CHICAGO | General Discussions

[Kenmore]

Originally Posted by ardecila

I don’t think it’s possible to rid Illinois of Madigan’s influence through the political process. Just like Mayor Daley, who he learned from, Madigan keeps his hands clean but continues to pull all the strings. He can’t be toppled from within his own party, and one token Republican in the governor’s mansion can’t do it either. All Rauner could do is hold the budget hostage and hope that voters blamed Madigan. But of course, that was never gonna happen because Madigan only appears on a ballot for less than 1% of Illinoisan voters, while Rauner appears on every ballot.

Maybe a #metoo accusation could hurt Madigan, but I don’t think he’s personally guilty of any harassment even if it did occur on his staff. Plus he’s a Democrat, so he could get away with that kind of stuff like Bill Clinton, many feminists will make a utilitarian decision that an abuser (or an enabler of abuse) that nevertheless works for feminism-friendly policies, is a better choice than a Republican who works against feminist-friendly policies. We just saw all the hand-wringing over Al Franken’s accusations.

you contradicted yourself

[Vlajos]

What are your thoughts on the Quincy Veterans Home mismanagement? The Rauner team hid the truth and lied about their actions, while 13 veterans died.

Sad and bad. But in no way a reason to not vote for Rauner over JB.

How about the Sterigenics plant that was spewing cancer-causing chemicals into the air while Rauner's team did nothing again?

Not a big deal to me.

These are examples of poor management, and that is Rauner's fatal flaw as a politician (see also: firing his entire team and then being forced to fire their replacements weeks later). This doesn't even get into his moves to strangle state universities and social service organizations.

Unfortunately, we need to freeze spending at a minimum and more likely cut spending. Probably should close one of the State universities like Eastern or Western. There seems to be no point to them and they have declining enrollment. Pension costs are unfortunately crowding out social services. You can thank decades of the incestuous pol (both Dem and Reb) and public employee union relationship for this.

[moorhosj]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

And as long as gullible people fall into the Sterigenics trap, the most evil man in Illinois history stays in control and drags this State down further.

What kind of dystopia do we live in where being concerned about the state government hiding information about a toxic plant from voters for 8 months is considered "falling into a trap"? Is it possible that you have fallen into a trap where dead veterans and kids with cancer takes a back seat to your tax rate and ideological preferences?

Governor Rauner's office knew about the risk for eight months, the Attorney General's office alleged.

A spokesperson for the attorney general said they fought to get information from the Illinois EPA and are pursuing legal action.

Controversy has surrounded Sterigenics since the United States EPA reported a higher cancer risk from toxic air pollutions, most notably ethylene oxide.

I don't like Pritzker much, but Rauner's inability to manage has literally killed people and now seems to be exposing people to cancer. Oddly enough for those who want a stronger Republican party in Illinois, after Rauner losses, the ILGOP will be weaker than at any point in my lifetime. Jeanne Ives will become the party's de-facto leader (maybe Harold if she wins).

We certainly need far better governmental management, but forgive me if I don't trust the guy who wants to spend $500 million we don't have on DPI, has communicated no plan for the pensions after 4 years, is against legal marijuana, has done nothing to rein in spending, and constantly shit-talks his own state and it's most important city.

[moorhosj]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

What are your thoughts on the Quincy Veterans Home mismanagement? The Rauner team hid the truth and lied about their actions, while 13 veterans died.

Sad and bad. But in no way a reason to not vote for Rauner over JB.

How is gross negligence and mismanagement not a reason? It may not be THE deciding factor, but ability to manage crisis is pretty important for an executive.

Originally Posted by Vlajos

Unfortunately, we need to freeze spending at a minimum and more likely cut spending. Probably should close one of the State universities like Eastern or Western. There seems to be no point to them and they have declining enrollment. Pension costs are unfortunately crowding out social services. You can thank decades of the incestuous pol (both Dem and Reb) and public employee union relationship for this.

And Rauner has announced zero plans to do any of this. If he has an actual strategy for closing universities and saving money, he should present it. Starving the beast without a plan won't put us in a better position. People on this board like to give Rauner credit for "fighting Madigan" or "trying to lower spending". Can someone point me to a concession he has gained from Madigan? Is there a plan he has presented to significantly lower spending or fix the pension problem?

People want him to be a moderate politician willing to make tough choices for the better of the state. This is what I wanted him to be and why I voted for him 4 years ago. In reality, he hasn't shown the instinct to make any hard choices or compromises. His two biggest accomplishments (the budget and school funding) were done in spite of him and his vetoes.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by moorhosj

How is gross negligence and mismanagement not a reason? It may not be THE deciding factor, but ability to manage crisis is pretty important for an executive.



And Rauner has announced zero plans to do any of this. If he has an actual strategy for closing universities and saving money, he should present it. Starving the beast without a plan won't put us in a better position. People on this board like to give Rauner credit for "fighting Madigan" or "trying to lower spending". Can someone point me to a concession he has gained from Madigan? Is there a plan he has presented to significantly lower spending or fix the pension problem?

People want him to be a moderate politician willing to make tough choices for the better of the state. This is what I wanted him to be and why I voted for him 4 years ago. In reality, he hasn't shown the instinct to make any hard choices or compromises. His two biggest accomplishments (the budget and school funding) were done in spite of him and his vetoes.

All of which is true, but Rauner is not running on increasing taxes in a state that already has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation. He is running to keep a check on Madigan who along with both Dem and Rep governors has brought Illinois to insolvency. I don't trust JB to do anything good for Illinois other than further pamper the public employee unions.

Who is more likely to increase taxes?

Who is more likely to give the bank to state workers?

Those are my main issues. If Rauner were a trumpist, that was anti gay, anti immigrant and anti choice, I would likely have been forced to vote for JB. Luckily, Rauner is a social liberal, so Rauner got my vote a second time.

[moorhosj]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

Who is more likely to increase taxes?

I don't think your views are unreasonable, I just think they are unrealistic. My taxes increased while Rauner was the Governor of Illinois. Members of his own party joined in the veto because he presented no legitimate alternative. Even now, his proposed budgets require the revenue from the tax increase. It seems like you are voting for the Rauner you (and I) want, not the one he has shown us to be for the past 3+ years.

Originally Posted by Vlajos

Who is more likely to give the bank to state workers?

The issue is about things already promised to them. So in that sense, the bank has already been given away. I will ask again, what is Rauner's plan for the pensions? He wanted to keep the TRS pension returns assumption at 7.5% instead of the more-realistic 7%. Does that seem like a fiscally responsible move or a political move? He's had almost 4 years to show us a plan and make some progress, I've seen neither.

I actually think there is a small possibility that Pritzker (and his billions) could wrestle control of the ILDem party away from Madigan. Rauner signed zero bills to lower our pension liability. Our last Democratic Governor signed one with Madigan's support (which the courts subsequently struck down).

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by moorhosj

I don't think your views are unreasonable, I just think they are unrealistic. My taxes increased while Rauner was the Governor of Illinois. Members of his own party joined in the veto because he presented no legitimate alternative. Even now, his proposed budgets require the revenue from the tax increase. It seems like you are voting for the Rauner you (and I) want, not the one he has shown us to be for the past 3+ years.



The issue is about things already promised to them. So in that sense, the bank has already been given away. I will ask again, what is Rauner's plan for the pensions? He wanted to keep the TRS pension returns assumption at 7.5% instead of the more-realistic 7%. Does that seem like a fiscally responsible move or a political move? He's had almost 4 years to show us a plan and make some progress, I've seen neither.

I actually think there is a small possibility that Pritzker (and his billions) could wrestle control of the ILDem party away from Madigan. Rauner signed zero bills to lower our pension liability. Our last Democratic Governor signed one with Madigan's support (which the courts subsequently struck down).

JB's going to win, so it doesn't matter. My refusal to vote for him won't make a difference unfortunately.

I just don't want a Madigan controlled Legislature AND a Dem Governor. Illinois can't afford it.

[the urban politician]

^ Yeah, that worthless bloated trust-fund brat will win for sure.

I at least have hope for the AG race. Plus it would be nice to have a smoking hot AG

[left of center]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ Yeah, that worthless bloated trust-fund brat will win for sure.

I at least have hope for the AG race. Plus it would be nice to have a smoking hot AG

Erika Harold will probably offer a viable counterweight to a JB governorship, but I am pretty off put by her far right social ideology (very anti abortion, anti gay marriage, etc). Kwame Raoul on the other hand is essentially a Madigan puppet that hasn't mentioned fighting corruption once during his campaign (somehing this state has in abundance of). While voting is typically choosing the lesser of the two evils, they both seem equally bad in this case.

[the urban politician]

Looks like the spoiled fat fuck won.

Yay. Change has finally arrived....

[the urban politician]

Damn! Erika Harold lost too?

Oh God, Madigan is probably having such a blast right now.....

Now we’re stuck with Kwame “I’m just getting started” Raoul. I’m not even sure what he’s exactly “getting started” on. Shouldn’t he instead be saying “I’m about to finish fucking you all over” ?

Lol....

[ardecila]

At least with a Governor Pritzker, we might have a chance to get a few important pieces of infrastructure built in between the literal sacks of taxpayer money that Pritzker will dump on unions and other interest groups. I expect the Rockford/Dubuque and Quad Cities rail plans to get dusted off, maybe even something more ambitious. Here’s hoping JB’s infrastructure plan doesn’t include more absurd sprawlways like Illiana though.

[BonoboZill4]

Originally Posted by cozy

Oh wow these could be the best units if they have street entrances

I'd be very surprised if they had direct street entrances for any units for a building that is going to have so much retail.

Also, Chicago and State is about the worst intersection crime wise downtown, so I'd say those would be by far the worst units in the building

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by BonoboZill4

Also, Chicago and State is about the worst intersection crime wise downtown, so I'd say those would be by far the worst units in the building

Is this based on actual data or are you just another person who equates feeling to objective data?

[Notyrview]

Originally Posted by marothisu

Is this based on actual data or are you just another person who equates feeling to objective data?

This has been an ongoing delusion here. Black school kids like to hang out at that corner but there’s no crime and the area is crawling with cops. Most criminal activity in downtown Chicago is white collar.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by Notyrview

This has been an ongoing delusion here. Black school kids like to hang out at that corner but there’s no crime and the area is crawling with cops. Most criminal activity in downtown Chicago is white collar.

I lived a few streets north of here for nearly a decade. There are some shady looking people hanging around sometimes but honest to god I barely witnessed any real crime there (I saw a guy choking his wife or girlfriend once but that was the most serious thing by far). After living there for nearly that decade, I equate it to a delusion as you have stated. Never once felt unsafe near there. Most of the people just hanging around really never bothered me ever.

I'd put a lot of money on Division Street having more crime than this area. I've witnessed a lot more crime there than Chicago/State.

[left of center]

If there is one bright spot of a Pritzker governorship, its the legalization of marijuana. That will bring in hundreds of millions in taxes to the state (potentially closing the current budget deficit), both from the sin taxes on the marijuana products themselves as well as potential tourism dollars (sales tax, hotel taxes, airport landing fees, etc) from surrounding Midwestern states as people come to Chicago to try the legal weed.

Other than that, this could prove to be disastrous to the already sad state of Illinois's finances... assuming the new gov enacts all the social programs he has proposed but without finding ways to pay for them.

[LouisVanDerWright]

Originally Posted by Notyrview

This has been an ongoing delusion here. Black school kids like to hang out at that corner but there’s no crime and the area is crawling with cops. Most criminal activity in downtown Chicago is white collar.

I lived at Loyola's downtown campus for a year and can say there was never any serious crime there. It's probably a bit of a hotspot for ultra petty crimes, but it was usually someone getting caught trying to make a dash for the subway after snatching a purse or a smartphone usually over on Michigan and Chicago or a scuffle between a couple of drunk people. If anything it's the wealth on Michigan Ave attracting theives (or the giant groups of maurauding "Urban youths" that occasionally ransack corners of downtown) who then enter or exit the area through the nearest train stop. It's probably no different than the crime pattern you'd see at Grand. But yeah, there's no "criminal threat" posed by the panhandlers or McDonald's crowd you see loitering in the area. Welcome to the big city guys, sometimes there's "weird" people hanging out by the train...

[the urban politician]

That McDonalds near there sure has a shady looking bathroom, though. I once went in there to pee and the urinal was.....a case study in social dysfunction, shall I say

[BonoboZill4]

Originally Posted by marothisu

Is this based on actual data or are you just another person who equates feeling to objective data?

Yeesh, I must have really peeved you off at some point with the tone in your responses to me lately. I say this because it's the only place someone has tried to mug me downtown, and that's happened three times. I feel safer at my girlfriend's house in Back of the Yards than at that intersection sometimes.

Also, practically every time I walk by there(which is frequent because my brother lives in the Gold Coast) I see police cars and police officers walking around. In general it's been the location of my worst experiences in Chicago, although in the last few years it hasn't been as bad. I don't really know where one would find good data on what intersection is the worst downtown, so yes I am technically basing this off my "feelings" if that includes personal experiences and those of my friends and family. I find experiences that have a recurring trend to be valid, but that's just me.

I do find it interesting how many people are disregarding "petty theft" as such a minimal thing. Getting mugged is not fun, and I regard it as a pretty serious crime on an individual. If it happens frequently in a location that shouldn't just be brushed away.

In fact, the more I think about it, most people I know agree Chicago and State is a place to avoid.