Policy

Perspectives

Insights and views from our policy team on the challenges we face in government and politics along with potential solutions in persuasive perspective pieces, which are often published in partnership with major media.

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Perspective

Doubek: Candidates, Where's the Discussion About Our Big Debt Problems?

We need to see some leadership about addressing our serious pension and other debt problems in Chicago and Illinois.
Aug 28, 2018 2:50 PM
Perspective

Doubek: Here's How Political Powers Control Who Gets to Run for Office

Illinois' political powers have plenty of ways in which they control who gets to run or hold office in Illinois. Here are some and a few suggestions for ending the election games.
Aug 20, 2018 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: How One Citizen Changed His Local Township Government — and Maybe State Law

Think you can't fight city hall, or township hall? Here's how one Illinoisan did just that.
Aug 6, 2018 6:00 PM
Perspective

Leven: Put Responsibility for Compensating Injured City workers in the City’s Hands

Chicago is the only major city to pay injured workers out of its legislative body. Changing that could be something for some enterprising aldermanic candidates to champion.
Aug 3, 2018 8:00 AM
Perspective

Doubek: Tackling the Transparency Deficit in Our Governments

Two more public executives take their exit, leaving secrets, speculation and taxpayer mistrust in their wake.
Jul 23, 2018 6:20 PM
Perspective

Doubek: Property Tax Bills are Good Motivation for Pushing Consolidation

The good news is there are legislative proposals that encourage streamlining and consolidation now awaiting the governor’s action.
Jul 9, 2018 5:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: Are We Being Kept in the Dark by Our Power Regulator on Next Grid?

A consumer group and electric firm sue the Illinois Commerce Commission claiming repeated Open Meetings Act violations.
Jun 25, 2018 5:43 PM
Perspective

Leven: 2020 is the End of the Line to Get Redistricting and the Census Right

Illinois has less than two years to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot and get ready for the 2020 Census.
Jun 20, 2018 4:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: We Need Independent Probes in Order to Trust Our Governments

Again and again, we see instances of a lack of understanding or commitment to transparency and independence.
Jun 11, 2018 6:00 PM
Perspective

Doubek: A Strong Start, But More Work Ahead On Legislative Ethics

The Legislative Inspector General no longer will have to ask for permission before launching an investigation into sexual harassment claims.
Jun 4, 2018 3:35 PM

Perspectives

Doubek: Candidates, Where's the Discussion About Our Big Debt Problems?

Doubek: Here's How Political Powers Control Who Gets to Run for Office

Doubek: How One Citizen Changed His Local Township Government — and Maybe State Law

Leven: Put Responsibility for Compensating Injured City workers in the City’s Hands

Doubek: Tackling the Transparency Deficit in Our Governments

Doubek: Property Tax Bills are Good Motivation for Pushing Consolidation

Doubek: Are We Being Kept in the Dark by Our Power Regulator on Next Grid?

Leven: 2020 is the End of the Line to Get Redistricting and the Census Right

Doubek: We Need Independent Probes in Order to Trust Our Governments

Doubek: A Strong Start, But More Work Ahead On Legislative Ethics