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* This is a perfect metaphor for the last two-plus years. Decades of neglect led to the election of someone who promised major change and a can-do attitude, followed by a self-induced fiscal crisis that made fixing those problems impossible and then disaster ensued…
Restoring the Illinois State Fair Coliseum after years of neglect will take at least two years and millions of dollars — if the state had the money.
The assessment of the state Capital Development Board, the agency in charge of state buildings, is contained in an emergency, $600,000 contract for enclosure of a temporary facility to host horse shows and other indoor events disrupted by the Coliseum shutdown in October. Inspectors said the more-than-century-old Coliseum was no longer safe after years of neglect that resulted in significant structural deterioration. […]
While a formal engineering study has yet to be completed, CDB said extensive repairs ranging from a new roof to replacement of corroded steel support beams would cost between $3 million and $4 million.
The bigger immediate challenge is lack of money. Illinois has been without a permanent spending plan for nearly two years. Lawmakers and the governor also have been unable to agree on a capital spending bill for infrastructure updates and maintenance of state facilities.
“This is significant structural work that needs to be done,” said state Rep. Tim Butler, a Springfield Republican. “It’s not just fixing a piece that is out of place or fallen. The real answer is what do we do if we ever get to a capital bill. We’re talking about rebuilding the Coliseum.
Remember all those promises in the 2014 campaign and ever since about a big capital bill? You can’t do that without a budget.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, May 8, 17 @ 9:43 am
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Disgraceful is too mild a description. Rauner is Governor. This is 100% on him. He is in charge and should have not allowed this to happen.
This is his failure.
Comment by Cassiopeia Monday, May 8, 17 @ 9:56 am
Capitol bill? How? With what revenue? They can’t even agree to fund K-12, Universities and Social Services, how are they going to get a Capitol bill done? Pass a gas tax during election season after Brady’s income tax increase? Good Luck
Comment by DuPage Bard Monday, May 8, 17 @ 10:04 am
Rauner Lied
Rauner failed
Comment by Honeybear Monday, May 8, 17 @ 10:38 am
–You can’t do that without a budget.–
Which means you can’t do it without Madigan, someone who doesn’t want to negotiate a budget unless he wins a second time, or a third time, or whatever his excuse will be.
Comment by Ahoy! Monday, May 8, 17 @ 10:51 am
Only in Illinois would an architectural and historical crown jewel like the State Fair Grounds be allowed to deteriorate so thoroughly. Way go to, political leaders.
Comment by Nick Name Monday, May 8, 17 @ 10:53 am
Remember DopeyDuct sayin’ there was oodles of corporate donation cash lyin’ around to fix the fair….we approach Dopey’s 3rd Fair and his fancy foundation is just gettin’ around to event number uno….
Comment by Annonin' Monday, May 8, 17 @ 10:55 am
“This is 100% on him.”
What part of the phrase “he more-than-century-old Coliseum was no longer safe after years of neglect” don’t you understand?
Did Quinn care for this structure as well as he did the Governor’s Mansion?
Rauner can be blamed for two years of neglecting the Coliseum, but there is plenty of blame to go around for several recent governors.
Comment by W Flag Monday, May 8, 17 @ 11:20 am
At one time, the State Fairgrounds were considered among the best horse show venues in the nation. However, no Governor has done much more than build some extra barns and a warm up arena for horse shows.
The State Fair Horse Show was a “must stop” for horses headed to their respective World Championships in Louisville and Shelbyville, TN. Reduced prize money coupled with facilities falling apart have pretty much made that a thing of the past.
And beyond the Springfield area members of the GA, the only time GA members think of the fairgrounds is twice a year, on Gov or Dem day, beyond that, they have never seen a need to fully fund what it would take to make the fairgrounds a world class show or convention venue.
I’ve long thought the City of Springfield should have cut a deal with the State of Illinois when they built the Springfield Convention Center, and made it twice the size and located it on the fairgrounds where a true convention, trade show, concert and livestock show venue could have built. That would have helped Springfield, the greater Springfield area and the State.
Instead we have Springfield Convention Center that is too small bring in top-tier current national tours and fairgrounds falling apart.
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, May 8, 17 @ 12:29 pm
Really, these comments are the perfect metaphor. He did it! No, he did it! WAKE UP! Everyone, on both sides of the aisle, has been trying to avoid responsibility & assign blame for decades. Why not try a new approach. Why not actually accomplish something and then fight bitterly over taking credit afterwards.
Comment by Out Here In The Middle Monday, May 8, 17 @ 12:29 pm
While the gladiators fight we’re the ones thrown to the lions.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:44 pm
Legislatively name it Rauner Coliseum and we’ll see what happens.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, May 8, 17 @ 10:25 pm