chicagosuntimes--2020-01-29--Peggy Hubbard, U.S. Senate Republican candidate profile

Please tell us about your civic work in the last two years , whether it ’ s legislation you have sponsored or other paid or volunteer work to improve your community .
I have served as a Republican Election Judge , helping to expose and prevent fraud in the election process .
I have also been active in Illinois communities fighting for change and better living conditions for families who have been forgotten or ignored by their government .
An example of this would be when I helped fight to get a giant hole repaired in East St. Louis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the U.S. House to impeach President Donald Trump ?
Has the impeachment process been fair or not ?
How so ?
If , in your view , the president should not have been impeached , would you have supported censure ?
Please explain .
Everyday Dick Durbin and the political elite in Washington continue with this impeachment charade is another day the issues that really matter to Illinoisans are ignored .
This process has been a farce .
Our taxpayers deserve better than partisan witch hunts and campaign grandstanding .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families suffering from higher taxes and less opportunity , roads , and bridges crumbling , veterans living on our streets , and rewriting the 2016 election is what they have chosen to focus their effort ?
We deserve better .
The 2016 election happened , and he ’ s our president .
Let the 2020 election happen and focus on the issues that matter to our people .
Focus on results that make Illinois better .
I stand with President Trump , but more importantly , I stand with our people .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which now stands at about $ 1 trillion for 2020 ?
What changes , if any , to the U.S. tax code do you support and why ?
I believe in making our tax code as fair and straightforward as possible .
We should always be looking for ways to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize spending to allow our hardworking people to keep more of their hard-earned money .
I will focus on wasteful and deficit spending .
You see this on both the state and federal levels .
We have residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and as a result , we have had a max exodus in Illinois .
This trend is not sustainable .
We need to prioritize spending , and on the federal level , I will tackle this , and hopefully , our state government will be inspired as well .
Some federal examples courtesy of Senator Paul : Our government spent $ 15 Million studying the effectiveness of golf equipment in Space .
Our government spent $ 43 Million on a gas station in Afghanistan that Practically no one can use .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal School Lunch Program Funds to pay for lawn sprinklers , among other things in California .
When we have veterans living on the streets , schools struggling , crumbling infrastructure , and forgotten communities , I can think of several things we should be prioritizing this spending on instead of wasting precious tax dollars .
As a former IRS analyst and police officer , I ’ ll investigate , find , and eliminate wasteful spending , so we have more resources to help our people and plan for our future .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our nation ’ s healthcare system ?
Would you shore up the Affordable Care Act or work to repeal it in full ?
What ’ s your view on Medicare for All ?
And what should be done , if anything , to bring down the cost of prescription drugs ?
I am not in favor of socialized healthcare and forcing individuals to purchase coverage they don ’ t want or need .
Solutions are best found at the state level or in the free market .
One-size-fits-all federal government policies inflate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .
We need to continue to work toward more transparency in costs and services while encouraging free-market competition to drive down the costs and increase the quality of health care for all Americans .
Competition and innovations will benefit those purchasing private insurance as well as those using Medicare and Medicaid .
Improving affordability begins with increased transparency in treatment costs , increased tax incentives for Health Care Savings Accounts , open and competitive insurance markets across state lines , and true portability when moving from one job to another .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bureaucracy that we could reform or remove .
For example , the government currently has a system in place that pays more money for sicker patients .
Doctors are invited to seminars where they are paid to learn how to code their patient interactions to make the patient appear as ill as possible .
This process results in higher payments to the doctor and the insurance company .
I am in favor of accurate information .
If proper and precise coding details drive better health care , I will be in favor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ merely making the patient as sick as possible on paper does not enhance the care ; it only increases the payment .
I am open to all options that are respectful of our working families , taxpayers , current retirees , our most vulnerable , and future generations to be able to choose the best health care for them .
The Trump administration is awaiting a ruling from the Supreme Court as to whether it can end the DACA program — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — which shields young undocumented immigrants from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DACA , and why ?
Should a path to citizenship be created for the so-called DREAMers ?
Please explain .
DACA and other significant programs should not be executive orders ; they should be considered carefully , passed by Congress , and signed into law by the president .
Immigration is a political issue that seems to score points during elections for members of Congress on both sides , so you never really see any results for the American people .
I support legal immigration , and the hardworking immigrants in Illinois and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chosen to come legally and be an asset to our economy and our country .
I firmly oppose illegal immigration and will work with our president and other members of Congress to secure our borders and keep our families safe .
If this means more border patrol agents , more technology , or a physical barrier , I will fight to get it done and defend our border .
We need reforms to our legal immigration system as well .
I want to explore moving toward a more merit-based approach by giving applicants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade or technical skill , advanced degrees , English fluency , and personal savings .
These individuals are more likely to become assets to our local communities and further prosper in Illinois and other parts of our country .
We also need to look at visa programs to ensure we are not only helping our businesses thrive , but we are protecting the American worker and family .
I support ending chain migration and the visa lottery program .
I support President Trump ’ s proposal to give the individuals of Deferred Action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I oppose giving a special pathway to citizenship for these individuals .
I also support ending chain migration and the visa lottery program .
We have a lot of work to do , and I plan to surround myself with experts on this issue and work with others to pass some long overdue , common-sense reforms .
What are the three most important issues in your district on which the federal government can and should act ?
Our people are being taxed to death ; our government is spending money like it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as jobs and people leave , we lose opportunities all across our state .
I will focus on wasteful and deficit spending .
You see this on both the state and federal levels .
We have residents in Illinois who are taxed to death , and as a result , we have had a max exodus in Illinois .
This trend is not sustainable .
We need to prioritize spending , and on the federal level , I will tackle this , and hopefully , our state government will be inspired as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senator Paul : Our government spent $ 15 Million studying the effectiveness of golf equipment in Space .
Our government spent $ 43 Million on a gas station in Afghanistan that Practically no one can use .
And our government allowed $ 158 million of Federal School Lunch Program Funds to pay for lawn sprinklers , among other things in California .
When we have veterans living on the streets , schools struggling , crumbling infrastructure , and forgotten communities , I can think of several things we should be prioritizing this spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a former IRS analyst and police officer , I ’ ll investigate , find , and eliminate wasteful spending , so we have more resources to help our people and plan for our future .
What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent ( s ) ?
I am uniquely qualified and unafraid to take a GOP message to our inner-city black communities and the most rural parts of our state .
I ’ m not running to be like every other Republican who has lost to Durbin in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lose with grace so I can run for something else .
I ’ m running to inspire others to join our fight for our future and win .
I know what it ’ s like to grow up in a poverty-stricken area with gangs .
I had to identify my brother , who was killed by gang violence .
I know what it ’ s like to be broke .
I know what it ’ s like to work multiple jobs while living paycheck to paycheck .
I ’ m running because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered the most under poor policies and being flat-out forgotten after elections take place .
I ’ m running to advocate for the dignity and protection of all human life , not just for the unborn , but the victims of opioid abuse , those who fall between the cracks of the system , and all other vulnerable folks in our state .
I ’ m running to defend our Second Amendment and the rest of the Bill of Rights .
To me , this isn ’ t about hunting or a high-minded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making sure a single mother living in the projects , surrounded by gang bangers , can defend herself and her family .
I ’ ll be fighting every single day for the regular people who want the opportunity to live , work , and prosper in Illinois .
They deserve the same opportunity at being part of the American Dream as previous generations .
That means safer schools with more choices for parents and students .
It also means infrastructure that isn ’ t about to collapse .
And yes , it means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they can afford .
I ’ m running to make a change and prioritize our people again .
What action should Congress take , if any , to reduce gun violence ?
We must invest in education and make mental health a priority on the state level .
We must also combat the problems with crime and gang violence in Chicago and other major cities .
This starts with better investments in education and incentivizing businesses to invest and bring opportunity and jobs for these people .
Crime is a choice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we must also help provide these forgotten communities a better option if we hope to break the mold and set a better track for the future .
I believe in background checks and reasonable laws that do not impede the rights of law-abiding citizens .
I ’ m running to defend our Second Amendment and the rest of the Bill of Rights .
To me , this isn ’ t about hunting or a high-minded Constitutional debate .
It ’ s about making sure a single mother living in the projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend herself and her family .
Is climate change real ?
Is it significantly man-made ?
Is it a threat to humankind ?
What if anything should Congress and the federal government do about it ?
I do not believe in the effects and threats of human-made climate change the left spews out , but whether you believe in the effects of human-made climate change or not , the free market continues to address and come up with more efficient ways to do things than the government .
Since scientists started studying climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon emissions more than anyone else .
If we cut all of our emissions in the U.S. to zero , we would only reduce things globally by around 15 % .
That does nothing but cost American jobs and increase utilities on our families .
We need to empower local governments , individuals , and communities to do what ’ s best for their area to help our environment .
We also need to work with other countries who are willing to honor agreements and lower their emissions , instead of merely signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country pays the Lion ’ s share and is the only serious one it does nothing but hurt our taxpayers and our economy .
If a deal is honest and fair , I ’ ll consider it , but my priority is the American people and our families who already struggle with high taxes and utility bills .
What should Congress do to ensure the solvency of Social Security and Medicare ?
I do not believe in changing Social Security or Medicare for anyone at or near retirement age .
They paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from our government , and we must honor that .
However , we must be realistic with the insolvency we will face if we do nothing .
I don ’ t have all the answers , nor will I pretend I do .
Some ideas from the Heritage Foundation I have been reading up on that I plan to explore further are : 2 .
Shifting toward a flat anti-poverty benefit to better align resources with the individuals ’ needs and help to prevent more seniors from living in poverty .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPI ) for Social Security ’ s benefit calculations to provide a better adjustment for inflation .
4 .
Reduce the payroll tax to give workers more choice in deciding how to spend or save their earnings .
5 .
Decreasing taxpayer subsidies for higher-income earners who are not dependent on Social Security or Medicare These programs were created to be safety nets for people but have grown too large and will be insolvent for future generations .
We need to transition to a better plan that keeps the promise for those at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms to help those who need it the most and allows our future generations to be able to save , invest , and prosper in Illinois .
When it comes to health care , we need to continue to work toward more transparency in costs and services while encouraging free-market competition to drive down the costs and increase the quality of health care for all Americans .
Competition and innovations will benefit those purchasing private insurance as well as those using Medicaid and Medicare .
However , I ’ m open to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , taxpayers , current retirees , our most vulnerable , and future generations to be able to choose the best health care for them .
What should Congress do to address the student loan crisis ?
Would you use the word “ crisis ” ?
College isn ’ t for everyone , and we need to stop pushing everyone to go to college .
Many technical schools and skill labor jobs provide a great living .
We also need to quit incentivizing colleges to increase costs of tuition and fees because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I feel for the many students and families who are hurting with these payments .
This debt hurts upward mobility and investments in our economy .
There are several ideas I would like to explore , but simply eliminating debt will do nothing but put a bandaid on a bullet hole .
We need to address the problem itself , and that is the inflated cost .
What should our nation ’ s relationship be with Russia ?
We should maintain a level of diplomacy with Russia that would benefit the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure national security for our people and our allies .
What ’ s your view on the use of tariffs in international commerce ?
Has President Trump imposed tariffs properly and effectively ?
Please explain .
China has been stealing intellectual property from the United States that has cost our country billions of dollars .
I believe in free , but for this to work , it must be negotiated and upheld fairly .
While I believe a tariff is a tax on the American consumer and hurts in the short-term , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade deals that will help our economy and benefit the American worker in the long run .
As a Senator , I will carefully review all information with these deals to ensure our workers , businesses , and future is protected .
Does the United States have a responsibility to promote democracy in other countries ?
Please explain .
Our economic strength , our military that is second to none , our love of freedom , and our people separate us from the rest of the world .
I am a firm believer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only works if you are willing to hold your word and show strength when necessary .
We should always help our allies and protect American interests abroad .
However , I believe any decision to send troops to a foreign country should be made carefully and with a precise plan to accomplish the mission and come home .
Many people who will vote in this election have never known a year without conflict ; I pray for peace so we can change that and start prioritizing our people by building up our country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What should Congress do to limit the proliferation of nuclear arms ?
Foreign policy is not something to be negotiated between 535 people and foreign leaders , this is why we elect a President .
While the input of Congress is important , our job is not to impede or interfere with negotiations , but to support our chief negotiators and ensure and ratify deals and agreements that benefit and keep the American people safe .
Please list all relatives on public or campaign payrolls and their jobs on those payrolls .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has earned several awards , including a Medal of Valor .
What historical figure from Illinois , other than Abraham Lincoln ( because everybody ’ s big on Abe ) , do you most admire or draw inspiration from ?
Please explain .
Ronald Reagan .
Like me , he was a former Democrat who saw the light and worked to inspire others to believe in and invest in the American dream .
To me , the American dream is being able to live comfortably and watching your kids and grandkids grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook .
We have a lot of people leaving our state right now .
As our children , grandchildren , family , and friends leave Illinois because of high taxes and low opportunity .
Like Reagan , I ’ ll work to find common-sense solutions to get government out of the way so businesses can invest , grow , and provide jobs and opportunities to our people in Illinois .
I believe our state and the American dream is worth fighting for as we seek to give people a reason to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s your favorite TV , streaming or web-based show of all time .
Why ?
Scandal is one of my favorite shows .
I referenced this show when giving my speech at Republican Day in Springfield .
They have a saying in the show , “ are we gladiators or are we bitches ?
” If Republican candidates like myself are going to inspire and motivate people to win statewide in Illinois again , we must be unafraid to fight like Gladiators for our people

Candidate profile
Peggy Hubbard
Running for: U.S. Senate
Political/civic background: Republican Election Judge, Citizen activist
Occupation: Retired IRS Analyst, Former Military, Former Law Enforcement
Education: High School, IRS and Tax Code training and certifications
Campaign website:PeggyHubbard.org
Twitter: @PeggyHubbardIL
Election Guide - Full Guide 2020 Election Voting Guide This article is part of our Illinois 2020 election voting guide. Click here to see more.
Please tell us about your civic work in the last two years, whether it’s legislation you have sponsored or other paid or volunteer work to improve your community.
I have served as a Republican Election Judge, helping to expose and prevent fraud in the election process. I have also been active in Illinois communities fighting for change and better living conditions for families who have been forgotten or ignored by their government. An example of this would be when I helped fight to get a giant hole repaired in East St. Louis.
What are your views on the decision by the U.S. House to impeach President Donald Trump? Has the impeachment process been fair or not? How so? If, in your view, the president should not have been impeached, would you have supported censure? Please explain.
Everyday Dick Durbin and the political elite in Washington continue with this impeachment charade is another day the issues that really matter to Illinoisans are ignored.
This process has been a farce. Our taxpayers deserve better than partisan witch hunts and campaign grandstanding. We have underfunded schools, neighborhoods being forgotten, families suffering from higher taxes and less opportunity, roads, and bridges crumbling, veterans living on our streets, and rewriting the 2016 election is what they have chosen to focus their effort? We deserve better. The 2016 election happened, and he’s our president. Let the 2020 election happen and focus on the issues that matter to our people. Focus on results that make Illinois better. I stand with President Trump, but more importantly, I stand with our people.
How would you reduce the federal budget deficit, which now stands at about $1 trillion for 2020? What changes, if any, to the U.S. tax code do you support and why?
I believe in making our tax code as fair and straightforward as possible. We should always be looking for ways to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize spending to allow our hardworking people to keep more of their hard-earned money.
I will focus on wasteful and deficit spending. You see this on both the state and federal levels. We have residents in Illinois who are taxed to death, and as a result, we have had a max exodus in Illinois. This trend is not sustainable. We need to prioritize spending, and on the federal level, I will tackle this, and hopefully, our state government will be inspired as well. Some federal examples courtesy of Senator Paul: Our government spent $15 Million studying the effectiveness of golf equipment in Space. Our government spent $43 Million on a gas station in Afghanistan that Practically no one can use. And our government allowed $158 million of Federal School Lunch Program Funds to pay for lawn sprinklers, among other things in California. When we have veterans living on the streets, schools struggling, crumbling infrastructure, and forgotten communities, I can think of several things we should be prioritizing this spending on instead of wasting precious tax dollars. As a former IRS analyst and police officer, I’ll investigate, find, and eliminate wasteful spending, so we have more resources to help our people and plan for our future.
What changes would you like to see made to our nation’s healthcare system? Would you shore up the Affordable Care Act or work to repeal it in full? What’s your view on Medicare for All? And what should be done, if anything, to bring down the cost of prescription drugs?
I am not in favor of socialized healthcare and forcing individuals to purchase coverage they don’t want or need. Solutions are best found at the state level or in the free market. One-size-fits-all federal government policies inflate costs and hurt the quality of individual care.
We need to continue to work toward more transparency in costs and services while encouraging free-market competition to drive down the costs and increase the quality of health care for all Americans. Competition and innovations will benefit those purchasing private insurance as well as those using Medicare and Medicaid.
Improving affordability begins with increased transparency in treatment costs, increased tax incentives for Health Care Savings Accounts, open and competitive insurance markets across state lines, and true portability when moving from one job to another.
We also need to look for layers of bureaucracy that we could reform or remove. For example, the government currently has a system in place that pays more money for sicker patients. Doctors are invited to seminars where they are paid to learn how to code their patient interactions to make the patient appear as ill as possible. This process results in higher payments to the doctor and the insurance company. I am in favor of accurate information. If proper and precise coding details drive better health care, I will be in favor of that as well. The reality is merely making the patient as sick as possible on paper does not enhance the care; it only increases the payment.
I am open to all options that are respectful of our working families, taxpayers, current retirees, our most vulnerable, and future generations to be able to choose the best health care for them.
The Trump administration is awaiting a ruling from the Supreme Court as to whether it can end the DACA program — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — which shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation. Do you support or oppose DACA, and why? Should a path to citizenship be created for the so-called DREAMers? Please explain.
DACA and other significant programs should not be executive orders; they should be considered carefully, passed by Congress, and signed into law by the president.
Immigration is a political issue that seems to score points during elections for members of Congress on both sides, so you never really see any results for the American people.
I support legal immigration, and the hardworking immigrants in Illinois and other parts of our country who have chosen to come legally and be an asset to our economy and our country.
I firmly oppose illegal immigration and will work with our president and other members of Congress to secure our borders and keep our families safe. If this means more border patrol agents, more technology, or a physical barrier, I will fight to get it done and defend our border.
We need reforms to our legal immigration system as well. I want to explore moving toward a more merit-based approach by giving applicants credit for such things as having a trade or technical skill, advanced degrees, English fluency, and personal savings. These individuals are more likely to become assets to our local communities and further prosper in Illinois and other parts of our country. We also need to look at visa programs to ensure we are not only helping our businesses thrive, but we are protecting the American worker and family.
I support ending chain migration and the visa lottery program. I support President Trump’s proposal to give the individuals of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals legal status. However, I oppose giving a special pathway to citizenship for these individuals. I also support ending chain migration and the visa lottery program. We have a lot of work to do, and I plan to surround myself with experts on this issue and work with others to pass some long overdue, common-sense reforms.
What are the three most important issues in your district on which the federal government can and should act?
Our people are being taxed to death; our government is spending money like it’s going out of style, and as jobs and people leave, we lose opportunities all across our state.
I will focus on wasteful and deficit spending. You see this on both the state and federal levels. We have residents in Illinois who are taxed to death, and as a result, we have had a max exodus in Illinois. This trend is not sustainable. We need to prioritize spending, and on the federal level, I will tackle this, and hopefully, our state government will be inspired as well. Some federal examples courtesy of Senator Paul: Our government spent $15 Million studying the effectiveness of golf equipment in Space. Our government spent $43 Million on a gas station in Afghanistan that Practically no one can use. And our government allowed $158 million of Federal School Lunch Program Funds to pay for lawn sprinklers, among other things in California. When we have veterans living on the streets, schools struggling, crumbling infrastructure, and forgotten communities, I can think of several things we should be prioritizing this spending on instead of wasting precious tax dollars. As a former IRS analyst and police officer, I’ll investigate, find, and eliminate wasteful spending, so we have more resources to help our people and plan for our future.
What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent(s)?
I am uniquely qualified and unafraid to take a GOP message to our inner-city black communities and the most rural parts of our state. I’m not running to be like every other Republican who has lost to Durbin in the past. I am not here to lose with grace so I can run for something else. I’m running to inspire others to join our fight for our future and win. I know what it’s like to grow up in a poverty-stricken area with gangs. I had to identify my brother, who was killed by gang violence. I know what it’s like to be broke. I know what it’s like to work multiple jobs while living paycheck to paycheck.
I’m running because our rural towns and inner cities have suffered the most under poor policies and being flat-out forgotten after elections take place. I’m running to advocate for the dignity and protection of all human life, not just for the unborn, but the victims of opioid abuse, those who fall between the cracks of the system, and all other vulnerable folks in our state. I’m running to defend our Second Amendment and the rest of the Bill of Rights. To me, this isn’t about hunting or a high-minded Constitutional debate. It’s about making sure a single mother living in the projects, surrounded by gang bangers, can defend herself and her family. I’ll be fighting every single day for the regular people who want the opportunity to live, work, and prosper in Illinois. They deserve the same opportunity at being part of the American Dream as previous generations. That means safer schools with more choices for parents and students. It also means infrastructure that isn’t about to collapse. And yes, it means access to real quality private-sector health care that they can afford. I’m running to make a change and prioritize our people again.
What action should Congress take, if any, to reduce gun violence?
We must invest in education and make mental health a priority on the state level. We must also combat the problems with crime and gang violence in Chicago and other major cities. This starts with better investments in education and incentivizing businesses to invest and bring opportunity and jobs for these people. Crime is a choice, and we must be tough on crime, but we must also help provide these forgotten communities a better option if we hope to break the mold and set a better track for the future.
I believe in background checks and reasonable laws that do not impede the rights of law-abiding citizens. I’m running to defend our Second Amendment and the rest of the Bill of Rights. To me, this isn’t about hunting or a high-minded Constitutional debate. It’s about making sure a single mother living in the projects, surrounded by gang bangers, can defend herself and her family.
Is climate change real? Is it significantly man-made? Is it a threat to humankind? What if anything should Congress and the federal government do about it?
I do not believe in the effects and threats of human-made climate change the left spews out, but whether you believe in the effects of human-made climate change or not, the free market continues to address and come up with more efficient ways to do things than the government. Since scientists started studying climate change, capitalist countries have reduced their carbon emissions more than anyone else. If we cut all of our emissions in the U.S. to zero, we would only reduce things globally by around 15%. That does nothing but cost American jobs and increase utilities on our families.
We need to empower local governments, individuals, and communities to do what’s best for their area to help our environment. We also need to work with other countries who are willing to honor agreements and lower their emissions, instead of merely signing them as a symbolic gesture. When our country pays the Lion’s share and is the only serious one it does nothing but hurt our taxpayers and our economy. If a deal is honest and fair, I’ll consider it, but my priority is the American people and our families who already struggle with high taxes and utility bills.
What should Congress do to ensure the solvency of Social Security and Medicare?
I do not believe in changing Social Security or Medicare for anyone at or near retirement age. They paid in their entire life with a promise from our government, and we must honor that. However, we must be realistic with the insolvency we will face if we do nothing. I don’t have all the answers, nor will I pretend I do. Some ideas from the Heritage Foundation I have been reading up on that I plan to explore further are:
1. Increasing Social Security’s retirement age to reflect individuals’ longer life spans
2. Shifting toward a flat anti-poverty benefit to better align resources with the individuals’ needs and help to prevent more seniors from living in poverty.
3. Use the chained consumer price index (CPI) for Social Security’s benefit calculations to provide a better adjustment for inflation.
4. Reduce the payroll tax to give workers more choice in deciding how to spend or save their earnings.
5. Decreasing taxpayer subsidies for higher-income earners who are not dependent on Social Security or Medicare
These programs were created to be safety nets for people but have grown too large and will be insolvent for future generations. We need to transition to a better plan that keeps the promise for those at or near retirement age but provides necessary reforms to help those who need it the most and allows our future generations to be able to save, invest, and prosper in Illinois.
When it comes to health care, we need to continue to work toward more transparency in costs and services while encouraging free-market competition to drive down the costs and increase the quality of health care for all Americans. Competition and innovations will benefit those purchasing private insurance as well as those using Medicaid and Medicare. However, I’m open to all options that are respectful of our working families, taxpayers, current retirees, our most vulnerable, and future generations to be able to choose the best health care for them.
What should Congress do to address the student loan crisis? Would you use the word “crisis”?
College isn’t for everyone, and we need to stop pushing everyone to go to college. Many technical schools and skill labor jobs provide a great living. We also need to quit incentivizing colleges to increase costs of tuition and fees because they think the taxpayers will foot the bill.
I feel for the many students and families who are hurting with these payments. This debt hurts upward mobility and investments in our economy. There are several ideas I would like to explore, but simply eliminating debt will do nothing but put a bandaid on a bullet hole. We need to address the problem itself, and that is the inflated cost.
What should our nation’s relationship be with Russia?
We should maintain a level of diplomacy with Russia that would benefit the American people, improve our economy, and ensure national security for our people and our allies.
What’s your view on the use of tariffs in international commerce? Has President Trump imposed tariffs properly and effectively? Please explain.
China has been stealing intellectual property from the United States that has cost our country billions of dollars. I believe in free, but for this to work, it must be negotiated and upheld fairly. While I believe a tariff is a tax on the American consumer and hurts in the short-term, I trust our president to continue negotiating better trade deals that will help our economy and benefit the American worker in the long run. As a Senator, I will carefully review all information with these deals to ensure our workers, businesses, and future is protected.
Does the United States have a responsibility to promote democracy in other countries? Please explain.
Our economic strength, our military that is second to none, our love of freedom, and our people separate us from the rest of the world. I am a firm believer in peace through strength, but that only works if you are willing to hold your word and show strength when necessary. We should always help our allies and protect American interests abroad. However, I believe any decision to send troops to a foreign country should be made carefully and with a precise plan to accomplish the mission and come home. Many people who will vote in this election have never known a year without conflict; I pray for peace so we can change that and start prioritizing our people by building up our country and putting Illinoisans and Americans first.
What should Congress do to limit the proliferation of nuclear arms?
Foreign policy is not something to be negotiated between 535 people and foreign leaders, this is why we elect a President. While the input of Congress is important, our job is not to impede or interfere with negotiations, but to support our chief negotiators and ensure and ratify deals and agreements that benefit and keep the American people safe.
Please list all relatives on public or campaign payrolls and their jobs on those payrolls.
My husband works is a decorated police officer who has earned several awards, including a Medal of Valor.
What historical figure from Illinois, other than Abraham Lincoln (because everybody’s big on Abe), do you most admire or draw inspiration from? Please explain.
Ronald Reagan. Like me, he was a former Democrat who saw the light and worked to inspire others to believe in and invest in the American dream. To me, the American dream is being able to live comfortably and watching your kids and grandkids grow up in your backyard, not just on Facebook. We have a lot of people leaving our state right now. As our children, grandchildren, family, and friends leave Illinois because of high taxes and low opportunity.
Like Reagan, I’ll work to find common-sense solutions to get government out of the way so businesses can invest, grow, and provide jobs and opportunities to our people in Illinois. I believe our state and the American dream is worth fighting for as we seek to give people a reason to stay and invest in Illinois.
What’s your favorite TV, streaming or web-based show of all time. Why?
Scandal is one of my favorite shows. I referenced this show when giving my speech at Republican Day in Springfield. They have a saying in the show, “are we gladiators or are we bitches?” If Republican candidates like myself are going to inspire and motivate people to win statewide in Illinois again, we must be unafraid to fight like Gladiators for our people


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-29--Astros, Dusty Baker agree to 1-year deal with club option: report

The Houston Astros reached an agreement Wednesday to hire Dusty Baker as the club ’ s new manager , according to a person familiar with the negotiations .
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the Astros had not yet announced the hire .
Houston is signing Baker to a one-year deal with a club option for a second year , hoping he will help lead them through their most tumultuous time in the wake of their cheating scandal .
The Astros , who fired manager A.J .
Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to have a shake-up of their coaching staff .
The Astros will turn next to their GM search , with Peter Woodfork , MLB ’ s vice president of baseball operations , emerging as the leading contender .
The Astros also have interviewed former San Francisco Giants GM Bobby Evans .
Baker , 70 , was chosen among a field of nine managerial candidates , including veterans Buck Showalter , John Gibbons , Jeff Banister and Brad Ausmus .
Certainly , he was the most accomplished , winning 1,863 games in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a National League pennant .
He could become the first manager to lead five teams to postseason berths .
Baker is one of only seven managers , joining Hall of Famers John McGraw , Tony La Russa , Bobby Cox , Joe Torre , Sparky Anderson , Joe McCarthy , Walter Alston and Leo Durocher with that many victories and a .532 winning percentage .

The Houston Astros reached an agreement Wednesday to hire Dusty Baker as the club’s new manager, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the Astros had not yet announced the hire.
Houston is signing Baker to a one-year deal with a club option for a second year, hoping he will help lead them through their most tumultuous time in the wake of their cheating scandal.
The Astros, who fired manager A.J. Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow for their roles in the scandal, also are expected to have a shake-up of their coaching staff.
The Astros will turn next to their GM search, with Peter Woodfork, MLB’s vice president of baseball operations, emerging as the leading contender. The Astros also have interviewed former San Francisco Giants GM Bobby Evans.
Baker, 70, was chosen among a field of nine managerial candidates, including veterans Buck Showalter, John Gibbons, Jeff Banister and Brad Ausmus.
Certainly, he was the most accomplished, winning 1,863 games in his 22-year career with seven first-place finishes and a National League pennant. He could become the first manager to lead five teams to postseason berths.
Baker is one of only seven managers, joining Hall of Famers John McGraw, Tony La Russa, Bobby Cox, Joe Torre, Sparky Anderson, Joe McCarthy, Walter Alston and Leo Durocher with that many victories and a .532 winning percentage.
Read more at usatoday.com


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Super Bowl predictions: Chiefs or 49ers?

The Sun-Times ’ experts offer their picks for Super Bowl LIV : Patrick Mahomes is too talented and too creative to be stopped , even by a good 49ers defense .
This is going to be another rough day for Bears GM Ryan “ Mitch is Our Quarterback ’ ’ Pace .
Season : 9-7 .
I think the 49ers are the better team , but the Chiefs are comeback artists , and they have a map for winning .
Stop the 49ers running game , force Jimmy Garoppolo to throw a lot , but not to tight end George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freak thing .
Season : 10-6 .
The best part about this game is that some coach will find redemption : Andy Reid after a career of playoff disappointment , or Kyle Shanahan after blowing a 28-3 lead as the Falcons ’ offensive coordinator .
The worst part ?
Someone won ’ t .
Give me the coach with more experience — and the better quarterback .
Season : 12-4 .
It ’ s tough to go against the best trump card in the NFL in Mahomes , but the 49ers have what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines , a quality run game , a quarterback who isn ’ t afraid of the moment , and a head coach at the top of his game..
Season : 9-7 .
Mighty as the 49ers are , there is no defense capable of containing Mahomes .
He ’ ll hail a new era when he captures the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday , and the question will shift : How many of them will he claim in a career that ’ s still in its infancy ?
Season : 10-6 .

The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for Super Bowl LIV:
RICK MORRISSEY
Chiefs 35-31
Patrick Mahomes is too talented and too creative to be stopped, even by a good 49ers defense. This is going to be another rough day for Bears GM Ryan “Mitch is Our Quarterback’’ Pace. Season: 9-7.
RICK TELANDER
Chiefs 31-27
I think the 49ers are the better team, but the Chiefs are comeback artists, and they have a map for winning. Stop the 49ers running game, force Jimmy Garoppolo to throw a lot, but not to tight end George Kittle. Then let Mahomes do his freak thing. Season: 10-6.
PATRICK FINLEY
Chiefs 27-24 (OT)
The best part about this game is that some coach will find redemption: Andy Reid after a career of playoff disappointment, or Kyle Shanahan after blowing a 28-3 lead as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator. The worst part? Someone won’t. Give me the coach with more experience — and the better quarterback. Season: 12-4.
MARK POTASH
49ers 34-31
It’s tough to go against the best trump card in the NFL in Mahomes, but the 49ers have what it takes — outstanding offensive and defensive lines, a quality run game, a quarterback who isn’t afraid of the moment, and a head coach at the top of his game.. Season: 9-7.
JASON LIESER
Chiefs 27-17
Mighty as the 49ers are, there is no defense capable of containing Mahomes. He’ll hail a new era when he captures the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, and the question will shift: How many of them will he claim in a career that’s still in its infancy? Season: 10-6.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Dear Abby: If she accepts aunt’s help, woman might irritate her mother

DEAR ABBY : I ’ m unsure about how to proceed with my niece .
She is struggling with child-rearing and debt .
Twenty-five years ago , when she was 16 , my sister “ Nan ” and her husband threw her out on the street .
I took her in for two years .
Until she graduated from high school , she lived with me and my two daughters .
She reconciled with my sister at the time of her graduation .
After that I backed off , trying to let Nan perform her role as mom .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister since then , but until a year ago , we were doing OK. Now Nan has declared all-out war on me , and nothing I do or say seems to make any difference .
I think her issues are political , but she refuses to discuss them , so I can ’ t be sure .
I have backed off from mothering my niece for many years .
But she clearly needs some family support and guidance , which I am able to offer so she can get back on her feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is raising two lovely children , but a serious illness is preventing her from providing long-term security for herself or her kids .
I no longer feel obligated to stay at arm ’ s length from her , but am I wrong ?
Nan will view any support for her daughter as interference in her family , and I don ’ t want to cause problems with their relationship .
I no longer care about my relationship with my sister , which seems irreparable , but I don ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She truly needs the help that I am prepared to give .
Any advice on what I should do ?
— LOVING AUNTIE DEAR AUNTIE : Your niece is fortunate to have such a caring aunt .
You saved her life .
Offer the help she needs ; it ’ s the right thing to do .
If she ’ s afraid it will damage her relationship with her mother , she is free to refuse it .
As to your relationship with your possibly unstable sister , defend yourself as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your distance and do not attempt to heal your fractured family because you can not fix what ’ s wrong with her .
DEAR ABBY : Please do not publish my name or city .
I ’ m a senior male in a six-year , happy relationship with a wonderful , understanding lady .
But after decades of exploration and study , I have come to accept that I am nonbinary and/or gender fluid .
My sexual expression — and orientation — shifts back and forth over time .
This is far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ craving sex with men .
I live in an extremely conservative , mid-sized city , where there is practically no acceptance of gays or lesbians , and intersex people are unheard of .
There are no knowledgeable doctors , counselors or support groups anywhere nearby .
It would be so comforting to find someone like myself to share these feelings with .
Is it even possible ?
— UNCOMFORTABLY QUIET IN THE MIDWEST DEAR QUIET : Have you searched online for the wealth of information on sexuality and gender identity ?
PFLAG , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my column before , has a chapter in your city , which has for many years provided support and information to LGBTQ individuals and their families .
It will also guide you to other resources nearby .
Please go to pflag.org and search on your geographical area .
Trust me , if you do , you ’ ll be glad you did .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles , CA 90069 .
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets : “ Abby ’ s Favorite Recipes ” and “ More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 16 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Cookbooklet Set , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I’m unsure about how to proceed with my niece. She is struggling with child-rearing and debt.
Twenty-five years ago, when she was 16, my sister “Nan” and her husband threw her out on the street. I took her in for two years. Until she graduated from high school, she lived with me and my two daughters. She reconciled with my sister at the time of her graduation. After that I backed off, trying to let Nan perform her role as mom.
I have had a bumpy road with my sister since then, but until a year ago, we were doing OK. Now Nan has declared all-out war on me, and nothing I do or say seems to make any difference. I think her issues are political, but she refuses to discuss them, so I can’t be sure.
I have backed off from mothering my niece for many years. But she clearly needs some family support and guidance, which I am able to offer so she can get back on her feet. She’s a wonderful woman who is raising two lovely children, but a serious illness is preventing her from providing long-term security for herself or her kids.
I no longer feel obligated to stay at arm’s length from her, but am I wrong? Nan will view any support for her daughter as interference in her family, and I don’t want to cause problems with their relationship. I no longer care about my relationship with my sister, which seems irreparable, but I don’t want to put my niece in an awkward position. She truly needs the help that I am prepared to give. Any advice on what I should do? — LOVING AUNTIE
DEAR AUNTIE: Your niece is fortunate to have such a caring aunt. You saved her life. Offer the help she needs; it’s the right thing to do. If she’s afraid it will damage her relationship with her mother, she is free to refuse it.
As to your relationship with your possibly unstable sister, defend yourself as much as possible from her attacks, keep your distance and do not attempt to heal your fractured family because you cannot fix what’s wrong with her.
DEAR ABBY: Please do not publish my name or city. I’m a senior male in a six-year, happy relationship with a wonderful, understanding lady. But after decades of exploration and study, I have come to accept that I am nonbinary and/or gender fluid. My sexual expression — and orientation — shifts back and forth over time. This is far more than simply wearing ladies’ underwear or craving sex with men.
I live in an extremely conservative, mid-sized city, where there is practically no acceptance of gays or lesbians, and intersex people are unheard of. There are no knowledgeable doctors, counselors or support groups anywhere nearby. It would be so comforting to find someone like myself to share these feelings with. Is it even possible? — UNCOMFORTABLY QUIET IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR QUIET: Have you searched online for the wealth of information on sexuality and gender identity? PFLAG, the excellent organization I have mentioned in my column before, has a chapter in your city, which has for many years provided support and information to LGBTQ individuals and their families. It will also guide you to other resources nearby. Please go to pflag.org and search on your geographical area. Trust me, if you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Super-Bowl lull: No outdoor show around Chicago, but Indiana DNR has public meetings on stocking Lak

Super-Bowl lull: No outdoor show around Chicago, but Indiana DNR has public meetings on stocking Lake Michigan

One year , Rich Komar held the Tinley Park show on Super Bowl weekend , but that is the exception @ @ @ @ @ weekend when there is a break in shows around Chicago outdoors and this year is @ @ @ @ @ Indiana DNR has two public meetings scheduled on Lake Michigan stocking changes .
The first @ @ @ @ @ ( Jan. 30 ) at Red Mill County Park in LaPorte , Ind .
Click @ @ @ @ @ second is at 10 a.m. Saturday , Feb. 1 , at the Indiana Harbor Yacht @ @ @ @ @ , Ind .
Click here for details .
Click here for the master list of @ @ @ @ @ meets .

One year, Rich Komar held the Tinley Park show on Super Bowl weekend, but that is the exception. Generally this is the weekend when there is a break in shows around Chicago outdoors and this year is no exception.
But the Indiana DNR has two public meetings scheduled on Lake Michigan stocking changes.
The first is at 7 tonight (Jan. 30) at Red Mill County Park in LaPorte, Ind. Click here for details.
The second is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Indiana Harbor Yacht Club, in East Chicago, Ind. Click here for details.
Click here for the master list of shows, classes and swap meets.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Ride share drivers carjacked in Lawndale: police

Chicago police are warning residents of three carjackings reported in January in Lawndale on the West Side .
In each @ @ @ @ @ share service , once the vehicle arrives three males get in , flash a gun @ @ @ @ @ Chicago police said in a community alert .
• About 10:40 p.m. Jan 28 and @ @ @ @ @ in the 1200 block of South Sawyer Avenue ; and • About 2 a.m. Jan. @ @ @ @ @ block of South Komensky Avenue .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central @ @ @ @ @ more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of three carjackings reported in January in Lawndale on the West Side.
In each incident someone orders a ride share service, once the vehicle arrives three males get in, flash a gun and demand the vehicle, Chicago police said in a community alert.
The carjackings happened:
About 10:40 p.m. Jan 28 and about 11:10 p.m. Jan. 29 in the 1200 block of South Sawyer Avenue; and
About 2 a.m. Jan. 29, in the 1800 block of South Komensky Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Man charged with stabbing, sexually assaulting and robbing ex-girlfriend

Angered that his ex-girlfriend refused to have sex with him , a 39-year-old Uptown man beat her , robbed her and sexually assaulted her last month while they were hanging out together at her apartment , Cook County prosecutors say .
Bail was set at $ 10,000 Wednesday for James Carter during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building where he faced felony counts of criminal sexual assault , domestic battery and robbery in connection with the Dec. 22 attack .
Prosecutors said Carter was drinking and smoking marijuana with the 30-year-old woman at her home that day when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
The woman , who had broken up with Carter earlier that year , said no and stood up to have a cigarette .
That ’ s when Carter put her in a chokehold and pulled her to the ground , prosecutors said .
Carter allegedly bit the woman multiple times , punched her and stabbed her in the leg with a switchblade , causing the woman to suffer an eye fracture and injuries that required stitches .
After dragging her into a bedroom , Carter stole $ 150 in cash and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexually assaulted her , prosecutors said .
The woman called police after he left and went to a hospital for treatment .
An investigation found Carter tried to use her debit cards on three occasions , but was denied each time , prosecutors said .
Surveillance cameras at the apartment building allegedly recorded him entering and leaving the apartment on the day of the attack .
Prosecutors said in court that Carter had been arrested for allegedly abusing the same woman in the past , but she declined to sign complaints against him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman also didn ’ t result in convictions .
Carter has three previous felony convictions , all drug-related , court records show .
An assistant public defender for Carter said he was an employee of the Cook County clerk ’ s office , but a spokesman for the clerk ’ s office would only say that a person with the same name and age was hired as a seasonal employee in 2018 , and had not worked for the office since .
Carter ’ s public defender argued that the case was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point ” and said Carter had “ no violence in his [ criminal ] background ; nothing but drugs.
” Judge Mary Marubio ordered his bail set at $ 10,000 with GPS monitoring as a condition of his release and sternly warned Carter not to talk with the woman by any means , warning that he would spend the rest of the case in jail if he did .
His next court date was set for Feb. 18 .

Angered that his ex-girlfriend refused to have sex with him, a 39-year-old Uptown man beat her, robbed her and sexually assaulted her last month while they were hanging out together at her apartment, Cook County prosecutors say.
Bail was set at $10,000 Wednesday for James Carter during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building where he faced felony counts of criminal sexual assault, domestic battery and robbery in connection with the Dec. 22 attack.
Prosecutors said Carter was drinking and smoking marijuana with the 30-year-old woman at her home that day when he asked her to have sex with him.
The woman, who had broken up with Carter earlier that year, said no and stood up to have a cigarette. That’s when Carter put her in a chokehold and pulled her to the ground, prosecutors said.
Carter allegedly bit the woman multiple times, punched her and stabbed her in the leg with a switchblade, causing the woman to suffer an eye fracture and injuries that required stitches.
After dragging her into a bedroom, Carter stole $150 in cash and two debit cards from her and then sexually assaulted her, prosecutors said.
The woman called police after he left and went to a hospital for treatment.
An investigation found Carter tried to use her debit cards on three occasions, but was denied each time, prosecutors said. Surveillance cameras at the apartment building allegedly recorded him entering and leaving the apartment on the day of the attack.
Prosecutors said in court that Carter had been arrested for allegedly abusing the same woman in the past, but she declined to sign complaints against him. Police reports alleging abuse involving another woman also didn’t result in convictions.
Carter has three previous felony convictions, all drug-related, court records show.
An assistant public defender for Carter said he was an employee of the Cook County clerk’s office, but a spokesman for the clerk’s office would only say that a person with the same name and age was hired as a seasonal employee in 2018, and had not worked for the office since.
Carter’s public defender argued that the case was a “he said, she said at this point” and said Carter had “no violence in his [criminal] background; nothing but drugs.”
Judge Mary Marubio ordered his bail set at $10,000 with GPS monitoring as a condition of his release and sternly warned Carter not to talk with the woman by any means, warning that he would spend the rest of the case in jail if he did.
His next court date was set for Feb. 18.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Apartments burglarized in Hyde Park: police

Chicago police are warning residents of two burglaries reported in January in Hyde Park on the South Side .
In @ @ @ @ @ into an apartment and took property from therein , Chicago police said in a community @ @ @ @ @ between 9 a.m. and 6:15 p.m Jan. 23 , in the 5000 block of South @ @ @ @ @ p.m. and 11:45 p.m. Jan. 25 , in the 5300 block of South Cornell Avenue @ @ @ @ @ with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380 .
Read more on @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s homicides .

Chicago police are warning residents of two burglaries reported in January in Hyde Park on the South Side.
In each incident, someone broke into an apartment and took property from therein, Chicago police said in a community alert.
The burglaries happened between 9 a.m. and 6:15 p.m Jan. 23, in the 5000 block of South Cornell Avenue and between 10:15 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. Jan. 25, in the 5300 block of South Cornell Avenue, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Armed carjackings reported in Wicker Park: police

Chicago police are warning residents of two armed carjackings reported in January in Wicker Park on the North Side .
@ @ @ @ @ people approached victims and demanded their vehicles at gunpoint , Chicago police said in a @ @ @ @ @ happened about 1:35 p.m. Jan. 22 , in the 1300 block of North Wolcott Avenue @ @ @ @ @ 28 , in the 1600 block of West Beach Avenue , police said .
Anyone @ @ @ @ @ contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8263 .
Read more on crime , and track the @ @ @ @ @

Chicago police are warning residents of two armed carjackings reported in January in Wicker Park on the North Side.
In each incident, two people approached victims and demanded their vehicles at gunpoint, Chicago police said in a community alert.
The carjackings happened about 1:35 p.m. Jan. 22, in the 1300 block of North Wolcott Avenue and about 7 p.m. Jan. 28, in the 1600 block of West Beach Avenue, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8263.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--1 killed, 5 wounded Wednesday in Chicago shootings

Six people were shot , one fatally , Wednesday in Chicago , including a man who was killed in front of police in West Garfield Park on the West Side .
An officer was on-duty at 2:26 p.m. in the 4000 block of West Madison Street when he saw someone fatally shoot another person on the sidewalk , interim CPD Supt .
Charlie Beck said at a news conference Wednesday outside Stroger Hospital .
The victim , a 26-year-old man , was taken to Stroger Hospital , where he was pronounced dead , according to police .
The Cook County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death but did not release the man ’ s identity Wednesday evening .
The plainclothes officer who witnessed the shooting started to follow the shooter as the man drove off in a pickup truck , Beck said .
The suspect realized he was being followed in the 4100 block of West Wilcox , got out of the truck and fired at the officer ’ s vehicle with a handgun , hitting him in the wrist .
He then got back in the truck and drove away .
Responding officers began to take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their way spotted the pickup , Beck said .
The injured officer told them to follow the suspect instead of continuing to the hospital .
The pickup crashed in the 2000 block of West Congress Parkway and two suspects , a male and a female , were taken into custody , according to police .
A weapon was also recovered from the truck .
The injured officer was brought to Stroger Hospital , where his condition was stabilized , police said .
In non-fatal shootings , a man was shot in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Side .
About 7:20 p.m. , the man , 30 , was in an alley in the 100 block of North Drake Avenue when someone shot him in the torso , police said .
The man was taken to Stroger Hospital where his condition was stabilized .
Two teen boys were wounded after being struck by stray gunfire in Englewood on the South Side .
A 28-year-old man and a female were arguing about 7 p.m. in the 6500 block of South Aberdeen Street , police said .
The man pulled out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The shots missed the female but hit two boys who were also on the street , police said .
A 13-year-old was hit in the leg , while the other boy , 15 , was shot in the buttocks .
Both were taken to Comer Children ’ s Hospital , where the older boy was listed in good condition and the younger boy was stabilized , police said .
A person of interest was being questioned , police said .
Area North detectives are investigating .
Earlier in the evening , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homan Square on the West Side .
He was standing about 6:24 p.m. in the 600 block of South St. Louis Avenue when someone fired shots , police said .
The 35-year-old was hit in the abdomen , and taken to Stroger Hospital , where his condition was stabilized .
A man was wounded Wednesday afternoon in a shooting in Austin on the West Side .
Officer responded about 3 p.m. to the first block of North Mayfield Avenue for reports of a person shot , police said .
A witness said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of the street when someone fired shots from a maroon four-door sedan , police said .
The man was struck in the knee , and taken to Stroger Hospital .
His condition was stabilized .
On Tuesday , six people were shot , two of them fatally , in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Six people were shot, one fatally, Wednesday in Chicago, including a man who was killed in front of police in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
An officer was on-duty at 2:26 p.m. in the 4000 block of West Madison Street when he saw someone fatally shoot another person on the sidewalk, interim CPD Supt. Charlie Beck said at a news conference Wednesday outside Stroger Hospital.
The victim, a 26-year-old man, was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to police. The Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed the death but did not release the man’s identity Wednesday evening.
The plainclothes officer who witnessed the shooting started to follow the shooter as the man drove off in a pickup truck, Beck said. The suspect realized he was being followed in the 4100 block of West Wilcox, got out of the truck and fired at the officer’s vehicle with a handgun, hitting him in the wrist. He then got back in the truck and drove away.
Responding officers began to take the wounded officer to Stroger Hospital, but on their way spotted the pickup, Beck said. The injured officer told them to follow the suspect instead of continuing to the hospital.
The pickup crashed in the 2000 block of West Congress Parkway and two suspects, a male and a female, were taken into custody, according to police. A weapon was also recovered from the truck.
The injured officer was brought to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.
In non-fatal shootings, a man was shot in an alley in Garfield Park on the West Side.
About 7:20 p.m., the man, 30, was in an alley in the 100 block of North Drake Avenue when someone shot him in the torso, police said. The man was taken to Stroger Hospital where his condition was stabilized.
Two teen boys were wounded after being struck by stray gunfire in Englewood on the South Side.
A 28-year-old man and a female were arguing about 7 p.m. in the 6500 block of South Aberdeen Street, police said. The man pulled out a gun and fired shots at the female.
The shots missed the female but hit two boys who were also on the street, police said. A 13-year-old was hit in the leg, while the other boy, 15, was shot in the buttocks.
Both were taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where the older boy was listed in good condition and the younger boy was stabilized, police said.
A person of interest was being questioned, police said. Area North detectives are investigating.
Earlier in the evening, a man was wounded in a shooting in Homan Square on the West Side.
He was standing about 6:24 p.m. in the 600 block of South St. Louis Avenue when someone fired shots, police said. The 35-year-old was hit in the abdomen, and taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.
A man was wounded Wednesday afternoon in a shooting in Austin on the West Side.
Officer responded about 3 p.m. to the first block of North Mayfield Avenue for reports of a person shot, police said.
A witness said the man, 35, was standing in the middle of the street when someone fired shots from a maroon four-door sedan, police said. The man was struck in the knee, and taken to Stroger Hospital. His condition was stabilized.
On Tuesday, six people were shot, two of them fatally, in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Arlington Heights’ Jimmy Garoppolo hopes to get prep jersey retired if he wins Super Bowl

MIAMI — Jimmy Garoppolo aspires to be the perfect quarterback in every facet of the job , so he ’ s ultra-careful to make sure he always says the right thing .
But he couldn ’ t sidestep a question that resonates with anyone who grew up with the Bears over the last three decades : Did you have to look outside your favorite team to pick your favorite quarterback ?
“ What do you mean , man ?
” Garoppolo said with a laugh and a hint of sarcasm .
“ Yeah , they definitely saw some dark years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no doubt cycling through memories of Erik Kramer , Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman .
“ I loved Mike Vick growing up.
” Garoppolo actually played running back and safety as a kid in Arlington Heights before taking flight at quarterback at Rolling Meadows High School , so he was drawn more to Hall of Fame safeties Brian Dawkins and Ed Reed .
He wasn ’ t fast enough to follow them , but quarterback is working out just fine as he plays on a $ 137.5 million contract .
After winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understudy with the Patriots , Garoppolo gets a chance to win his own as he leads the 49ers into the Super Bowl on Sunday .
To do so , he must outduel the most dangerous quarterback in the game : the Chiefs ’ Patrick Mahomes .
Garoppolo doesn ’ t carry his team the way Mahomes does , but he ’ s highly competent .
This was his first full season as a starter , and he completed 69.1 percent of his passes , threw 27 touchdowns against 13 interceptions and posted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense and superb running game , the 49ers don ’ t need a ton out of him .
Garoppolo completed 6 of 8 passes in the NFC Championship win over the Packers and went 11 for 19 the previous week against the Vikings .
He completed fewer than 20 passes in 10 of his 18 starts overall .
If Mitch Trubisky can get back to being at least an average quarterback , the Bears might be able to cook up a similar recipe next season .
Chiefs coach Andy Reid believes there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the 49ers have relied on their ground game .
Just because they haven ’ t asked much of their quarterback doesn ’ t mean they ’ re hiding him .
“ I respect the heck out of him , ” Reid said .
“ They ’ ve been running the ball [ lately ] , but if you look at his [ stats ] you see he ’ s a heck of a quarterback throwing the football.
” One key difference between Garoppolo and Trubisky , by the way , is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both in college and the NFL .
He wasn ’ t asked to start until 2016 , when he was almost 25 — the same age Trubisky is now .
Players don ’ t ever want to wait that long , but it ’ s often good for them .
“ I don ’ t have too many complaints , ” Garoppolo said .
“ Everyone has a different story in this league of how you get to where you ’ re going .
I ’ m happy with my story and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He couldn ’ t have imagined his exact course , but Garoppolo envisioned himself reaching this level as a kid .
He has a grasp of what winning a Lombardi Trophy could do for his stature after seeing it firsthand in New England .
He also remembers the legacy of the 1985 Bears — Garoppolo was born in ’ 91 — and how they continue to tower over the city ’ s sports skyline .
His best memory of watching the Bears was as a 15-year-old , when they rolled to 13-3 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida .
They fell 29-17 to the Colts .
“ That was an exciting year — tough ending , ” Garoppolo said .
“ I grew up a Bears fan and I loved the Bears , but it ’ s a little bit of a different story now.
” Winning a Super Bowl for another team wouldn ’ t make him a Chicago icon , but it could gain him some clout where he grew up .
“ Maybe get a jersey retired , ” he said .
“ We ’ ll see.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a legitimate possibility — win or lose .
Rolling Meadows has never retired an athlete ’ s number in any sport , according to assistant principal Lisa DaRocha , but the school is warm to the idea of making his No .
10 the first .
“ Boy , we ’ d love to do that , ” she said .
“ We ’ d love to celebrate him .
“ There ’ s a lot of hype in our school this week.
” Garoppolo was a modest talent at Rolling Meadows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an FCS program famous for producing Saints coach Sean Payton and longtime Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo .
He went a unique route there as well , struggling his first two seasons before turning it around under coach Dino Babers .
He threw for 84 touchdowns over his junior and senior years , and the Patriots drafted him in the second round as a potential successor to Brady .
That plan fell changed as Brady played into his 40s , but Belichick sent Garoppolo to a favorable situation .
Garoppolo started five games after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just three last season because of a torn ACL , then came back strong this season .
And in his first real opportunity to prove himself , he has the 49ers one win away from a championship since the 1994 season .
“ Everyone imagines themselves being in this situation , ” he said .
“ I ’ m blessed to be here .
Just enjoying the ride , really .
”

MIAMI — Jimmy Garoppolo aspires to be the perfect quarterback in every facet of the job, so he’s ultracareful to make sure he always says the right thing. But he couldn’t sidestep a question that resonates with anyone who grew up with the Bears over the last three decades:
Did you have to look outside your favorite team to pick your favorite quarterback?
“What do you mean, man?” Garoppolo said with a laugh and a hint of sarcasm.
Come on, man.
“Yeah, they definitely saw some dark years for their quarterbacks,” he said, no doubt cycling through memories of Erik Kramer, Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman. “I loved Mike Vick growing up.”
Garoppolo actually played running back and safety as a kid in Arlington Heights before taking flight at quarterback at Rolling Meadows High School, so he was drawn more to Hall of Fame safeties Brian Dawkins and Ed Reed.
He wasn’t fast enough to follow them, but quarterback is working out just fine as he plays on a $137.5 million contract. After winning two championships as Tom Brady’s understudy with the Patriots, Garoppolo gets a chance to win his own as he leads the 49ers into the Super Bowl on Sunday. To do so, he must outduel the most dangerous quarterback in the game: the Chiefs’ Patrick -Mahomes.
Garoppolo doesn’t carry his team the way Mahomes does, but he’s highly competent. This was his first full season as a starter, and he completed 69.1 percent of his passes, threw 27 touchdowns against 13 interceptions and posted a 102.0 passer rating.
With an elite defense and superb running game, the 49ers don’t ask a ton of him. Garoppolo completed 6 of 8 passes in the NFC Championship Game win over the Packers and went 11-for-19 the previous week against the Vikings. He completed fewer than 20 passes in 10 of his 18 starts overall.
If Mitch Trubisky can get back to being at least an average quarterback, the Bears might be able to cook up a similar recipe next season.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid believes there’s a misperception of Garoppolo, though, because the 49ers have relied on their ground game. Just because they haven’t asked much of their quarterback doesn’t mean they’re hiding him.
“I respect the heck out of him,” Reid said. “They’ve been running the ball [lately], but if you look at his [stats], you see he’s a heck of a quarterback throwing the football.”
One key difference between Garoppolo and Trubisky, by the way, is that Garoppolo got much more time to develop, in college and in the NFL. He wasn’t asked to start until 2016, when he was almost 25 — the same age Trubisky is now. Players never want to wait that long, but it’s often good for them.
“I don’t have too many complaints,” Garoppolo said. “Everyone has a different story in this league of how you get to where you’re going. I’m happy with my story and how it’s worked out.”
He couldn’t have imagined his exact course, but Garoppolo envisioned himself reaching this level as a kid.
He has a grasp of what winning a Lombardi Trophy could do for his stature after seeing it firsthand in New England. He also remembers the legacy of the 1985 Bears — Garoppolo was born in ’91 — and how they continue to tower over the city’s sports skyline.
His best memory of watching the Bears was as a 15-year-old, when they rolled to a 13-3 record and made the Super Bowl in South Florida. They lost to the Colts 29-17.
“That was an exciting year — tough ending,” Garoppolo said. “I grew up a Bears fan and I loved the Bears, but it’s a little bit of a different story now.”
Winning a Super Bowl for another team wouldn’t make him a Chicago icon, but it could gain him some clout where he grew up.
“Maybe get a jersey retired,” he said. “We’ll see.”
Since he mentioned it, that is a legitimate possibility — win or lose. Rolling Meadows has never retired an athlete’s number in any sport, according to assistant principal Lisa DaRocha, but the school is warm to the idea of making his No. 10 the first.
“Boy, we’d love to do that,” she said. “We’d love to celebrate him. There’s a lot of hype in our school this week.”
Garoppolo was a modest talent at Rolling Meadows and ended up at Eastern Illinois, an FCS program famous for producing Saints coach Sean Payton and longtime Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
He went a unique route there, as well, struggling his first two seasons before turning it around under coach Dino Babers. He threw for 84 touchdowns over his junior and senior years, and the Patriots drafted him in the second round as a potential successor to Brady.
That plan fell apart as Brady played into his 40s, but Belichick sent Garoppolo to a favorable situation. Garoppolo started five games after the in-season trade in 2017, lasted just three games last season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, then came back strong this season.
And in his first real opportunity to prove himself, he has the 49ers one win away from their first title since the 1994 season.
“Everyone imagines themselves being in this situation,” he said. “I’m blessed to be here. Just enjoying the ride, really.”


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Bernie Sanders supporters can’t see the forest for the tree

Here ’ s my fearless prediction for the 2020 presidential election : To borrow a Grateful Dead lyric , it ’ s bound to be a long , strange trip .
No way it resembles a “ normal ” election year , whatever that would be .
Unremoved but very far from being exonerated , President Donald Trump isn ’ t going down without a wild spectacle .
That much is sure .
Indeed , he may not go down at all .
Otherwise , the national experience of Trump ’ s presidency resembles that of a family dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly imagine what follies may come next .
Over time , crazy people just wear everybody down .
It ’ s easier sometimes to just let them have their way .
Might Trump push out Mike Pence and make daughter Ivanka his running mate ?
Bomb Tehran ?
Have Hunter and/or Joe Biden arrested ?
Crazy , yes .
Impossible ?
Not at all .
Meanwhile , Trump ’ s Democratic opponents , collectively speaking , inspire limited confidence .
Moreover , as long as the U.S. economy surges , stimulated by runaway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to abhor when Democrats are in power — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin again predicts that Trump ’ s tax cuts will pay for themselves despite record trillion-dollar deficits — swing state voters could opt for the devil they know .
After all , Trump ’ s nothing if not entertaining .
There appears to be nothing he can do , no lie so brazen it offends his cultlike supporters .
Thus , while there appears to be little chance of Trump winning a national majority , the GOP ’ s Electoral College advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why am I seeing headlines like this one , in Newsweek ?
“ Only 53 % of Bernie Sanders Voters Will Definitely Support 2020 Democratic Nominee If He Doesn ’ t Win.
” According to a recent Emerson College poll of 1,128 registered voters , just over half of Sanders ’ supporters say they ’ ll definitely vote for any Democrat against Trump .
( The equivalent number for Biden supporters is 87 % ; for Elizabeth Warren , 90 % . )
This despite Bernie ’ s forthright vow at a recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic rivals win the nomination , “ I will do everything in my power to make sure that they are elected in order to defeat the most dangerous president in the history of our country.
” Of course , that ’ s not how Bernie acted in 2016 , when his support for Hillary Clinton was both grudging and late in coming .
But then , like most Democrats , he probably thought there was no chance of Trump ’ s winning the presidency .
Sanders probably needs to double down on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because a significant proportion of his followers appears disinclined to accept certain basic facts about American politics .
Specifically , as Ezra Klein recently explained in The New York Times : “ [ O ] nly half of Democrats call themselves liberals — and for Democrats , that ’ s a historically high level.
” Much less radicals , or to use Bernie ’ s preferred term , people seeking a “ revolution.
” Many describe themselves as “ moderate ” or even “ conservative , ” by which they mostly mean in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic nomination therefore requires , Klein explains , “ winning liberal whites in New Hampshire and traditionalist blacks in South Carolina .
It means talking to Irish Catholics in Boston and atheists in San Francisco .
It means inspiring liberals without arousing the fears of moderates.
” To say nothing of winning the presidency .
To put it another way , there just aren ’ t a whole lot of revolutionaries in Pennsylvania , Michigan , Wisconsin or Minnesota — states whose electoral votes could decide the November election .
Bernie-style leftists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; instead , mostly moderate Democrats took over the House .
So it ’ s distressing to read in The Washington Post about Sanders activists resorting to Russian-style Facebook smears against Sen. Warren .
“ Already , the pro-Sanders crusade has spawned groups calling for protests at the party ’ s national convention in July should Sanders not emerge as the nominee .
# BernieOrVest is their rallying cry , echoing the Yellow Vest demonstrations that have roiled France.
” Yes , because Milwaukee , where the Democratic convention will be held , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I disliked a lot about the ’ 60s the first time around .
Historian Rick Perlstein ’ s book “ Nixonland ” brilliantly depicts how the excesses of self-dramatizing “ radicals ” back then — Bernie Sanders among them — led to a right-wing backlash that ’ s still very much with us .
Or as onetime ’ 60s leftist John B. Judis put it in recent essay , “ [ t ] he ’ 60s left ’ s rebellion increasingly took a religious rather than a political form .
It consisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and superiority in the face of evil.
” Did you know that Bernie once wrote crackpot columns blaming cervical cancer on women not having orgasms ?
That he joined a political party taking Iran ’ s side during the 1979-80 hostage crisis ?
That he honeymooned in the Soviet Union ?
There ’ s video .
Should he secure the Democratic nomination , you will .
It ’ s that or the Yellow Vests .
Your call .

Here’s my fearless prediction for the 2020 presidential election:
To borrow a Grateful Dead lyric, it’s bound to be a long, strange trip. No way it resembles a “normal” election year, whatever that would be.
Unremoved but very far from being exonerated, President Donald Trump isn’t going down without a wild spectacle. That much is sure.
Indeed, he may not go down at all.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
Otherwise, the national experience of Trump’s presidency resembles that of a family dealing with a mentally ill relative. Nobody can possibly imagine what follies may come next. Over time, crazy people just wear everybody down. It’s easier sometimes to just let them have their way.
Might Trump push out Mike Pence and make daughter Ivanka his running mate? Bomb Tehran? Have Hunter and/or Joe Biden arrested?
Crazy, yes. Impossible? Not at all.
Meanwhile, Trump’s Democratic opponents, collectively speaking, inspire limited confidence. Moreover, as long as the U.S. economy surges, stimulated by runaway deficit spending of a kind Republicans pretend to abhor when Democrats are in power — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin again predicts that Trump’s tax cuts will pay for themselves despite record trillion-dollar deficits — swing state voters could opt for the devil they know.
After all, Trump’s nothing if not entertaining. There appears to be nothing he can do, no lie so brazen it offends his cultlike supporters.
Thus, while there appears to be little chance of Trump winning a national majority, the GOP’s Electoral College advantage makes his re-election entirely possible.
So why am I seeing headlines like this one, in Newsweek? “Only 53% of Bernie Sanders Voters Will Definitely Support 2020 Democratic Nominee If He Doesn’t Win.”
According to a recent Emerson College poll of 1,128 registered voters, just over half of Sanders’ supporters say they’ll definitely vote for any Democrat against Trump. (The equivalent number for Biden supporters is 87%; for Elizabeth Warren, 90%.)
This despite Bernie’s forthright vow at a recent Iowa debate that should any of his Democratic rivals win the nomination, “I will do everything in my power to make sure that they are elected in order to defeat the most dangerous president in the history of our country.”
Of course, that’s not how Bernie acted in 2016, when his support for Hillary Clinton was both grudging and late in coming. But then, like most Democrats, he probably thought there was no chance of Trump’s winning the presidency.
Sanders probably needs to double down on that vow if he really means it, because a significant proportion of his followers appears disinclined to accept certain basic facts about American politics. Specifically, as Ezra Klein recently explained in The New York Times: “[O]nly half of Democrats call themselves liberals — and for Democrats, that’s a historically high level.”
Much less radicals, or to use Bernie’s preferred term, people seeking a “revolution.” Many describe themselves as “moderate” or even “conservative,” by which they mostly mean in their cultural and lifestyle orientation.
Securing the Democratic nomination therefore requires, Klein explains, “winning liberal whites in New Hampshire and traditionalist blacks in South Carolina. It means talking to Irish Catholics in Boston and atheists in San Francisco. It means inspiring liberals without arousing the fears of moderates.”
To say nothing of winning the presidency. To put it another way, there just aren’t a whole lot of revolutionaries in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin or Minnesota — states whose electoral votes could decide the November election. Bernie-style leftists predicted disaster during the 2018 congressional season; instead, mostly moderate Democrats took over the House.
So it’s distressing to read in The Washington Post about Sanders activists resorting to Russian-style Facebook smears against Sen. Warren. “Already, the pro-Sanders crusade has spawned groups calling for protests at the party’s national convention in July should Sanders not emerge as the nominee. #BernieOrVest is their rallying cry, echoing the Yellow Vest demonstrations that have roiled France.”
Yes, because Milwaukee, where the Democratic convention will be held, is exactly like Paris.
Now me, I disliked a lot about the ’60s the first time around. Historian Rick Perlstein’s book “Nixonland” brilliantly depicts how the excesses of self-dramatizing “radicals” back then — Bernie Sanders among them — led to a right-wing backlash that’s still very much with us.
Or as onetime ’60s leftist John B. Judis put it in recent essay, “[t]he ’60s left’s rebellion increasingly took a religious rather than a political form. It consisted of establishing one’s moral credibility and superiority in the face of evil.”
Did you know that Bernie once wrote crackpot columns blaming cervical cancer on women not having orgasms? That he joined a political party taking Iran’s side during the 1979-80 hostage crisis? That he honeymooned in the Soviet Union? There’s video.
Should he secure the Democratic nomination, you will.
It’s that or the Yellow Vests. Your call.
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-01-30--Matteson casino group gets OK to make old Lincoln Mall site its new proposed location

State gambling regulators on Thursday dealt Matteson village officials a fresh hand in their bid for a coveted new south suburban casino license after residents in neighboring Frankfort railed against the initial proposed location .
The development team vying for the license will instead aim to set up shop at the shuttered Lincoln Mall at Lincoln Highway and Cicero Avenue in Matteson , after the Illinois Gaming Board voted to allow them to amend the application they submitted three months ago .
South Suburban Development LLC , which is led by Hinsdale investor Rob Miller and championed by Matteson Village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a site on an undeveloped plot near Lincoln and Harlem Avenue .
But after the Matteson group submitted an application for its $ 300 million proposal to the Gaming Board in October , several neighboring community groups and the Frankfort Township Board publicly slammed the casino plan for being “ directly adjacent to two schools and three densely populated residential subdivisions.
” A junior high school and elementary are each within about a mile of Harlem and Lincoln .
That sent the Matteson group back to the drawing board , proposing an alternate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacant Carson Pirie Scott store at the former Lincoln Mall .
But the developers say the main components of their proposal , backed by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma , will shift smoothly to the new location .
“ If it wasn ’ t for that , if it wasn ’ t for that vocal opposition to that site , we wouldn ’ t be here asking for your amendment , ” Miller told the Gaming Board on Thursday before board members voted unanimously to allow the change .
Frankfort Township Supervisor Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new spot , which is separated by about a mile and a half from the nearest school .
“ Lincoln Mall is exactly the site that should have been considered.
” The Matteson group is competing against casino development pitches from three other south suburban locales , all fighting for the lone license : Calumet City , Lynwood and another straddling the border of Homewood and East Hazel Crest .
And Matteson wasn ’ t the only casino group looking to update its application on Thursday .
Haven Gaming LLC , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Danville in eastern Illinois , sought approval to revise its application with “ corrections and updates to forms ” and to identify more investors and “ key persons , ” but Gaming Board members voted to deny the request .
A visibly miffed Gaming Board Chairman Charles Schmadeke slammed the group ’ s initial application as less than “ bare bones.
” A lawyer for the Danville group said they were disappointed in the vote but would “ follow the process the Gaming Board lays out for us .
”

State gambling regulators on Thursday dealt Matteson village officials a fresh hand in their bid for a coveted new south suburban casino license after residents in neighboring Frankfort railed against the initial proposed location.
The development team vying for the license will instead aim to set up shop at the shuttered Lincoln Mall at Lincoln Highway and Cicero Avenue in Matteson, after the Illinois Gaming Board voted to allow them to amend the application they submitted three months ago.
South Suburban Development LLC, which is led by Hinsdale investor Rob Miller and championed by Matteson Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin, had initially pitched a site on an undeveloped plot near Lincoln and Harlem Avenue.
But after the Matteson group submitted an application for its $300 million proposal to the Gaming Board in October, several neighboring community groups and the Frankfort Township Board publicly slammed the casino plan for being “directly adjacent to two schools and three densely populated residential subdivisions.” A junior high school and elementary are each within about a mile of Harlem and Lincoln.
Illinois Gaming Board Chairman Charles Schmadeke pictured at an August 2019 meeting. | Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
That sent the Matteson group back to the drawing board, proposing an alternate site about three miles east, a vacant Carson Pirie Scott store at the former Lincoln Mall. But the developers say the main components of their proposal, backed by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, will shift smoothly to the new location.
“If it wasn’t for that, if it wasn’t for that vocal opposition to that site, we wouldn’t be here asking for your amendment,” Miller told the Gaming Board on Thursday before board members voted unanimously to allow the change.
Frankfort Township Supervisor Jim Moustis said they were happy with the new spot, which is separated by about a mile and a half from the nearest school. “Lincoln Mall is exactly the site that should have been considered.”
The Matteson group is competing against casino development pitches from three other south suburban locales, all fighting for the lone license: Calumet City, Lynwood and another straddling the border of Homewood and East Hazel Crest.
And Matteson wasn’t the only casino group looking to update its application on Thursday.
Haven Gaming LLC, which is trying to land a casino license for Danville in eastern Illinois, sought approval to revise its application with “corrections and updates to forms” and to identify more investors and “key persons,” but Gaming Board members voted to deny the request.
A visibly miffed Gaming Board Chairman Charles Schmadeke slammed the group’s initial application as less than “bare bones.”
A lawyer for the Danville group said they were disappointed in the vote but would “follow the process the Gaming Board lays out for us.”