues for […]

ONE LEFT TURN DESERVES ANOTHERA letter writer recently (“Lawrence Road Blocks,” Tyre W. Rees, Aug. 22) noted the need for left turn lanes on Lawrence at its intersections with both Walnut and MacArthur. I agree and would like to nominate another location where left turn lanes are needed, for virtually the same reason. Most of the signalized […]

NOT SWEET How romantic! Give a gal a break. (“Going slow on sweet gums” by Bruce Rushton, Aug. 15.) There are far, far more sweet gum trees in town, with a huge abundance of sweet gum balls, than any flock of overwintering birds could possibly consume. If you are a bird lover, which I am, […]

HOPE BREEDS HOPEThank you so much for such a positive article (“Extreme school makeover: A church organizes an outpouring of generosity called Sharefest,” Patrick Yeagle, Aug. 8). Hope and generosity breed hope and generosity. I am sure you understand that with a steady diet of crime and war, people become desperate for some good news. […]

SAVE MONEY AND LIVES A more graphic, realistic and comprehensive portrayal of an Illinois drug court than your recent feature story (“Get out of jail clean,” Bruce Rushton, Aug. 1) is impossible. The benefits of a drug court – reduced recidivism, increased public safety and reduced costs to taxpayers – can be seen not only […]

GET THE PICTUREAlthough I found your article to be “enlightening” (“Building bigger, better hospitals,” Patrick Yeagle, July 18), I am compelled to propose a counterpoint. While you have had discussions with hospital staff about the current reconstruction of the hospitals, I would like to point out what some Springfield people fear most from the coming […]

EAD ON ARRIVAL The purpose of this message is to offer a prediction concerning your feature, “Building bigger, better hospitals” (Patrick Yeagle, July 18). Hospitals are obsolete and will soon go the way of the Bell telephone. All medical treatment and medicine in general is 500 percent overpriced because of waste, mal-investment (building unnecessary hospital […]

ABOUT THAT TAXING WORKI completely support the main theme of James Krohe’s “Taxing work” article (July 11) urging the state of Illinois to consider moving away from the current flat rate tax toward a graduated income tax. As someone who spent most of his state career advocating for low-income working families (welfare employment incentives, state […]

QESTIONS FOR KROHE The cheap shots at local business men and women were in poor taste, but that aside, James Krohe’s column in Illinois Times July 4 edition (“Qestions about Jefferson Crossing”)completely misses the point and demonstrates an astonishing lack of understanding of the project. However, what is lost on him was vividly depicted in […]

CLIMATE PLAN VICTORYOn June 25, President Obama announced a comprehensive climate plan to address global warming – a welcome first step, and a big one. His plan includes setting limits on carbon pollution from power plants, the largest source of carbon emissions in the country, advancing energy efficiency and increasing the nation’s commitment to renewable […]

NO ISSUE WITH THIS ISSUE How wonderful to see the cast of Les Miserables on your June 20 cover! Muni’s production is a true achievement in local theater and well deserves your reviewer’s high praise (“Les Mis local,” Zach Baliva). The lack of theater reviews in the State Journal-Register is disappointing to say the least, […]

MAKING GOOD BETTERMany thanks to IT for your kind article of June 13 about the Regional Planning Commission, its staff and our work (“Planning a better Springfield”). Particular thanks to Pat Yeagle, who was able to tell the story of who we are, what we do and why we do it far better than I […]