Letters to the editor 03-02-23

DON’T DEMOLISH HISTORY

I just read Fletcher Farrar’s editor’s note and sadly must agree with him (Feb. 23). Why does this city continue to tear down our history? Somehow, leaders in this city for decades have deemed our wonderfully built, historical structures not worth saving. They tear down these gems in the name of “progress” and often replace them with parking lots. 

It would be good practice for our elected city council members to listen to the expertise of groups such as Landmarks Illinois and the Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation. Let’s save our beautiful, local history for generations to come so we can all enjoy their incredible architecture and history. Many cities across the U.S. work diligently to save their historic structures. Certainly Springfield, where Abraham Lincoln once lived, can work harder to do the same. 

Lisa Moffett

Friends of the Original Leland Farm House 

BETTER ALTERNATIVES

It is vital that citizens and city council members understand the weight of the decisions made on how we provide energy in our city (“CWLP testing the latest carbon capture technology,” Feb. 23).  Balancing providing affordable utility bills, keeping a profit for the power plant and creating a solid renewable energy source for our future children can be a conflict of interest between CWLP and the community.  

This is the reason we need an impartial, professional, third-party analysis of the plant, current markets and critical environmental issues. 

Given the small window to reverse escalating global temperatures, renewables can be installed quickly at a fraction of the cost of uncertain carbon capture plants and risky, expensive nuclear startups that take years to implement.  

Anne Logue

Springfield

NEED FOOD DELIVERY

I get numerous calls for people who are in need of food (“Fighting hunger: Food pantries brace for increased demand as additional SNAP benefits end,” Feb. 9). I wish someone would start a charity just around food that would deliver to folks at home that cannot get out. I had to stop because I was overwhelmed by the many other things I am doing.

Julie Bartlett Benson

Helping the Homeless

REFUSE TO USE

I rejoice to hear three bills have been introduced in the Statehouse to ban single-use plastics at restaurants. More and more people around the world are becoming aware of the tremendous ecological consequences of plastic waste. I’m grateful to the sponsors and co-signers of Senate Bill 100 and House Bills 2376 and 3865 for this beginning step in Illinois.

Coincidentally, Catholic sisters across Illinois are addressing this issue with our “Refuse to Use” campaign. During Catholic Sisters Week March 8-14, we are challenging ourselves and others to “Refuse to Use” single-use plastic beverage bottles.

We agree with Abe Scarr, director of the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, who states: “We cannot recycle our way out of the problem. That’s why we need to stop it at the source.” We’re hopeful that our state legislators will support legislation to curtail plastic waste.

You can join us and learn more about the Refuse to Use campaign and Catholic Sisters Week at springfieldop.org/csw.

Sr. Marcelline Koch, OP

Springfield

This article appears in A push to diversify.