Analysis

Pace keeps driving off the good government road, so maybe it’s time to save tax dollars by rolling the suburban bus agency into Metra and creating one suburban transit operation, like Chicago has with the CTA. 

Time for state lawmakers to end the use of private emails accounts for government business before it gets completely out of hand.

Food for thought: Chicago has fewer food trucks than many other big cities. Is a tough ordinance responsible?

Charlie Wheeler’s column, for “Illinois Issues” magazine, suggests a “split-the-difference” approach to bridging the gap between the hardened positions that prevent meaningful negotiations over Rauner’s pro-business “turnaround agenda” and the legislative leaders’ budget priorities.

The recent dustup over the exorbitant severance deal the University of Illinois offered its embattled chancellor reminds me of an oft-quoted line: “This is like déjà vu all over again.”

Mayor Emanuel finally introduced a much-anticipated ordinance designed to protect city residents and taxpayers from another privatization fiasco like the parking meter abomination.

The front-page story attracted a lot of attention, but several local Jarrett associates said “so what?” because her actions don’t appear to violate any laws or circumvent any rules. 

Illinois is about average when it comes to transparency, accountability and conflicts of interest, according the Center for Public Integrity’s latest State Integrity Investigation, which gave Illinois and a majority of states a grade of C.

The plan highlights more than 40 potential efficiencies, including consolidating departments, tapping new revenue streams, eliminating programs, transferring services and cutting expenses.