Commentary

I should have never underestimated the incompetence of Illinois politicians. After all, you don’t wake up one morning with $144 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and some of the highest taxes in the country. That takes decades of determined effort.

One person who embodies the key qualities is David Becker, founder of First Internet Bank. Last year, IBJ recognized Becker with its Mickey Maurer Entrepreneur Award, honoring a career defined by innovation and calculated risk-taking.

Events that attract out-of-town spending are important and exciting, but a thriving downtown requires full-time residents.

My Uncle Ed Simcox’s stories about his time in public service shaped my curiosity about government and laid the groundwork for my own path in law and civic life.

A starting point for regaining our ability to disagree civilly is a healthier legislative branch.