Hinz announces semi-retirement
Monday, Sep 11, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Greg Hinz…
For good or bad, the way of the world is that nothing lasts forever. Even political columnists, though we’re a long-lived breed. So below are some thoughts as, after an amazing half-century of watching Illinois politics and government, I dial way back on my tasks here at Crain’s.
Much as a few internet trolls would prefer, I won’t be disappearing. You can still call me a raging progressive, or a MAGA-loving Republican. I’ll still do a monthly column here, as well as an occasional special project. But this is a good time to take stock.
Let’s start with the pols — who, despite speculation to the contrary, I really don’t hate. I find politicians and government leaders in general to be no better or worse than the rest of humanity. Their egos may need regular stroking — an offense that surely applies to journalists — but most are just people trying to do their job and look out for their future. […]
A few thoughts for my media colleagues: Remember who your writing and reporting is really for: your readers and subscribers, people who count on you to inform them. Be passionate; if you check out at 5 o’clock and don’t go the extra mile, your readers will be shortchanged. In other words, it’s personal. Treat public officials and candidates with respect, but insist in turn that you be treated with respect because you’re doing a job that, in a democracy, needs to be done.
I’ve known Greg since before he landed the Crain’s job and we’ve always worked together well. You don’t have to always 100 percent agree with someone to like them. Good luck, Greg!
- Mama - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 1:53 pm:
Greg Hinz, Congrats on your retirement.
- Annonin' - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 1:55 pm:
It will be interesting to see if Crain’s fills the post. Good luck to GH going forward.
- Lurker - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 1:57 pm:
I thought he did a fine job and if he is replaced, I hope they heed his advice.
- City Guy - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 2:01 pm:
I was consistently impressed by the quality of his reporting.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 2:11 pm:
=== Much as a few internet trolls would prefer, I won’t be disappearing. You can still call me a raging progressive, or a MAGA-loving Republican. I’ll still do a monthly column here, as well as an occasional special project. But this is a good time to take stock.===
I’ve tried to read all Hinz wrote or writes, his insight and writings have always given me pause, as Hinz talks of taking stock.
Reporting in our lil neck of the woods (Illinois and Chicagoland) is better for Hinz’s work, Hinz’s own commentary and occasional visits on other media have been good touchstones to stories and issues. I look forward to those still appearing on their occasions.
My best to Hinz, it’s not goodbye, thankfully, but my hope is this stepping back is fulfilling.
- Amalia - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 2:57 pm:
what was that old lakefront paper, the Lerner Press? bet I still have some of his old columns. old days. happy trails and monthly visits, Greg.
- Back to the Future - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 2:58 pm:
GH will be missed.
- From His Senator - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 3:06 pm:
A few thoughts for my media colleagues: Remember who your writing and reporting is really for: your readers and subscribers, people who count on you to inform them. Be passionate; if you check out at 5 o’clock and don’t go the extra mile, your readers will be shortchanged. In other words, it’s personal. Treat public officials and candidates with respect, but insist in turn that you be treated with respect because you’re doing a job that, in a democracy, needs to be done.
— Well said, Greg Hinz. People like you should get some rest and then teach journalism students how reporting is done.
- Shytown - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 3:12 pm:
A well deserved break from day to day reporting. Glad he’s not going away. We need him.
- Chitowndrummer - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 3:48 pm:
I’ve also had the pleasure pleasure (and occasional frustration) of working with Greg going back more than 30 years…during my days as a press secretary to Congressman John Porter, then as Dir. of Communications for Lt. Gov. Corinne Wood, and later as Dir. of Public Affairs at the Union League Club of Chicago. While I didn’t always like what he wrote, Greg was and continues to be scrupulously fair, honest, and thoughtful. He’s a consummate pro who has served his readers extremely well! Godspeed as you scale back your activities, Greg, and thank you for keeping us all very well informed.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Monday, Sep 11, 23 @ 4:24 pm:
Congrats Greg. I thought he could be overly doom and gloom on government finances, but I learned a lot reading his columns over the years.