* Radioactive waste in Illinois will need new home
* Caught in a ‘doomsday’ cycle
“I’ll be the first to admit that the number and increasing severity of doomsday plans, accompanied each time by stopgap funding measures at the last minute to postpone the crisis, create a serious credibility issue for the CTA,” said agency President Ron Huberman.
“My worst fear about the Band-Aid funding is that people will not believe we continue to be in a bad fiscal position that forces us to cut service and raise fares.”
* Commuters frustrated by CTA doomsday wavering
Riders say they’re tired of the “Doomsday” rollercoaster ride.
“Cause it’s ‘we’re going to do it,’ then ‘we’re not going to do it,’” said CTA rider Jessica Harris. “Somebody needs to just make a decision on what’s going on.”
“They need to really come with a solution and end it. It’s just like a big headache for people,” said CTA rider Andre McElroy. “If you are going to raise the fares, get it over with, let’s do it.”
McElroy says lawmakers need to come up with a permanent solution instead of all the “quick fixes.”
* CTA ‘doomsday’ postponed
* Legislators seeking consensus on transit solution
* Daley says permanent CTA fix needed
* Illinoize: Chicago-L announces transit funding rally
* Ryan reassigned to prison in Wisconsin
* Carol Marin: An apology by Ryan could spur hearing
Illinois has done better. It hasn’t had an execution since 1999. I’d argue that’s a point of pride for this state and a testament to what George Ryan did right.
Now, if only he’d do one more thing.
It’s something even his supporters wish he’d do: Offer a heartfelt, sincere apology for what he did wrong.
It wouldn’t keep him out of prison. It shouldn’t keep him out of prison. But, like his death penalty work, it would have meaning.
* Illinoize: 59% of McHenry Co. precincts have no GOP committeemen candidates
* American Airlines offers flights between Springfield, St. Louis
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin plans to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Springfield to mark return of the service. He says the state capital deserves a reliable and convenient means of getting to major transportation hubs like St. Louis.
* Quinn joins motorcyclists in Veteran’s ride fundraiser
* WurfWhile: Councilman sues Naperville for violation civil rights
On Wednesday Naperville Councilman Dick Furstenau filed suit against the city of Naperville, the police chief and two officers claiming his civil rights were violated in his arrest New Years Day 2006 for shoving a police officer, according to the Naperville Sun. Furstenau has steadfastly denied the charges and has blamed the suit for his loss to Randy Hultgren in the 2006 Republican Primary for State Senate District 48.
* Schoenburg: Deal or no deal? Libri, Timoney explain strategies
So, is there a deal between the two major parties not to run candidates for countywide offices now held by the other side?
That’s a question that I’ve heard at least a few people ask as the filing period nears its Monday end and there aren’t any contests so far for Sangamon County circuit clerk, coroner, state’s attorney, auditor or recorder.
* Chicago Public Radio: Final show for controversial county tax levy
* Editorial: Bad money of Cook Co. health system
* How independent was $22,000 report of county finances?
* Editorial: Commissioners should not seek larger office staffs
More staff? For what? So they can have someone walk over to Stroger shot-caller Bill Beavers and ask him how to vote on a certain proposal rather than get up and find out for themselves?
Even if these were the most exemplary commissioners ever (which they’re not), it violates all the lessons of Good Government 101 to be asking for more for yourself when you’re telling cash-strapped constituents they have to pay more in taxes in the coming year.
* Cook Co. tax delays costs school district $1 million say officials
* Daley says he’ll cut back property tax increase request
* IOC President gets a look at Chicago
Though Rogge didn’t get into any specifics about Chicago’s chances for 2016, he did say he expected the city to present a “very strong” bid. He also said it’s “far too soon” to rank the seven bid cities. Baku, Azerbaijan; Doha, Qatar; and Prague, Czech Republic, also are bidding for the Summer Olympics.
“Chicago is doing like all the others,” Rogge said. “They are working hard, they are drafting their presentation.”
In his speech to The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and The Economic Club of Chicago, Rogge outlined the ideals and values of the Olympic movement, explaining that there is much more to the Olympics than the games themselves. Although the Olympics can provide significant financial benefits to the countries and companies involved, there is a higher-minded purpose, he said.
* Businesses show support for Olympic bid
* Opinion: A prayer to stop the killing
Mayor Richard Daley, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Pfleger all tout the goodness of more gun control, but all three of them shy away from the central issue. How can we take guns out of the hands of young men who join gangs, make their living selling drugs and rake in outrageous profits in the process?
* The Thicket: On moments of silence across the country
* Schools tiptoe into moment of silence compliance
- Ghost - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 9:44 am:
The CTA has become chicken little.
- Cassandra - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 9:53 am:
And yet…the CTA seems so confident of being bailed out by Illinois’ money-strapped middle class taxpayers that they haven’t made the slightest effort to revise the fare structure to increase revenues or to get rid of more than a couple of the thousands of political hacks who earn big bucks at the CTA. Young Ron knows that our feckless state legislators (who got a huge raise this year which will cover their part of any tax increases nicely) will pony up the cash in the end. He’ll have to endure a little more drama but he’s young, he can take it. And he’ll probably get a nice raise to cover any tax increases too.
Meanwhile, the SJR has an article today by Doug Finke describing how some forecasters see a possible decline in state revenues this budget year including a decline in sales tax revenues. Nevertheless, I’m sure Julie Hamos, Madigan, et al (upper middle income at least, I’d bet) will be pushing to raise those sales taxes even further. It’s all about them, not us.
- Wumpus - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:07 am:
No comment on Patti Trump Blagojavich? I have never seen sucha real estate mogul who, even though she did not broker the deal, still go a commission. It looks like the Trib really has it in for Blago. It also seems the IL voters still don’t care. If anything, this should make the GOP’s job a little easier. No need for attack literature, just buy everyone a subscription to the Tribune.
- Kuz - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:12 am:
haven’t made the slightest effort to revise the fare structure to increase revenues or to get rid of more than a couple of the thousands of political hacks who earn big bucks at the CTA. Young Ron knows that our feckless state legislators (who got a huge raise this year which will cover their part of any tax increases nicely) will pony up the cash in the end. He’ll have to endure a little more drama but he’s young, he can take it. And he’ll probably get a nice raise to cover any tax increases too.
Can I call “Excessively rabid?”
- Rich Miller - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:15 am:
Wumpus, please wait until all posts are up before asking why something isn’t here. You should know that by now.
Kuz, good point.
- Cassandra - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:27 am:
No, I’d say mild.
But I’d say Illinois taxpayers’ lack of emotion over ongoing raids on their middle class pocketbooks may be costing them a whole lot of money.
Does “Kuz” work for the CTA. I’m sure they’re a tad rabid about hanging on to all those perks.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:30 am:
===But I’d say Illinois taxpayers’ lack of emotion over ongoing raids on their middle class pocketbooks may be costing them a whole lot of money.===
Where do you see this? The polling I’ve seen shows exactly the opposite.
Please, tone it down.
- Kuz - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:34 am:
.25% sales tax increase means that a $50 dinner for two parents/two kids at “middle-class pocketbook” Applebees’ costs an additional 12.5 cents.
- YouNeverSawMe - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:37 am:
Found a pretty good website on the “moment of silence” piece.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/ps_pra6.htm
- FED UP - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:37 am:
Cassandra, does have a point the prices on most services go up. A modest increase in the fares on the cta pace and metra should be part of the solution.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:40 am:
It’s not so much the points, it’s the overall know-it-all harsh tone.
- FED UP - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:41 am:
Kuz so an extra 10cents or 25 cents to get on the bus or train should be no big deal either. Take a quick look at the growth of middle managment and consultants at the cta there does need to be a fair amount of job cuts.
- Cassandra - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:44 am:
I see it when I talk to my middle class neighbors,
whose concerns about escalating gas prices, utility prices, college prices, property taxes and other costs of maintaining a middle class life are epidemic. Taxes are only a part of the equation, I agree, but they are definitely part of the overall increase in the cost of living, especially against relatively stagnant wages.
Perhaps these conversations don’t take place in wealthier neighborhoods, but they take place around here.
- Wumpus - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:47 am:
Sorry Mr. Miller. I got a little ahead of myself.
- Kuz - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 10:55 am:
@ FEDUP - Not a big deal to me personally, but a $.25 fare hike means each rider pays an extra $10/month. Spreading that throughout the tax base lowers the individual impact, and everyone benefits from having the robust transit system.
We can go around on this, but the classical economic logic would be that if driving costs are increasing, then we should decrease consumer transit costs so we get more riders and can lower demand for cars.
As for staffing levels, I can only go by what the Auditor General said in the audit - cutting staff is fine, but insufficient. The sales tax is restricted to goods, not services, so receipts are declining, while costs increase. The funding source needs to be strengthened.
- Cassandra - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 11:32 am:
Actually, I’m exceeding my three post limit here in order to defend myself against complaints of dogmatism.
I consider myself on the balanced end of posters here. Unlike many who clearly hate the guv, I’ve consistently supported him on universal health care, the GRT, and his refusal to raise taxes.
I disagree with his use of Democratic patronage
to reduce the quality of the state civil service,
and the many ethical and campaign finance issues
which have arisen under his watch are disturbing.
I’ve even defended Mrs. B’s real estate deals, which, while a bit tacky, are probably not illegal. It’s probably hard to be the daughter and /or wife of prominent pols all your life without knowing a lot of politicans and their contributors. It’s a ready-made customer base and I suppose she has a right to use it. As to Blago’s
personality, it’s irrelevant and the delays in getting final legislation in a number of areas aren’t not in themselves bad. Would we want a rush to agreement among any bunch of politicans?
As to the tax system, including property and sales taxes, my chief complaint is that they are regressive, with the middle class bearing the brunt of their regressivity. I’m not alone here.
Take a look at Charlie Rangel’s tax proposal.
It provides substantial relief to people with incomes under $500,000. And to those bearing the greatest burden, should go the greatest relief.
- Get me there quick - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 1:01 pm:
“SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - American Airlines is adding nonstop service between Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport and Lambert St. Louis International Airport starting Sunday.”
The funny thing about this is that they tout they are offering “non-stop” flights. I would have expected at least one stop in Litchfield.
- Squideshi - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 1:20 pm:
The Chicago Tribune wrote, “Legislators seek consensus on transit fix”
I don’t believe that for a second. I’m not sure that our legislators even know what “consensus” actually means. Consensus based decision making is something that Greens have been promoting for years. This is how Rich Whitney was selected as the party’s candidate for Governor in 2006–we didn’t need no stinkin’ voting in a primary election (Now the state tells us we must abandon this method of governance, which is part of our political platform–essentially telling us that we can’t have this type of political view.)
- YouNeverSawMe - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 1:23 pm:
Question…
Does anyone believe that the “moment of silence” law was just an failed attempt to divert attention away from key issues in Springfield?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 1:34 pm:
===Does anyone believe that the “moment of silence” law was just an failed attempt to divert attention away from key issues in Springfield?===
If it was, it didn’t work too well, did it?
- c-rock - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 2:00 pm:
How about Jessie stop blaming gunowners for Chicago crime problem?
- cermak_rd - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 2:14 pm:
Well, it is gun owners. After all, they shoot each other with guns. It is not, however, by and large, legal gun owners who are doing the shooting. I have no beef with legal gunowners who keep control of their weapons (i.e. don’t get them stolen or “borrowed” by morons) and sell them in a responsible manner when they no longer want them. But really, the real problem isn’t the guns. They’re a symptom and a bad one because they so easily kill people without the personal investment needed to knife or strangle someone. The problem is the gangs and their desire to control territory for drugs sales, illegal guns sales and other unsavory businesses. These gangs are deadly so even though people in the neighborhood may know who was responsible for the outrage du jour, they won’t report them because they fear for their lives. It’s very similar to the organized crime of the Prohibition era when you had the Genna Brothers gang, Torrio’s then Capone’s gangs, Malone’s group etc. The differences are 1. The outfit was eventually centralized into one group (by and large though there are some smaller groups in ethnic enclaves (Chinese, Russian, etc.) so the inter-gang fighting stopped and 2. the outfit figured out that excessive blood letting, especially of “civilians”, was bad for business. No one gets too upset when thug A kills thug B. They do, however, take offense when thug A tries to kill Thug B and instead takes out a 38 year old mother of 3.
- One_Mcmad - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 4:39 pm:
I agree with Carol Marins’ column.
George Ryan should apologize and I don’t mean take the blame for anything specific. However, as the former Governor of Illinois and Secretary of State, under his watch, he allowed a lot of corruption to plague his administrations which ultimately was deadly for some citizens of Illinois and their families. And that he should apologize for. For not reigning his administrations with a tight fist on rooting out corruption but accepting the old way of doing business and not manifesting change.
So that means that Blagojevich will soon be apologizing too!
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 9:32 pm:
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - American Airlines is adding nonstop service between Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport and Lambert St. Louis International Airport starting Sunday.”
By this Friday, The nimrods at NEWSChannel 20 will start the deathwatch for this new service. Wait and see.
- PCC - Monday, Nov 5, 07 @ 9:45 pm:
Cassandra, as I’ve said before, transit fares have been going up much faster than both inflation AND the cost of driving. Per AAA, the real per-mile cost of driving has declined 11% since 2003, while CTA cash fares have increased 17.6%. (That’s not counting the 63% increase slated for 2008.) Oh, and as the Auditor General so helpfully said, “even if you double the fares, it’s not enough to solve the problem.”
As Kuz points out, the auditor did not find any evidence of massive over-staffing at CTA.
Also, just because anyone here takes the side of any public agency or individual does not automatically mean that we are being paid by said agency or individual. Such ad hominem attacks are gratuitous and pointless.
- Pro-Gunner - Tuesday, Nov 6, 07 @ 9:16 am:
Reverend PUSH and Father SNUFF are still protesting at Chuck’s Gun Shop without a Riverdale permit. Why does the law not apply to them?