For those who want a bold leader who doesn’t just go along with the crowd there is Gov. Pat Quinn, whose veto of the gaming expansion bill displayed courage and independence in the face of huge political pressure. Quinn is insisting on a ban on campaign contributions by casino operators, designating the proceeds to education, stronger state oversight and pension reform first before he will sign a bill into law. That’s OK, though we wish the governor’s objections extended to gambling expansion itself. Lawmakers only demean Illinois by continuing to raise revenue through expansion of what amounts to a tax on the poor and desperate. –Fletcher Farrar, editor Our Fall Guide cover art is by Janice H. Chan of Springfield. In addition to being an artist, her professional career includes 17 years as an architect and designer for commercial and residential projects. Her work can be followed at http://www.facebook.com/janicehchan and http://www.artbyjanice.blogspot.com.