The state has left the largest budget question this year without an answer; How to fund this years pension contributions.
Link to the article over at Progress Illinois
I have always found Progress Illinois to have a very Barak Obama feel to it. The site as a whole seems to tilt a little to the left, which is fine so long as when you read it you keep that in mind. Their party has let them down and they know it.
Link to Center for Tax and Budget Accountability "White Paper"
I know this was linked to in the Progress article as well but its to important to miss. It more like a "red paper" as the budget as we knew all along does not look pretty. Everyone can see now there simply is not enough money to fund what the state needs to fund.
The "deficit" without the pension contribution is about $7 billion. Divide that among the roughly 13 million people living in our fine state and that's about $540 a person. Spread each persons share over three years and add 5% interest to defer the payments and would would each end up owing the state about $190 a year, well we wouldn't owe the state really because they aren't paying their bills.
Does anyone want this? No. But its an idea which is more than Springfield has provided us in the last couple of years. Spread it over five years or ten years, it doesn't matter. The money must come from us the taxpayers. Yes I think the state should ask us for more money, in tough economic times, its a solution. Its the simplest solution which might also lead to fewer votes in November.
Now we just need somewhere to get another $4 billion to make those pension payments, to a pension fund that is already underfunded.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Madison County Pay Increases
Does this seem like a no brainer to anyone else.
Link to BND Article
How can so many elected officials continue to do what they want in the face of their constituents, many of which are struggling in these economic,is times. I think the more important question is why do we keep electing them.
Some will feel I may be biased to Matt Rice as I went to college with him. I can attest to some good political talk with him while we were in school. We did not always see eye to eye when discussing the topics but I think he has a good view on what matters. Matt is a guy who "gets it" from what I know of him. I only hope that if elected he can stay true to what he says now.
The naysayers may note its easy to say what he did when the office he is running for is not getting a pay raise. I would rebut that if he said something like this now in print, it will be far easier to call him out if his elected position comes looking for pay increases any time soon.
The sitting Treasurer Frank Miles who has said he would decline the raises. Maybe our local city officials could do the same.
Link to BND Article
How can so many elected officials continue to do what they want in the face of their constituents, many of which are struggling in these economic,is times. I think the more important question is why do we keep electing them.
Some will feel I may be biased to Matt Rice as I went to college with him. I can attest to some good political talk with him while we were in school. We did not always see eye to eye when discussing the topics but I think he has a good view on what matters. Matt is a guy who "gets it" from what I know of him. I only hope that if elected he can stay true to what he says now.
Matt Rice, Republican candidate for county recorder, said county officials are already "extremely well-compensated," and don't need a raise.
"In the real world, you're lucky to have a job, much less get a pay raise in this economy," Rice said. "The only thing this vote demonstrates is that our county officials need a wake-up call this November."
The naysayers may note its easy to say what he did when the office he is running for is not getting a pay raise. I would rebut that if he said something like this now in print, it will be far easier to call him out if his elected position comes looking for pay increases any time soon.
The sitting Treasurer Frank Miles who has said he would decline the raises. Maybe our local city officials could do the same.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Discussion 5/17 Regarding Council Aldermanic Commitees & Committee Meeting Minutes
Discussion regarding the makeup of which alderman are on which committees and who should be be on which. The real disagreement was regarding none other than meeting minutes. Minutes used to be a hotly discussed topic. Lately they have been agreed upon rather easily. I have said before that all of the petty arguments like this are the problem with the council.
City Attorney Tom Adams
He will not be seeking re-appointment as city attorney with the city for the fiscal year that started May 1, 2010. There will be a committee meeting next Monday May 24 to discuss possible candidates to fill this vacancy.
Committee Meetings 5/10
I had half of this done last week, better late than never?
All of the elected officials were in attendance at this meeting.
Parks, Playgrounds, and Recreation
• Columbia CUSD No. 4 Presentation
Ed Settles was in attendance to further discuss land use options for the school district at Bolm-Schuhkraft Park or across Route 3 where the city owns 33 acres set aside to be a future city park.
Superintendent Settles explained that the district would like to use Bolm-Schuhkraft during school hours for physical education classes and after school for band practice, soccer practices, and football practice. The schools are landlocked and the will that presented the land that is now Bolm-Schuhkraft to the city prevents the selling of some or all of the land to the district or anyone for that matter. The district had expressed interest in the past to purchase some of Bolm-Schuhkraft Park from the city. Settles also expressed interest in purchasing portions of property the city owns across Route 3, referred to in the meeting as the Weigman(sp) property.
Al Hudzik asked Settles how much land the district would be interested in buying. Settles expressed interest in anywhere from ¼ to ½ of the 33 acres, but said they would be interested in whatever the city would be willing to part with. It was noted the district would like to locate a practice field and a game field if possible.
Alderman Stumpf said he would rather trade land parcels with the district rather than selling land for cash.
Alderman Roessler asked if the district already used the park area at Bolm-Schuhkraft for activities. Superintendent Settles said that they do but he would prefer that a type of reservation system be put in place. Roessler then asked if the city had a plan in the works for the Weigman property. Alderman Niemietz responded that there is a trail there with no future plans in store at this time; there is a plan that has been prepared and awaiting funding for “Creekside Park” that would be developed first.
Alderman Roessler asked if the Weigman property floods. Niemietz responded that the land is “swampy”. Stumpf added that the land flooded for a few hours when the storm that was hurricane Gustav passed through our area. Stumpf also noted that it’s a shame the land is not being used and that there is no plan for the Weigman property. He reiterated the idea of not taking money for the land if the city were to “sell” some of the Weigman land to the school district; he would prefer a trade for land elsewhere for the city to develop a park. Alderman Ebersohl noted that one acre of the Weigman land sat higher out of reach of flooding and that was planned to be used for restrooms and parking.
Superintendent Settles asked when there may be a decision or plan for a reservation system for Bolm-Schuhkraft so he could pass that info on to his replacement that starts July 1. Niemietz said that the Play Commission is looking into creating updated park policies. Stumpf noted the district should put together a plan that would illustrate the areas of Bolm-Schuhkraft the district would utilize and what times they would want to use those designated areas. In regards to “selling land” Stumpf asked Settles for a plan of what the district would want and what they would be willing to give to the city in return. Stumpf also noted that if the school district is ever in a position to abandon the property that the high school sits on now he would like the city to be offered ownership to extend its current park area there.
Executive and Rules
• Committee Appointments Discussion
Alderman Ebersohl started the meeting stating that the Rules Committee saw no reason to change the members or chairmen of any of the council’s aldermanic committees.
Alderman Stumpf asked if there could be an economic development committee formed and if there was he would like to serve on it. Niemietz asked what its purpose would be and Stumpf replied that it could bring fresh ideas and accountability to the economic development of the city.
It was then asked if the committee chairs ever change, Ebersohl said that really doesn’t happen.
Alderman Agne asked if larger cities have economic development committees. Mayor Hutchinson replied that the Planning Commission reviews projects and their associated zoning and they move projects over to the council.
Alderman Oberkfell noted that he would like to be back on the Fire Committee. Alderman Row mentioned that if someone wanted to drop off of a committee and switch with someone else that could be a solution. No one volunteered to switch with Oberkfell. Row said he would like to switch chairmanships with Alderman Hejna moving him from Library back over to Refuse & Recycling. Niemietz asked Hejna what would happen to all of the recycling plans Hejna had for the Refuse & Recycling Committee. The idea of Hejna & Row switching was not mentioned again.
Hejna mentioned that she would like to Finance chairman again.
Stumpf said he would like to be parks chairman instead of Niemietz.
Hejna asked why the council has an education committee.
Alderman Niemietz said that the city works hand in hand with the taxing body that is the school district and that committee provides for that communication. Niemietz also noted that she would prefer to keep her chairmanship of the Parks Committee for one more year.
All of the elected officials were in attendance at this meeting.
Parks, Playgrounds, and Recreation
• Columbia CUSD No. 4 Presentation
Ed Settles was in attendance to further discuss land use options for the school district at Bolm-Schuhkraft Park or across Route 3 where the city owns 33 acres set aside to be a future city park.
Superintendent Settles explained that the district would like to use Bolm-Schuhkraft during school hours for physical education classes and after school for band practice, soccer practices, and football practice. The schools are landlocked and the will that presented the land that is now Bolm-Schuhkraft to the city prevents the selling of some or all of the land to the district or anyone for that matter. The district had expressed interest in the past to purchase some of Bolm-Schuhkraft Park from the city. Settles also expressed interest in purchasing portions of property the city owns across Route 3, referred to in the meeting as the Weigman(sp) property.
Al Hudzik asked Settles how much land the district would be interested in buying. Settles expressed interest in anywhere from ¼ to ½ of the 33 acres, but said they would be interested in whatever the city would be willing to part with. It was noted the district would like to locate a practice field and a game field if possible.
Alderman Stumpf said he would rather trade land parcels with the district rather than selling land for cash.
Alderman Roessler asked if the district already used the park area at Bolm-Schuhkraft for activities. Superintendent Settles said that they do but he would prefer that a type of reservation system be put in place. Roessler then asked if the city had a plan in the works for the Weigman property. Alderman Niemietz responded that there is a trail there with no future plans in store at this time; there is a plan that has been prepared and awaiting funding for “Creekside Park” that would be developed first.
Alderman Roessler asked if the Weigman property floods. Niemietz responded that the land is “swampy”. Stumpf added that the land flooded for a few hours when the storm that was hurricane Gustav passed through our area. Stumpf also noted that it’s a shame the land is not being used and that there is no plan for the Weigman property. He reiterated the idea of not taking money for the land if the city were to “sell” some of the Weigman land to the school district; he would prefer a trade for land elsewhere for the city to develop a park. Alderman Ebersohl noted that one acre of the Weigman land sat higher out of reach of flooding and that was planned to be used for restrooms and parking.
Superintendent Settles asked when there may be a decision or plan for a reservation system for Bolm-Schuhkraft so he could pass that info on to his replacement that starts July 1. Niemietz said that the Play Commission is looking into creating updated park policies. Stumpf noted the district should put together a plan that would illustrate the areas of Bolm-Schuhkraft the district would utilize and what times they would want to use those designated areas. In regards to “selling land” Stumpf asked Settles for a plan of what the district would want and what they would be willing to give to the city in return. Stumpf also noted that if the school district is ever in a position to abandon the property that the high school sits on now he would like the city to be offered ownership to extend its current park area there.
Executive and Rules
• Committee Appointments Discussion
Alderman Ebersohl started the meeting stating that the Rules Committee saw no reason to change the members or chairmen of any of the council’s aldermanic committees.
Alderman Stumpf asked if there could be an economic development committee formed and if there was he would like to serve on it. Niemietz asked what its purpose would be and Stumpf replied that it could bring fresh ideas and accountability to the economic development of the city.
It was then asked if the committee chairs ever change, Ebersohl said that really doesn’t happen.
Alderman Agne asked if larger cities have economic development committees. Mayor Hutchinson replied that the Planning Commission reviews projects and their associated zoning and they move projects over to the council.
Alderman Oberkfell noted that he would like to be back on the Fire Committee. Alderman Row mentioned that if someone wanted to drop off of a committee and switch with someone else that could be a solution. No one volunteered to switch with Oberkfell. Row said he would like to switch chairmanships with Alderman Hejna moving him from Library back over to Refuse & Recycling. Niemietz asked Hejna what would happen to all of the recycling plans Hejna had for the Refuse & Recycling Committee. The idea of Hejna & Row switching was not mentioned again.
Hejna mentioned that she would like to Finance chairman again.
Stumpf said he would like to be parks chairman instead of Niemietz.
Hejna asked why the council has an education committee.
Alderman Niemietz said that the city works hand in hand with the taxing body that is the school district and that committee provides for that communication. Niemietz also noted that she would prefer to keep her chairmanship of the Parks Committee for one more year.
Lost Generation
This is old but still worth the look.
February 7, 2008
Contact: David Goldstein, AARP, 202-434-2560, dgoldstein@aarp.org
AARP Announces Winners of U&50 Challenge on You Tube
The Top Five Videos Win Cash Prizes Including $5,000 for First Place
Washington, DC - Today AARP announced the winners of its U@50 Challenge. The contest, launched in August 2007 on YouTube, gave people between the ages of 18 and 30 the chance to submit short videos on the subject of what they expect their lives to be like at age 50. The goal of the U@50 Challenge was to encourage intergenerational dialogue enabling young people to speak their minds and give AARP insight into their views. More than 50 videos were submitted from across the country and from these; the five top videos were selected by a panel of judges.
This video won second, watch the whole video.
February 7, 2008
Contact: David Goldstein, AARP, 202-434-2560, dgoldstein@aarp.org
AARP Announces Winners of U&50 Challenge on You Tube
The Top Five Videos Win Cash Prizes Including $5,000 for First Place
Washington, DC - Today AARP announced the winners of its U@50 Challenge. The contest, launched in August 2007 on YouTube, gave people between the ages of 18 and 30 the chance to submit short videos on the subject of what they expect their lives to be like at age 50. The goal of the U@50 Challenge was to encourage intergenerational dialogue enabling young people to speak their minds and give AARP insight into their views. More than 50 videos were submitted from across the country and from these; the five top videos were selected by a panel of judges.
This video won second, watch the whole video.
Friday, May 14, 2010
TIF's In Chicago, This Process Sounds Familiar
Taken from Progress Illinois' article.
This maneuver, in which revenue captured in one TIF district is transferred to projects in an adjacent district, is known as "porting." It's not illegal by any means, but it provides ample opportunities for abuse.
Link to the entire article at Progress Illinois
While the wording in Columbia Crossing talked of a "pass through" which I have never received a clear answer or explanation on. Chicago's planned idea of sharing revenue between TIF districts is possible. I do not have a map of Columbia's current districts and have not gone back to see how far Columbia Crossing reached to the East I would have to imagine this idea could maybe be used.
The issue then, is it a good idea? In the case of Chicago not really. The claims that the mayor's office is using the power of distributing the revenues between TIF districts to gain votes on certain items is a troubling enough. Let alone when a district has valid needs and uses for the TIF revenue in its own district only to see it funneled somewhere else.
In Columbia's case if a development were to happen in the bottoms (which I am not sure is the best location) and a TIF district be used (which I am not sure is really the best financing measure) and the new TIF district "touched" the current TIF district that includes at least the middle school it seems possible Columbia could take a page out of the Daley playbook (which I would not advise doing)and have at it. But it seems completly possible, maybe.
This maneuver, in which revenue captured in one TIF district is transferred to projects in an adjacent district, is known as "porting." It's not illegal by any means, but it provides ample opportunities for abuse.
Link to the entire article at Progress Illinois
While the wording in Columbia Crossing talked of a "pass through" which I have never received a clear answer or explanation on. Chicago's planned idea of sharing revenue between TIF districts is possible. I do not have a map of Columbia's current districts and have not gone back to see how far Columbia Crossing reached to the East I would have to imagine this idea could maybe be used.
The issue then, is it a good idea? In the case of Chicago not really. The claims that the mayor's office is using the power of distributing the revenues between TIF districts to gain votes on certain items is a troubling enough. Let alone when a district has valid needs and uses for the TIF revenue in its own district only to see it funneled somewhere else.
In Columbia's case if a development were to happen in the bottoms (which I am not sure is the best location) and a TIF district be used (which I am not sure is really the best financing measure) and the new TIF district "touched" the current TIF district that includes at least the middle school it seems possible Columbia could take a page out of the Daley playbook (which I would not advise doing)and have at it. But it seems completly possible, maybe.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
To Mike Madigan: What the heck? :: The SouthtownStar :: Phil Kadner
To Mike Madigan: What the heck? :: The SouthtownStar :: Phil Kadner
Go ahead read the article.
Ok, now do you think Madigan will provide an answer?
If he does it won't answer the questions posed. It will blame the Republicans and not the Democrats. The Republicans will respond and say it's the Democrats fault. How can most citizens understand the problems and know a solution must be found while the elected in Springfield do nothing. And they are doing nothing, they went home last week Friday. Republicans should vote for the tax increase and if they don't the Democrats should activly be voicing that issue and not waiting until the elections to call out the Republicans. Democrats should get down to cutting some programs, sure that may cost them some votes. It may also cost some Republicans some votes to say yes to a tax increase.
What I can say for sure is that all elected Representatives and Senators in Springfield are costing their constituents and the state far more than the outcome of the upcoming election. They were not elected to work full time preparing and positioning for a future election. They are all failing to do the jobs they were elected to do, its that simple. I am not saying I have the answers but we should as citizens shift our votes elsewhere this November based on the current performance of those in Springfield.
Go ahead read the article.
Ok, now do you think Madigan will provide an answer?
If he does it won't answer the questions posed. It will blame the Republicans and not the Democrats. The Republicans will respond and say it's the Democrats fault. How can most citizens understand the problems and know a solution must be found while the elected in Springfield do nothing. And they are doing nothing, they went home last week Friday. Republicans should vote for the tax increase and if they don't the Democrats should activly be voicing that issue and not waiting until the elections to call out the Republicans. Democrats should get down to cutting some programs, sure that may cost them some votes. It may also cost some Republicans some votes to say yes to a tax increase.
What I can say for sure is that all elected Representatives and Senators in Springfield are costing their constituents and the state far more than the outcome of the upcoming election. They were not elected to work full time preparing and positioning for a future election. They are all failing to do the jobs they were elected to do, its that simple. I am not saying I have the answers but we should as citizens shift our votes elsewhere this November based on the current performance of those in Springfield.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 09, 2010
What happened? Nothing really.
Well the elected could not figure out how to pass a budget but they sort of finished up some other items.
STAR Bonds are a go for the Marion area according to the House. The Senate will vote sometime before May 31, they had to leave a few weeks early since they finished what they get paid to do.
If passed we'll wait and see how long it takes for a STAR Bond district to pop up in Glen Carbon and for Chicago to divert all state sales tax back to itself with the use of this new tool.
In regards to the budget the officials will take some time off and come back before the end of May for "a couple of days" to pass a budget. They have been working on it for months and they'll come back for a few days to pass one? Wouldn't it be better served to stay a few weeks more and work out the details on the budget rather than having meetings between a few people at a time in Chicago with Gov. Quinn to make agreements to get what you want?
It will not be what we as citizens want or need, I guarantee the budget will be the same useless proposal that we have seen for the past few years.
STAR Bonds are a go for the Marion area according to the House. The Senate will vote sometime before May 31, they had to leave a few weeks early since they finished what they get paid to do.
If passed we'll wait and see how long it takes for a STAR Bond district to pop up in Glen Carbon and for Chicago to divert all state sales tax back to itself with the use of this new tool.
In regards to the budget the officials will take some time off and come back before the end of May for "a couple of days" to pass a budget. They have been working on it for months and they'll come back for a few days to pass one? Wouldn't it be better served to stay a few weeks more and work out the details on the budget rather than having meetings between a few people at a time in Chicago with Gov. Quinn to make agreements to get what you want?
It will not be what we as citizens want or need, I guarantee the budget will be the same useless proposal that we have seen for the past few years.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Some Good News.....Ok It's Really More Bad News
Taken from this article at The State Journal Register
The budget includes $26.1 billion from the state’s general checkbook account which pays for most state services. The money is allocated in large lump sums within various state agencies and Quinn will be given broad authority to direct how the money is spent.
The budget does not include the $3.8 million due to the state-funded pension systems in the next budget year. The plan is to suspend payments into those systems for the first six months of the year and hope that a funding scheme can be worked out.
The budget includes $26.1 billion from the state’s general checkbook account which pays for most state services. The money is allocated in large lump sums within various state agencies and Quinn will be given broad authority to direct how the money is spent.
The budget does not include the $3.8 million due to the state-funded pension systems in the next budget year. The plan is to suspend payments into those systems for the first six months of the year and hope that a funding scheme can be worked out.
My View:
SB3660 calls for suspending payments to an already unfunded pension system, this seems like a good idea, right? Its nothing to worry about as as we can rely on "hope that a funding scheme can be worked out". Does anyone with a vote in Springfield take anything seriously? The state is looking at a possible $13Billion deficit and the one of the items they felt could be put off is the state funded pension system? I believe the above cited article is incorrect as other sources say its between $3.7-4Billion they will not fund to the pension system.
Another hot topic issue with the budget includes the no brainer cigarette tax. It adds a $1 a pack tax to cigarettes. Making people spend more or quit is ok by me, sorry. If you wanted to add a tax to my vices I would live with them.
I understand the difficult decisions being placed on our elected officials in deciding what to cut but they have made the process much more complicated than it should be. Their lack of controlling the spending or raising sufficient revenues for years could have curtailed the current budget issues. The officials have also mandated their spring session should end a few weeks early so everything is a rush today so they can get home early.
They'll need the extra time to campaign after their complete lack of effort opr ability to fix muxh of anythung so far in 2010.
SB3660 calls for suspending payments to an already unfunded pension system, this seems like a good idea, right? Its nothing to worry about as as we can rely on "hope that a funding scheme can be worked out". Does anyone with a vote in Springfield take anything seriously? The state is looking at a possible $13Billion deficit and the one of the items they felt could be put off is the state funded pension system? I believe the above cited article is incorrect as other sources say its between $3.7-4Billion they will not fund to the pension system.
Another hot topic issue with the budget includes the no brainer cigarette tax. It adds a $1 a pack tax to cigarettes. Making people spend more or quit is ok by me, sorry. If you wanted to add a tax to my vices I would live with them.
I understand the difficult decisions being placed on our elected officials in deciding what to cut but they have made the process much more complicated than it should be. Their lack of controlling the spending or raising sufficient revenues for years could have curtailed the current budget issues. The officials have also mandated their spring session should end a few weeks early so everything is a rush today so they can get home early.
They'll need the extra time to campaign after their complete lack of effort opr ability to fix muxh of anythung so far in 2010.
Star Bonds
Seems to be hitting some opposition but not enough.
This sums up my issue with the plan all along.
This sums up my issue with the plan all along.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Star Bonds - Alive.....No Surprise
As I said last Friday when I wrote about this ongoing Bond issue.
The development is being moved. The target is Marion for this always ambiguous "destination development"
Story from St. Louis Business Journal - 5/4
The Southern online story - 5/1
Second Southern story - 5/4
From Progress Illinois - near the bottom- 5/4
Would have put this up earlier in the week but I was out of town for business. I have to say the local acceptance of the project from elected officials is much greater this time around it seems. Carbondale's mayor seems to be one of the few asking questions. Costello is out of the development team as it moved into his fathers congressional district.
I can understand how this seems like a great deal for the economy of Southern Illinois. This isn't just a deal for part of the state. The state budget far from stable and creating a development that "could" send money to help at the state level without these Bonds does not improve the situation. It will create jobs both during construction and upon completion but the revenue to the state is my issue. I have not read too far into the new bill but I did see one major change.
Its not called "The STAR Bonds Financing Act" anymore its short name is "The Innovation Development and Economy Act". This is a good move as some of the negative press associated with the STAR Bond name may be sidestepped. Misleading as politics usually is this change should not surprise anyone.
While I think the plan has a lot of work to accomplish before the end of this week. I think one item is being forgotten. In the original plan I remember there being a condition of no STAR Bond districts being allowed within a 250-mile radius of another, or something along those lines. With the Glen Carbon location that radius would cut a large majority of Chicago out of the party. With the move to Marion anything north of I-80/94 is fair game. The field day that will take place in the TIF District known as Chicago could be astounding. A quick search I did of the bill turned up no radius requirements at the current time.
Link to Ammendment 3 of SB2093
Which town will they turn to next and what funding will they attempt to receive for their business. Time will tell.
The development is being moved. The target is Marion for this always ambiguous "destination development"
Story from St. Louis Business Journal - 5/4
The Southern online story - 5/1
Second Southern story - 5/4
From Progress Illinois - near the bottom- 5/4
Would have put this up earlier in the week but I was out of town for business. I have to say the local acceptance of the project from elected officials is much greater this time around it seems. Carbondale's mayor seems to be one of the few asking questions. Costello is out of the development team as it moved into his fathers congressional district.
I can understand how this seems like a great deal for the economy of Southern Illinois. This isn't just a deal for part of the state. The state budget far from stable and creating a development that "could" send money to help at the state level without these Bonds does not improve the situation. It will create jobs both during construction and upon completion but the revenue to the state is my issue. I have not read too far into the new bill but I did see one major change.
Its not called "The STAR Bonds Financing Act" anymore its short name is "The Innovation Development and Economy Act". This is a good move as some of the negative press associated with the STAR Bond name may be sidestepped. Misleading as politics usually is this change should not surprise anyone.
While I think the plan has a lot of work to accomplish before the end of this week. I think one item is being forgotten. In the original plan I remember there being a condition of no STAR Bond districts being allowed within a 250-mile radius of another, or something along those lines. With the Glen Carbon location that radius would cut a large majority of Chicago out of the party. With the move to Marion anything north of I-80/94 is fair game. The field day that will take place in the TIF District known as Chicago could be astounding. A quick search I did of the bill turned up no radius requirements at the current time.
Link to Ammendment 3 of SB2093