Don't give One Central $6.5 billion of taxpayer money

Thank you, Sun-Times, for a recent editorial that continues to defend our nation's taxpayers, this time with a one-two punch to a greedy $6.5 billion tax forfeiture by private developer Landmark, which proposed a 30-plus-acre mega acre. – Development of One Central.

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan orchestrated those huge taxpayer subsidies by slipping them into a last-minute 2019 bill that lawmakers didn't have time to read. Records show there is not even any mention, let alone debate, of this issue.

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And what are we going to buy with that $6.5 billion? A transit center called editorial recently make clear is not necessary. Except by Landmark, because, as Sun-Times business reporter David Roeder pointedly noted, One Central “needed a state-funded transit center to make the project viable.”

It is not the responsibility of the taxpayer. It is Landmark's job to make their project viable, not that of Illinois residents who have critical development needs across the state.

As much as Landmark wants to talk about its long-term idea of ​​keeping the Bears in Chicago, taxpayers need to talk about the way Madigan dropped a $6.5 billion handmade gift at the last minute so its benefits can't be scrutinized.

Taxpayers need to talk about what an actual $6.5 billion community development package looks like. It's time for us to direct the conversation and time for the private developer to find someone other than the taxpayer to take the plunge for his dream.

Hats off to Rep. Kam Buckner for insisting on the feasibility study. A thorough and independent review would have concluded that there are far better uses for $6.5 billion in tax dollars. Governor JB Pritzker, please put the taxpayer back in control of this train.

Marj Halperin, South Round
A member of the Near South Community Steering Committee

Apathy is dangerous when democracy is in jeopardy

According to a recent report in the Guardian, more than two years after the January 6 Capitol attack, approximately 12 million American adults (4.4% of the adult population) believe violence was justified to restore Donald Trump's presidency.

While not surprising, these numbers are serious and should be taken very seriously. That's not what pundits usually call an inflection point in history; rather, it is a dangerous moment, one that requires us to unite and transcend our political silos to prevent the death of democracy. I hate to sound like an alarmist, but we might be in vain.

To stand by, play the frustrating game of partisan politics and do nothing is to acquiesce in right-wing extremists, to allow them to dominate our nation's discourse and thereby topple the government as we only watch in disbelief, no longer able to. do whatever.

I don't cry wolf. There is ample historical evidence that illustrates the dangerous consequences of what can happen if we stay on the current path of apathy.

One partial solution might be starting a serious national conversation about domestic terrorism, figuring out how to identify it and how to stop it — as we managed to do after 9/11. That, I think, will help to start addressing the cause of the problem. But one thing is absolutely certain: The status quo is not a viable option.

Richard Cherwitz, professor emeritus Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial, Moody College of Communications, University of Texas at Austin

More public bathrooms at CTA

Let's extend the CTA Red Line before state money goes to private businesses (like One Central). And what deal does the country echo, but doesn't get ownership for 20 years?

I was very disappointed when new Red Line stations were built on both sides of 95th Road. No public toilets in sight. The Red Line runs from Howard Street (a stepping stone to Evanston) to 95th Road. It was over an hour on the way. Most people take the bus to their final destination. No parking on 95th Street station.

I donated a kidney several years ago. I look for a toilet wherever I go. Instead of wads of cash for a transit hub far from other public transport, install lots of public restrooms on 95th Street Red Line Station.

Janice Gintzler, Crestwood

Save gas, and the planet

I was pleased to read recently that Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43) introduced regulations to reduce idle internal combustion engines. Reducing idling is a very easy action that all drivers can take to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases.

The key is adjusting to old ingrained habits. I usually start my engine the first thing when I get in the car and then fasten my seat belt. Now, I do the opposite.

Some other suggestions: Drive-up windows are very convenient, but you don't need to leave the motor running while you wait. While waiting to pick up passengers, there is no need to start the car until everyone is seated. Sitting in your car with the heat or air conditioning on, charging your phone, or leaving the engine running for a quick purchase are behaviors that can easily be changed. Delivery vans and post office vehicles are some of the worst slackers. The only time the vehicle needs to be idle is waiting at a stop light or sign.

Gas is expensive. Do not waste. Please, just turn off your engine if you are not moving, for the health of all of us and the planet.

Mary Griswold, Evanston