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HOW TO MAKE AMENDS

Chris Britt’s cartoon in the Mar. 26 Illinois Times showed ex- Congressman Aaron Schock on his way to join some of Illinois’ infamous in the big house. Recently he has been apologizing for his misdeeds, perhaps in hopes of avoiding a similar fate? However, a far better way to make amends would be to put his money where his mouth is. It’s been estimated that the election to replace him may cost some $300,000. It’s also been stated that Schock has over $3 million in his campaign fund.

To truly show how sorry he is, I suggest he offer to pay for this election from his campaign fund. Certainly that would be a much better means of financing this election than having to use taxpayer funds from cash-starved Illinois’ coffers. How about it, Mr. Shock? Dick McLane Springfield

VOTING IS NO JOKE

Recently, I read an endorsement in the State Journal-Register that had me hoping I was still asleep, but there it was: the mayoral endorsement for Jim Langfelder. All the ideas for which they praised Langfelder were Palazzolo’s first.

Surely they knew hiring a city planner was Paul’s position and that leadership by committee is Langfelder’s plan, not Paul’s. Nope, they fumbled their logic and endorsed the wrong candidate.

I slapped myself twice, but facts are facts, and Sangamon County under Palazzolo has operated for years with an improving financial position while Treasurer Langfelder could only watch until Mayor Houston saved the day. I rubbed my eyes and there it was: the Langfelder endorsement.

I took another look to make sure it was not April 1, and then it was all too obvious. This was only the State Journal- Register, and they never endorse a Republican, at least not one who is conservative. Then, a deep sigh of relief when I realized not many people will even see it.

Voting is no joke; do it April 7. Jerald Jacobs Springfi eld

SUPPORTING SMARJESSE

I have known Tony Smarjesse for over 30 years. From the very beginning of our friendship, Tony has always impressed me with his work ethic, honesty and commitment to everything he does. Perhaps one of Tony’s greatest attributes is that he holds himself to high standards. What he expects from others, he works hard to give to others. That is obvious in his tireless volunteerism and dedication to his work and family.

Tony is not new to public service, serving on the Prairie Capital Convention Center board and briefly as alderman, and he has always shown that he knows that those who elect him are, in fact, his neighbors, those who make Springfield a great place to live. In his time in office, he has never been more than a phone call away from hearing out a constituent’s concerns and going to work to solve their problems.

While I am not a Ward 9 resident, I can vouch for Tony’s character and truly believe that he is the best candidate for alderman. Please join me in supporting Tony Smarjesse for alderman. Andy Goleman Divernon