Jerry's Journal

Tweet Editorial:  Finally, Quinn showing welcome toughness (Chicago Sun-Times) Gov. Quinn likes to say it’s “time for a rendezvous with reality.” Today, we’ll learn just how familiar he and reality have really become. In his annual budget speech, Quinn has no choice but to make good on recent forceful statements that he is ready to [...]

Tweet A rising tide of resentment (Southtown Star) Officials from throughout the Southland are getting restless over the rising cost of Lake Michigan water, so much so that efforts to find a source other than Chicago are gaining momentum. The idea may be more feasible for some towns (those closer to Indiana) than others, but [...]

Tweet Editorial: Quinn’s day to act on newfound toughness (Chicago Sun-Times) Gov. Quinn likes to say it’s “time for a rendezvous with reality.” On Wednesday, we’ll learn just how familiar he and reality have really become. In his annual budget speech, Quinn has no choice but to make good on recent forceful statements that he [...]

Tweet Home rule is about Princeton’s future (Bureau County Republican) We have significant infrastructure problems with our sanitary and storm sewers, streets, curbs, gutters and sidewalks. These concerns will prove to be a significant expense. The concern I have is how will any of it be paid for?

Tweet How does our region fare in economic recovery? (Southern Illinoisan) Douglas L. Whitley, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, will discuss our regional economy in a Community Leaders Breakfast sponsored by The Southern Illinoisan and Southern Business

Tweet Township should pursue chance to save funds (Herald & Review) The Decatur Township Board of Trustees has come upon an idea worth considering, although it may not be legal.

Tweet City was wrong; apologize, and don’t do it again (Daily Gazette) Democracy isn’t always neat and tidy. Sometimes it’s messy and unpleasant. But that’s how it works. Let everyone have a say, let the majority rule, and move on.

Tweet Reed: Is Illinois finally ready to act on pension crisis? (Southtown Star) Long after the state’s public pension alarm began to blare, Illinois’ leadership appears to be finally roused and ready to answer the call. Maybe. This year, we’ll see how determined our leaders are as they launch various efforts to comprehensively fix the [...]

Tweet Collinsville must honor commitment (Belleville News-Democrat) Collinsville city leaders finally have figured out that they need to know what they’re buying before they commit tax dollars to it. Good for them.

Tweet Our view: Our taxes hard at work (Northwest Herald) It probably would be better for everyone if Illinois citizens knew less about what was going on in their government.

Tweet No surprise Illinois near top of corruption list (The Pantagraph) OK, admit it. Were you really surprised that a study singled out Chicago as the “most corrupt” city in the nation and Illinois ranked third among states?

Tweet Our Opinion: As usual, extremes dominate gun debate (State Journal-Register) It’s a fundamental rule of gun law physics in Illinois: For every threatened action, there will be an even more extreme reaction.

Tweet Plan gives citizens role in reform (The Telegraph) There have been plenty of occasions Gov. Pat Quinn has been a punching bag on this page, and when it comes to such things as the inability to control tax-and-spend abuses it’s likely the role will be reprised soon. But something Quinn has done well…

Tweet Editorial: Eavesdropping law change would protect public, good cops (Quad Cities Times) Recently, Quad-Cities law enforcement officials expressed concerns over a bill that would legalize audio recordings of on-duty police officers without their consent. With all due respect to those dedicated local public safety officials, we disagree that such recordings would . . .