Sometimes thanks is the first word that comes to mind. And the best word. That's my conclusion now that the observance of Illinois Issues' 25th anniversary has ended. About 350 people attended our event, "Changing times, changing Illinois politics," May 1 at the Union League Club of Chicago. Thousands more read the magazine's series over the past eight months (October-May) exploring perspectives on critical issues that face Illinois. (See 25th recap on our web site.)

Perspective. That, I hope, is what our anniversary observance was all about.

Our panelists, for example, provided perspective when all agreed the result of the Cutback Amendment of 1980, which reduced the size of the Illinois House from 177 to 118 members, hasn't been good. Those panelists were former governors Jim Edgar and William Stratton, and former Senate presidents Philip Rock and William Harris.

Perspective. That is what our editors and writers provided, and still provide, as they analyze the important issues of the day.

Thanks to those who are responsible for the magazine's success. I feel indebted to so many: those who founded it (Sam Gove, Paul Simon and Sam Witwer), the original staff members, the university, our board members and staff, our writers, photographers and illustrators, the panelists at our event, and our funders. But most important, thanks to our readers who keep telling us to analyze issues with balance and vigor.

A videotape of our event will be available soon. Go to our Web site (www.uis.edu/~ilissues), not only for more coverage and photos of our event, but also for the complete series of terrific anniversary articles.

Illinois Issues June 2000 | 3----- Available - in PDF
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