One of Illinois Issues' regular features is the Question of the Month, a nonscientific survey of readers' opinions on current issues. We decided to run a sample of responses to our question on looking ahead:

Name the top three issues that the new governor should make a priority as soon as he takes office in 1999.

From John of Evanston: Education. Campaign finance reform. Economic development/regionalism. Find ways to diminish inter-city competition for new businesses and promote economic development projects that benefit the whole state.

From Matt of Elgin. Repeal welfare "repeal." School funding. Affordable housing.

From Arlene of Chadmck. Reduce real estate taxes by replacing with the income tax. I place this 1, 2 and 3. The real estate tax is a grossly unfair way to fund education. I am not sure it is good for libraries, cemeteries, airports and probably others. It is reasonable for roads, fire districts, library and school buildings.

From Greg of Chicago: Public transportation. Making human services work better. Economic development in poor urban and rural areas.

From Doug of Dixon: Support tax credit to private schools. Reduce state government. Stop the spin on reducing taxes. For example, lawmakers raised the income ceiling to $16, 000 to provide tax relief that provides cash grants to the elderly. Now, everyone that does not qualify receives a tax increase; the senior freeze does the same thing.

From Patsy of Murphysboro: Equal, excellent, effective education. Level playing field with surrounding states. Access to health care for all Illinois citizens.

From Ron of Belleville: Education and job training. Infrastructure— roads and bridges, communication, water and wastewater treatment, resource recovery. Economic development to attract new employees while retaining current jobs.

From Karen of Elgin: Policies that encourage train and bus transportation system. No Peotone area airport.

Increase state funding for homeless shelters and assistance. From Len of Springfield:

Straighten out State Board of Education. Complete or dismantle Department of Human Services. Adequately fund and structure Medicaid.

From Roger of Galesburg: Continue to attract new business to Illinois. School improvements without new taxes. Infrastructure/roads, the gateways to commerce.

From John of Carlinville: More campaign finance reform. State financing of schools. Concern for the many needs of children living in poverty.

From L.D. of Chicago: Abortion rights. Education funding. Lower state taxes.

From Russell of Centralia: Education! Education!! Education!!! Education is the root of our society. If we do not educate our children to the fullest extent possible, our state will continue to decline to a point beyond repair. We must educate our children so they will become healthy, productive adults.

From Porter of Springfield: Education funding inequities (rich vs. poor districts). Enhancing the quality of life for our children. Political reform (campaign finance, etc.). Illinois needs a new blueprint for change in key policy areas. Let's hope the next governor brings fresh faces and new voices into state government.

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1. Publication Title: Illinois Issues. 2. Publication No.: 0738-9663. 3. Filing Date: 09-24-98. 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly, except July & Aug. are combined. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 11.6. Annual Subscription Price: $39.95.7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: K-10, University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois 62794-9243. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Same as item 7. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher, Ed Wojcicki, 2149 South Sixth Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703. Editor, Peggy Boyer Long, 140 Maple Grove Road, Springfield, Illinois 62707. Managing Editor, None. 10. Owner, Full Name and Complete Mailing Address: University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, Illinois 62794- 9243. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None. 12. For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publication Name: Illinois Issues. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 1998. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation, Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 6, 645. b. Paid and/or Requested Circulation: (1) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales (Not Mailed): 231. (2) Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertisers' Proof Copies/Exchange Copies): 5, 218. c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 5, 449. d. Free Distribution by Mail (Samples, Complimentary;

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36 November 1998 Illinois Issues