Long sentence won’t end Illinois corruption
I guess Judge James Zagel intended to end future corruption in Illinois politics when he handed down a 14-year prison sentence to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
He should have given Blagojevich a three- to six-year sentence, then fined him at least $250,000. A good dose of community service (300 to 500 hours) would have been appropriate. I don’t think that Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence and small fine are a deterrent to future political corruption in Illinois. This reminds me of the death sentence, which is no deterrent to murder in this country. The appeals process takes years to play out and can cost taxpayers a fortune. Meanwhile, some of the family members of the victim do not live long enough to see justice served.
William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
It’s time to take a look at Obama’s statements
I enjoy PolitiFact. It seems to me that it is about time for PolitiFact to tackle some of President Barack Obama’s obvious misrepresentations of fact. PolitiFact might start with Obama’s recent (and now infamous) Kansas address. This speech alone should keep PolitiFact busy for some time.
Coates P. Bull, McDonough
Businesses oversee costs involving CIDs
Regarding “Questions about CIDs spur legislative review” (Metro, Dec. 8), Community Improvement Districts have flourished because they have succeeded.
Criticism suggesting CIDs are unaccountable faux governments fails to account for the fact the businesses paying for the improvements oversee the expenditures. The improvements are coordinated with (and approved by) local government officials and are mostly used to supplement local infrastructure needs. The defining difference is the businesses support CIDs because they know the monies will be used to improve business districts. These improvements benefit residents because they increase the tax base and create more commercial activity — which results in more property and sales taxes going to the local jurisdictions’ coffers.
In other words, without CIDs, all of us would be a lot poorer and worse off.
Bob Dallas, chairman, Dunwoody Planning Commission
Spencer’s proposals lack good judgment
State Rep. Jason Spencer has added insult to injury with a proposal to eliminate mandatory carrying permits for gun owners — this, following his earlier idea of drug tests for applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. We are at a loss for printable adjectives to describe such a so-called public servant. Do all his constituents share his want of good judgment?
Mary Elizabeth Etheridge, Atlanta
