Streeterville Town Hall Meeting Recap

I attended the May 2 Town Hall Meeting featuring State Representative Will Burns and State Senator Kwame Raoul. They came to the neighborhood to discuss state programs and services, and to hear residents' views on important community issues.

Mssrs. Burns and Raoul emphasized that the number one issue is restoring credibility and reforming state government. They and their colleagues plan to do this in a number of ways, including:

Overhauling the Illinois Teachers' Retirement Pension System

A pension ethics reform bill has already been passed. A transparency policy of contracts has been instituted, along with the criminal penalties for any trustees found to have a conflict of interest. They have also provided for education programs for trustees, so they will have the proper knowledge and skills to oversee this pension fund.


Exploring a Cap on Illinois Campaign Contributions

Unlike many other states, there is currently no limit on campaign contributions in Illinois. State Representative Burns mentioned "it's the subtle influence of money" that needs to be lessened and hopefully eliminated. He expressed a desire to level the playing field and pledged that reformers will continue pressing on this issue.


2016 Olympics

Senator Kwame Raoul said many constituents have expressed a concern over the $250 million in funds Illinois has promised to the Olympic Committee. Senator Raoul emphasized that this money will only be paid should the 2016 Olympic Games go into the red. He also pointed out that this has never happened. He further stated that the Olympics would have to go into debt by $750 million before Illinois would be required to pay the $250 million.

Senator Raoul also said the 2016 Olympics is projected to bring $22 BILLION in income to Chicago.


Children's Memorial Hospital: Heliport Debate

By far, the hottest topic of the meeting was the proposed heliport at Chidren's Memorial Hospital's new Streeterville location! Residents expressed many, many concerns over safety issues. Their primary concern is whether the Illinois Dept. of Transportation's review will be thorough. They also worry that the review is being conducted by professionals who are not thoroughly qualified to conduct such a review. Mssrs. Raoul and Burns reassured residents that a VERY thorough review will be done. They also hinted that a final determination might be available by this July.


Do you have questions about what else was discussed at the meeting? Drop me a line. I'll fill you in! karen@karenpatton.net