Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » 2005

Tuesday, Feb 8, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

On the train to Spfld, the (mostly) civilized way to travel. Sick of that drive already and it’s only February.

unless I get a lot more comfy with this mini keyboard, you can expect a fairly light blogging morning.

Not a lot happening anyway. Just bills in committee.#

Tuesday, Feb 8, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

You never really know whether a bureaucracy threatens shutdown to scare lawmakers into action, but this could really hurt if it’s true.

The Chicago Transit Authority’s staff will recommend a standby plan for deep service cuts and possible fare increases next month, and the CTA board will adopt a final plan in April in case the General Assembly fails to provide more funding, officials said Monday.

“We wanted to give you a heads-up because the craziness will begin very shortly,” CTA Chairman Carole Brown told the City Council’s Transportation Committee.

The CTA board must approve a backup plan well in advance of July 1, the date the cuts would go into effect barring legislative action, because of certain labor and other requirements mandating 60 to 90 days’ advance notice, Brown said.

CTA officials planned a 20 percent cut in service for January but delayed action at the urging of elected officials who said they would work for additional funding from the General Assembly in the spring session, now under way.

But the risk is that the transit authority’s financial situation will be even worse if Springfield does not act.

Because only the last six months of 2005 would remain in which to reduce spending, “we are looking at 40 percent service cuts in July if there is no action,” Brown said.

40 percent? That seems excessive, but I see so many empty CTA buses roaming the streets in search of passengers that much of the cuts could be accomplished without a huge amount of pain. But not all. Definitely not all.

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New concert venue for Chicago

Tuesday, Feb 8, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

An outdoor concert venue on Lake Michigan is a good idea for Chicago, especially if it helps pay for a new park. But I still kinda miss the airport.

The Chicago Park District is likely to approve a deal Wednesday that will allow concert promoter Clear Channel Entertainment to build a new 10,000-seat music venue on Northerly Island, the former site of Meigs Field.

The venue is described as “an open-air boutique amphitheater.” It will be located at the northern end of the peninsula, occupying about 6 of its 91 acres, and the Park District says it could generate $800,000 a year to fund further development at the site.

I’m going to see these guys with these guys tonight, and even though the venue will be super-intimate, an outdoor show right on the lake might be even cooler - especially since I could walk home. There’s also a little-known but great little public beach right next door to the proposed site, so concert goers could party there before heading to the shows. The possibilities are endless.

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Conspiracy theory

Tuesday, Feb 8, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

As promised in today’s Capitol Fax, here is the link to the Illinois Civil Justice League’s contention that the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform is a trial lawyer front group.

As a result of an intensive investigative study by the Illinois Civil Justice League, the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform and its partners â€“ the Justice at Stake campaign and Illinois Citizen Action â€“ have been exposed for what they are: a concealed campaign to restrict judicial election education to only one voice â€“ the voice of the Trial Lawyers.

And here’s the ICPR’s response:

The Illinois Civil Justice League wants the public to believe we were part of an elaborate and diabolical plot to help the campaign of the judicial candidate opposed by the Illinois Civil Justice League. That plot exists only in the fertile imagination of the conspiracy theorists at the Illinois Civil Justice League.

The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform is a respected, non-partisan watchdog organization that works to increase public awareness of how political campaigns are funded in Illinois. The staff and members of ICPRâ€™s board of directors represent a wide range of political opinions and different political party backgrounds. We have one thing in common: a strong belief in the need to reform the Illinois election system and the importance of a well-informed electorate.

Unlike the Illinois Civil Justice League, ICPR does not endorse candidates. ICPR does not assist or work against any candidates for public office. ICPR does not contribute cash to political campaigns.

Finally, here’s a list of articles and info on the “Six degrees of Kevin Bacon” game, referenced in the same story.

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His way

Tuesday, Feb 8, 2005 - Posted by Rich Miller

My dad went to Sen. Denny Jacobs’ retirement party last night and filed this brief report. Dad was supposed to send photos, but they haven’t shown up yet. I’ll post them if they arrive.

With Frank Sinatra singing “My Way” as background music, Denny said goodbye.

Denny was half sick with the flu and sad at the end of 32 years of politics but it was an evening spent with family and friends. Obama called in his repects and thanks. Lane Evans was there along with the other Democrats of NW Illinois. The first two rows were family members and the local press was out in force. Tonight was the end for Denny and Wednesday night will be a party celebrating the beginning for his son Mike.

Man, I’m gonna miss Denny Jacobs.

UPDATE: A friend of mine from the area sent me this e-mail:

We had fun tonight and your dad took about 50 pics with his digital!

Denny delivered his first speech reading from text (about 15 minutes). The place was packed (about 250) w/ lots of media.

Tomorrow around noon the five county chairs will caucus to make their choice.

If all goes as expected, Mike Jacobs will be sworn in as State Senator on Wednesday afternoon in downtown Moline

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