A CONVERSATION WITH OUR READERS

When you first picked up this copy of Illinois Issues, I wonder if you weren't a bit startled. It has a new design, thanks to reader input, our own staff discussions and the creative talent of designer Christina Paule Canright of Chicago.

Why a redesign? We had heard with some regularity over the years that the appearance of the magazine lacked a certain spark. The old design and arrangement of departments locked us in. We didn't have the freedom to show you visually why an article is so important, and we weren't doing enough with illustrations.

So, under Editor Peggy Boyer Long's direction, we've been experimenting in the past year with larger photos, more illustrations and more timely writing and editing. The response was favorable enough that we knew it was time to redesign the entire magazine. We needed to find new ways to draw attention to our articles and columns.

Peggy explains in greater detail on the next page the rationale for the changes in this issue.

I want to emphasize that we are maintaining what has made us credible in the past 21 years. We will continue to analyze Illinois public policy and explain multiple sides of issues in a nonpartisan way. And we're retaining popular columns such as Charlie Wheeler's "Politics" and our bureau chief's "State of the State."

In short, it's still the Illinois Issues that keeps you informed, but you'll probably find it more appealing, even if you're not sure why. That's what good design is all about.

I will use part of this space each month to offer feedback on your responses to our Question of the Month. In November we asked for your reactions to our list of 10 recipients of the 1995 Illinois Issues Award for Extraordinary Public Service.

We received many favorable comments. "Your recognition of Paula Wolff is illustrative of Illinois Issues' greatest strength — access to the insiders' view of state government," an Evanston reader said. "Not only is her inclusion most appropriate, but your recognition of her work during the Thompson years is itself an extraordinary public service."

Predictably enough, some readers objected specifically to one recipient or another. "I consider none of the politicians listed worthy of the award," wrote one Rantoul reader. Two others lamented that our selection committee did not choose anyone from rural Illinois or township government.

Clearly, we didn't please everyone. We knew that would happen, and that's why we asked for your reactions.

Illinois Issues January 1996 * 3