Sunday Letters: End costly diversions from transportation funding

In this election so dominated by partisan divides, one issue is bringing together both parties and supporters from across the political spectrum. We join the broad support for the Safe Roads Amendment as a key step on the road to repair in Springfield.

Transportation is the backbone of our state’s economy. The Chicagoland region is the nation’s hub for travel across all modes, from heavy trucks on our interstates to barges in the Chicago River to jets in and out of O’Hare and Midway Airports. This intricate network carries us to and from work and ensures our goods and services reach the worldwide marketplace.

For too many years, we’ve seen the money that we pay to fix our transportation network get spent on other needs. The cost to repair a road or bridge initially is manageable, but the damage worsens and that cost grows when those repairs are delayed year after year.

The Safe Roads Amendment puts an end to these costly diversions and says transportation money should be spent on transportation needs, period. It seems simple, but we need to vote for the amendment to make it the law of the land.

We also hope the amendment’s broad support from both parties can be a good model for compromise on the budget and the other issues we have long argued over in Springfield. Approving this amendment should send the message that it’s time to find real solutions and reasonable middle ground. Vote Yes for the Safe Roads Amendment, and let’s move this state forward.

Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Chicago

Sen. Karen McConnaughay, R-St. Charles

True mark of champions

As a South Sider, I resent all the current hoopla surrounding the Cubs. There wasn’t nearly as much when, in 2005, the White Sox won the World Series in a sweep. Down here, we take winning in stride. That’s the true mark of champions.

Hosea L. Martin, Bronzeville

No common sense

Based on your Cubs ticket article and editorial, the City of Chicago’s mayor and alderman are not only ethically challenged, they also lack common sense. Most individuals would realize that the offer for World Series Cubs tickets was unfair and just plain wrong. It never passed the “smell test.”

The mayor and alderman should be made to watch those corporate movies that show ethics at work, pass a test afterwards and sign a declaration they will adhere to an ethics standard. Maybe then they would realize that you cannot accept any kind of favor or gift that may compromise your integrity or any decision (especially votes) with a company that the city conducts business with. Anyone held in violation would be put on probation, suspended or fired depending upon the seriousness of the act, just like in the “real world.”

John Kwak, Brighton Park

Cleveland can do better

Great editorial about Cleveland’s mascot. Growing up in Lemont, our team was known as the Injuns. Twelve years ago, a clear thinking school board voted to dump the Injuns name. You wouldn’t believe the stink it caused. The next election we ended up with a new school board. Some people really believe they’re entitled to their ignorance. Damn the people they’ve offended. We’re now the Indians, and everyone seems happy.

You’re right, Cleveland can do better, but the yahoos won’t go down without a fight.

Tony Galati, Lemont