Ask Politely #46
Another year bites the dust, leaving behind some relevant questions to ponder. With the destruction of the Metropolitan building in the Great Downtown Fire of ‘08, should we soon expect new construction in its place? And when will southbound thru-traffic reopen at the intersection of Neil and Church? (The City won’t commit to a timetable, leaving us to wait for the building owners who suffered losses in said fire to clear the way for progress.) What of our once height-challenged skyline? Will it continue to rise upward in 2009?
Will new local businesses like B. Lime, Bella Bambini, Cakes on Walnut, Bombay Indian Grill, Howbowda Bagel and BookGlutton grow stronger in 2009, or falter during troubling economic times as happened to Papa George, Murphy’s Deli and Kafe K? Speaking of economic woes, are significant layoffs at the city’s largest employer, the University of Illinois, on the horizon? And will the layoffs at big-time employers like Hobbico and ACH Food Companies (formerly HumKo) send the city’s job market into further disarray?
Some people will, unfortunately, have more time to catch a movie in 2009. But can any of the new year’s offerings surpass The Dark Knight? And will Milk have a strong showing at the Oscars? (It’s showing here in Champaign-Urbana after the New Year.) And what’s this we hear about a new season of Lost?
After bringing Wu-Tang Clan, Robert Pollard, Yo La Tengo and Girl Talk to town in 2008, what will local music venues do for an encore? The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team wasn’t requested for an encore after last season’s dismal performance. But this year the boys are off to a 9–1 start, and many orange-clad fans are wondering: Will Alex Legion’s long-awaited entrance into an Illini basketball game propel the men’s team into the Top 25? Those sporting blue want to know: Will the post-Kerry Wood Cubs ever make up their minds regarding Jake Peavy, and will Year 101 be any different than Year 100?
The most pressing thing on most people’s minds: How long before the walls of Mike & Molly’s new men’s restroom — that’s right, new — are covered in graffiti? Oh, and maybe this Obama guy. While we ponder the potential impact of our reigning state politicians, some also look forward to finding out whether Obama can really change anything. As we twiddle our thumbs in anticipation, what do we do with the lump of coal that is Rick Warren giving the invocation at Obama’s inauguration?
As 2008 comes to an end and Smile Politely prepares for Year Two, all of these questions (and more) are on our minds. But we’d like to hear from you, so let us know what topics you’d like to see us tackle next year. Whatever is near and dear to your heart, please spill the beans.
6 comments
andrea antulov
“All politics is local”
I just sent this in to the News Gazette, your readers might be interested, some affected.
The “Master Plan” for parkland’s expenditure of 87million of your property taxes is finally on their website, days after they approved the first phase of 34 million.
For an organization that has its own website, radio, TV, newspaper and bulletin boards they have done little to offer information on the details until now.
For an organization with property that is tax free, paid for and hires primarily part time instructors without benefits, and has a waiting list for customers, and charges around fifty per hour of use, the 2.5 million dollar operating deficit on this year budgets alone, requires a closer look.
There is thirty days from the first day of legal notice (December 17th) to file a petition to put this on the ballot and generate public scrutiny. If you would like a copy of a petition to circulate, Parkland is legally required to supply you with one. If you would like a copy emailed to you or hear questions not listed on their website you may contact playorpayparkland@live.com and take a look at your property tax bill to see if you are in their fifty mile plus taxing district.
JP
I hope that 2009 brings a wider diversity in the opinions expressed here. Not surprisingly, given Urbana’s reputation as a “Little Berkely”, most voices here are very liberal. Having more conservative writers would definitely spur much creative debate!
jake thomas
more news, and more enterprise and issues stories. CU’s wheezing daily broadsheet seems to hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil. i hope SP.com will prove itself more nimble, and will uncover more in the community in 2009!
John Olerud
I like this post
I would like to see exotic birds introduced into the downtown area. Particularly flying goldfish.
Most Recent Opinion Comments
Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
funny, as your summer begins, another Summer ends.
And that, my friend, is love. Bob, I think I still owe you for my wedding cake, served in 1998. But nevermind.
I believe the kiss between Rob and I was documented on low-quality videotape in the mid-ninties porn classic, Dirty Harry…and Sticky.
“Do I have to sign some forms, or am I just considered ‘in.’” You’re in!
Got damn, Coulter. You are the greatest.
I have no specific memory of it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I’d kissed Mike, too—once we’d both drunk ourselves gay. And earlier this week I gave Clarence Shelley a back rub. Do I have to sign some forms, or am I just considered “in.”
FWIW, I got a copy of the letter in question. It was written in a way that would be plausible to a casual reader who didn’t scrutinize it too carefully. It announced the formation of an organization called G.L.A.B.A. (which actually exists), and had discussion about typical…
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Most Recent Comments
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
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hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.