Letters to the Editor

MORE SOLAR IS NEEDED Although it is true that market pricing does fluctuate, solar power production is at its highest during mid-day of the summer months with June 21 theoretically being our best-producing day, due to the fact that is the longest day of the year (“CWLP rule would slow Springfield solar,” May 9). Coincidentally, […]

BE AWARE OF MOTORCYCLES During May, motorcyclists around our area will be promoting National Motorcycle Awareness Month. I am a member of Leather & Lace, a women’s motorcycle club established in 1983. One of our top priorities is to support motorcycle safety in our community. Over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by car drivers, […]

COLLEGE ATHLETES NOT ENTITLED TO PLAYAs one of Brian Holzgrafe’s former players, who is now an NCAA D-I coach, I can see where Mr. Lozier could have it out for Coach Holzgrafe (“Tennis, anyone?,” April 25). The atmosphere in college athletics and vibe is now that anyone and everyone is entitled to four years of […]

LET’S HAVE A TREE COMMISSION In response to Bruce Rushton’s opinion piece (“I love trees,” April 11), I love the idea of having a tree commission so much that I would even like to serve on it. I can understand how we came to have a tree shortage, reason one being that they take up […]

AGREES WITH GAS TAX INCREASEIf I were running for office, supporting the proposed state gas tax increase likely would doom my chances.  Nonetheless, a gas tax increase at this time makes great sense and definitely is justified. The gas tax hasn’t been increased for almost 30 years, (and the same for the federal gas tax, […]

NEW SMEAA MEMBER RESPONDS Jill Steiner made a number of excellent points with regard to the elected board that oversees the Bank of Springfield Center. In particular, she asks why we even have an elected board? We have an elected board because when it was created by the state legislature in 1978, SMEAA was empowered […]

WHAT DOES SMEAA DO?I will admit I waited to the last minute to do research on the Springfield Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority (SMEAA) candidates in order to vote on Tuesday, but I wanted to at least give it some respect, as it is an elected position.  I really could not find much information about […]

HOTEL VETTING LACKING Thanks to Bruce Rushton and IT for checking out the credentials of the backers of the proposed new downtown Springfield hotel (“Welcome to Hotel Springfield,” March 21).  Rushton’s research shows a serious lack of experience or know-how in US hotel development, construction or management by the individuals or companies that convinced nine […]

INSPECTION PROCESS FLAWEDThe March 7 story, “Inspect this,” by Bruce Rushton, exposes several problems with landlords and the city’s housing inspection process. Michael Gant represents both sides: He is a landlord and an inspector. As a landlord, he owns nine properties, and has had 100 citations for violations, but zero fines. As an inspector, he […]

PROUD TO RECYCLE Imagine my dismay when I opened my IT to the headline “The blue badge of shame” and then proceeded to read Bruce Rushton’s anti-recycling opinion piece (Feb. 28). After I got over my initial anger that a well-respected local journalist was essentially telling people not to recycle, I decided some education is […]

GOLDEN RULE FOR PETSThere is so much disturbing in Greg Largent’s response to the allegations regarding mistreatment of Sangamon County Animal Control’s dogs by a new kennel attendant (“Trouble in Puppyville,” Feb. 19). According to the article, the new kennel attendant previously worked in a slaughter facility.  Mr. Largent’s response to the alleged mistreatment of […]

TAXES SCHMAXESThe election is over, and it’s time to start raising taxes and hope the public gets collective amnesia before the next election.One of the more interesting proposals is the five cent per plastic bag tax presented by Governor Pritzker. Here’s the problem. It may bring in $200,000 but to implement it, the Department of […]