CONVERSATION WITH THE PUBLISHER

Why the 'regionalism'
debate must come to Springfield

by Ed Wojcicki

How often it happens that two people use the same word or phrase and mean entirely different things. Such is the case with the word "regionalism." To some, regionalism refers to divisions among people from different parts of the state. They talk about the city of Chicago, the suburbs and downstate, and take it as gospel that citizens of these three regions have inherent differences. They say Illinois' politicians and interest groups have learned to get what they want by playing one region against another, or two regions against one, whatever it takes.

Others use the term in a more positive sense. They implore residents of all sections of the state to strive for common solutions to complex problems in ways that benefit as many people as possible. For them, the search for a common good is "regionalism." And among the issues they see facing Illinois are the wise use of land, protection of the environment, affordable housing, transportation planning, education spending, economic development and tax equity.

In our cover story this month, Harold Henderson does a magnificent job of describing the origins of different approaches to living and problem solving in Illinois. He goes far beyond the standard account of the three traditional regions of the state, and offers a historical perspective that is so refreshing it will probably surprise you.

Henderson's is the first of several articles we plan to publish this year about regionalism. By doing so, we hope leaders in every sector of Illinois will understand more clearly why state government must immerse itself in the regionalism debate.

But Illinois Issues is doing more than publishing these articles. We collaborated with the Metropolitan Planning Council this spring to host two forums for legislators and their staffs about issues related to regionalism. And we are keeping in touch not only with the MPC, but with other groups such as the DuPage Mayors and Managers Association and the Metropolis Project to find out who is searching for common ground on issues that often divide Illinois.

When we asked earlier this year in our Question of the Month which issues or topics are most urgent for officials to address at the regional (rather than local) level, readers most frequently referred to taxes, education and transportation. "Transportation concerns do not start and stop at arbitrary municipal boundaries; development in one location can create transportation problems such as congestion and lack of public transit in another," a Chicago reader wrote.

This sounds like common sense. But without state leadership, true regional cooperation will never be a reality, and divisions will flourish.

Illinois Issues May 1998 / 3