Rockford R Star Egister

Home , Rockford Register Star, Rockford University

TODAY SAT SUN

CAN BEARS FIX PIZZA AND 78°/60° 85°/69° 86°/66° OFFENSIVE MUCH MORE Complete forecast, A2 Union should ﬁ ght DEFENSE? AT NUNZIO’S crime, not top cop SPORTS, PAGE B1 GO, PAGE 3 OPINION, PAGE A11 Rockford Register Star

Newspaper of the Rock River Valley

Friday, June 19, 2015 rrstar.com Volume 160, Number 170 $1.00

IN THE COMMUNITY CHARLESTON NATION/WORLD SHOOTING Suspected gunman caught

By Je! rey Collins Friend: Suspect and Russ Bynum ranted about race The Associated Press In recent weeks, Dylann CHARLESTON, S.C. — Storm Roof reconnected A white man who joined a with a childhood buddy he hadn’t seen in fi ve prayer meeting inside a his- years and started railing toric black church and then about the Trayvon Martin fatally shot nine people was case, about black people captured without resistance “taking over the world” Thursday after an all-night and about the need for manhunt, Charleston’s someone to do some- police chief said. thing about it for the sake Dylann Storm Roof, of “the white race,” the 21, spent nearly an hour friend said Thursday. On inside the church Wednes- Thursday, Roof, 21, was arrested in the shooting day night before killing six deaths of nine people women and three men, including the pastor, Chief during a prayer meet- Jonathan Ryan asks Gorman & Company representatives why they won’t buy out residents instead of ing at a historic black building new apartments. The community meeting Thursday at Gregory Elementary School was called to Greg Mullen said. A citizen church in Charleston — an discuss the potential South New Towne Drive housing development in Rockford. MAX GERSH/RRSTAR.COM spotted his car in Shelby, attack decried by stunned North Carolina, nearly four community leaders and hours away. politicians as a hate The chief wouldn’t dis- crime. A3 cuss a motive. Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. Tempers fl are over called it “pure, pure con- LOCAL centrated evil.” Stunned community leaders and politicians condemned the Bishop praises attack on The Emanuel pope’s encyclical African Methodist Episco- pal Church, and Attorney Rockford Bishop David a! ordable housing General Loretta Lynch said Malloy “was very, very the Justice Department gratifi ed by the encyclical” combative crowd about R o c k f o r d H o u s i n g of Pope Francis released Proposal on the board to relocate some has begun a hate crime the proposal, which his Authority complex on Thursday. The 180-page Fairgrounds families to New Towne Drive investigation. document challenges the company submitted to the the southeast side that President Barack Obama, world to stop pollution, to city Thursday. Gorman helped redevelop who personally knew the recycle and carpool, and By Lindsey Holden apartments at Fair- Rockford Community into 38 units of support- slain pastor, state Sen. to do without air condi- and Isaac Guerrero grounds Valley, a public Development Director ive housing for disabled Clementa Pinckney, said tioning — and makes it Rockford Register Star housing complex on the Todd Cagnoni said he people. these shootings have to a moral imperative to do west side. Gorman will and his sta! will take the The fi rm’s representa- stop. so. A4 ROCKFORD — An own and manage the next several days to read tives hoped the meeting “At some point, we as a Rockford native overfl ow crowd of neigh- units, and 88 percent the plan before making would allow them to more country will have to reckon borhood residents packed would be set aside for it available to the public. fully explain the pro- with the fact that this type has new TV show Gregory Elementary low-income residents. Gorman’s zoning applica- posal, but some audience of mass violence does not Rockford native Nata- School and blasted a plan The meeting comes weeks tion will be posted on the members barely allowed happen in other advanced sha Leggero has a new Thursday to build a! ord- after nearby residents city’s website early next them to complete their countries,” Obama said. scripted series, “Another able housing on the city’s began voicing opposition week, he said. presentation. Attendees Pinckney, 41, was a mar- Period,” on Comedy Cen- east side. to the plan; thousands Blakeley touted the alternately waved and ried father of two who spent tral. The show satirizes Hundreds of people of residents have signed success that Gorman has fanned themselves with 19 years in the South Caro- the self-indulgence of filled the school gym to paper and online petitions had with similar projects anti-RHA signs, with lina legislature. He became reality-television stars but sound off on a proposal opposing it. is set in turn-of-the-cen- in cities like Milwau- many interrupting speak- by Gorman & Company Gorman Illinois Market SEE SHOOTING, A7 tury Rhode Island. A4 kee, where low-income ers by yelling such things and the Rockford Hous- President André Blakley residents call multiple as “Why don’t you put (the ing Authority to build stood in a stu! y gym with- Gorman developments housing) in your neigh- Inside 65 units on South New out air conditioning and home. He also talked borhood?” At one point, ADVICE Towne Drive. did his best to address a about Jane Addams Park Rockford honors nine killed The units would replace sometimes-testy and Apartments, a former SEE HOUSING, A8 in shooting at South Caro- lina church. A7 Questions for dominating pal ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT A friend of movie-goer’s seems skittish on taking in fi lms out of her comfort zone. Annie’s Mailbox Comcast ordered to ID commenter on Freeport story wonders if more is going By Karen Patterson anonymous Comcast Inter- commenter “Fuboy,” said he he has of Empire (Elemen- are an increasing source on beneath her surface. Rockford Register Star net subscriber plans to ask and his client have 90 days tary School) from his front of concern. Don Craven, B9 the nation’s highest court to to make a fi nal decision. door.” an attorney for the Illinois FREEPORT — Ste- hear his case in the wake of The comment was posted The comment was an Press Association, said the Classifi ed ...B5-12 Lottery ...... A2 phenson County Board the Illinois Supreme Court on a December 2011 article apparent reference to decision should make clear Comics ...... B10 Opinion ...... A11 Deaths ...... A6-7 Sports ...... B1-4 Chairman Bill Hadley’s libel ruling Thursday that the on The Journal-Standard former Penn State football that this state, at least, will Local...... A2,4-12 U.S./World ...... A3 lawsuit against an anony- subscriber’s identity must website about Hadley’s coach Jerry Sandusky, who not tolerate such attempts mous commenter might be revealed, affirming a decision to run for the was convicted in 2012 of at defamation. make it to the U.S. Supreme lower court’s decision. County Board: “Hadley is child sex abuse. “There are folks who Court. Freeport attorney Robert a Sandusky waiting to be These types of potentially An attorney for the Fagan, who represents exposed. Check out the view libelous online comments SEE COURT, A10 A8 ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR Friday, June 19, 2015

city o" cials said. The City her neighbors conducted HOUSING Council will have the ﬁ nal themselves at the meeting. From Page A1 say on the plan. She believes the petition "I’m very proud of the circulated by Terry Siebert audience members began fact that we’re taking this spread misinformation chanting "We don’t want issue on and dealing with and fueled the neighbors’ it" over and over again. very tough issues that are anger. Blakley and Gorman embedded in the failed “If not here, where? representatives read audi- history of public housing," Where do we put them?” ence questions and tried to Morrissey said. "We have to she said. “I think what’s answer them, but at times be fair to this surrounding behind all (the anger) is they had to fend o! attend- neighborhood. We have to racism, but nobody wants ees who yelled at them be fair to Fairgrounds and to talk about that. That and grabbed microphones the neighborhood sur- never came up tonight and from speakers. Gorman rounding Fairgrounds. We never does.” representatives said good can’t accept the status quo. Deryk Hayes, a com- management at the New We have to treat everybody munity development and Towne site would prevent fairly ... and make sure human services manager crime from affecting the every part of the city has the for the RHA, pushed back surrounding neighborhood. chance to prosper." at comments that were Many asked why the pro- But it was anger and critical of public housing posal needs to be as large as frustration, not pride, residents. it is. Gorman o" cials said that emerged. Jonathan “Members of the South the development must con- Ryan, who lives near New New Towne community, tain 60 to 70 units to justify Towne Drive, received loud they really didn’t come to the company’s employment applause when he stepped listen to what Gorman has of a full-time, on-site prop- to the mic and offered to say,” Hayes said. “They erty manager. Blakely an alternative didn’t show any type of "We hold people account- plan: “Why don’t you just compassion or any kind of able," said Jim Busse, buy all of our homes in the community. ... If you would Gorman’s regional man- neighborhood for $105,000 get to know about 95 to 96 ager. "We hold households each.” percent of residents who accountable ... (low-income Valerie Goodman said the live in public housing, most housing residents) want the new development would be of them are hard-working, same environment as you right across the street from most of them want to take do." her house. She said “it’s care of their children, most not fair” to people living of them want to live in a Next steps in the surrounding neigh- safe place.” Gorman ultimately needs borhood. She is in favor of Blakley said he “wasn’t City Council approval for giving residents more Sec- completely surprised,” by its zoning request, and that tion 8 vouchers, which can the reaction and Gorman decision won’t come until be used to help pay for rent will accept the outcome of later this summer, said in market-rate apartments. the application process. Mayor Larry Morrissey, who “You’re putting what, 400, “We still have some work was met with jeers and boos 500 people on a little piece to do to hear one another,” as he stepped to the micro- of land?” she asked. “It’s like he said. “It’s one thing to phone. First, city staffers a concentration camp. Are develop fears, and in some will review Gorman’s they supposed to stay in this ways the concerns are rea- proposal and issue a recom- little park? Are (kids) going sonable concerns. The only mendation for approval or to run through my yard and thing we hope for is that denial. The Zoning Board of play in my yard?” those fears and concerns Appeals then will consider are based on fact.” the plan and cast a vote to Some support recommend approval or Not everyone expressed —Lindsey Holden: 815- denial. The ZBA meeting opposition to the plan. 987-1339; lholden@rrstar. — the panel usually meets Former Rockford School com; @lindseyholden27 at City Hall — is likely to District teacher Mary Jo Isaac Guerrero: 815-987- convene at a larger venue Powers was “so embar- 1361; iguerrero@rrstar. to accommodate the public, rassed” about the way com; @isaac_rrs A12 ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR Sunday, June 21, 2015

99 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104 | rrstar.com Owned by GateHouse Media Editorial Board Paul Gaier ...... Publisher Mark Baldwin ...... Executive editor Wally Haas ...... Opinion editor Other members Anna Derocher, managing editor; Chuck Sweeny, senior editor; Georgette Braun, columnist; Linda Sandquist and Kristina Reuber, community members.

OUR VIEW Anger and fear acceptable, ugly antics are not he anger, fear complete their presenta- and frustration tion. Many members of T displayed by the audience didn’t seem residents Thursday night to care about the facts toward a plan to build that were presented; they a! ordable housing on were there to say no, no the city’s east side should matter what they heard. have come as no surprise. It’s important to note The major asset most that the proposed devel- people have is their opment is a partnership MY VIEW homes, and any proposal between Gorman, a that could cause that successful private busi- asset to lose value is not ness, and the Rockford going to be welcome. Housing Authority. It’s Expressing that fear is not Gorman’s fault that Join forces as one band, one sound not necessarily “racist” Rockford has high prop- as some have implied, erty taxes and high crime ntuition. Discernment. go of the past and begin to in heart. Also, other although there were hints rates. Gut feeling. Whatever trust each other. organizations that work of racism throughout that Gorman wants to make I we desire to call it, we We witness the division to beautify our city and meeting. money, and the best way all seem to use it when around us and we desire to bring wholesome fun Diminishing assets to do that is to build it comes to understand- unity, but how can we be for the family may raise becomes more of a con- an attractive complex ing the motives of others unifi ed if we don’t come unjustifi ed suspicion cern when people open and make sure that it around us. We’ve all been together as one band, from some of us, in spite their property tax bills is well-managed and around that person who MAURICE A. WEST one sound? We yearn for of their hard work to see and see their tax rates -maintained. asks questions to probe the inclusion of others change within this com- increase while their prop- It’s legitimate to how we are doing in life, and acceptance of di! er- munity. But one thing I erty values decline. question the size and which is admirable, but you read it. In spite of the ent cultures and values, am 100 percent confi dent Adding to the property density of this proposed one would settle on giving negative publicity we’ve but how can we embrace of: If we work together tax bill angst is the fact development, which is them safe answers because seen and heard, we are diversity of race, ideas for a common cause of that the city is consid- being driven by Gorman’s we feel that they may have a great city with a vast and methodologies if we living in a community ered one of the most desire to make a buck insincere motives. amount of potential and cannot join forces as one that is beautiful, nothing dangerous in the coun- (nothing wrong with Are we ever able to let talent that can benefi t us band, one sound? can stop us. Let’s begin to try. Rockford residents that). But to compare our hair down? Are we personally and collectively. I believe that when expect great for ourselves. are freaking out about a housing complex to a ever able to trust beyond If life were a symphony, we come together as a Let’s begin to work crime, which is occur- concentration camp and friends and family? Maybe we would be composing trusting community that together to show each ring in many parts of the to complain about kids life experience has taught decent music as a city. I Rockford could be a Best other what we are able to city, and the police union running through your us to trust no one, or believe we have what it Practice city. In 2013, the do together. No more I-90 seems more concerned yard is just plain silly. outcomes are few so why takes to be great. Analysis team for Trans- Rockford vs. Downtown about what the chief does The debate about what trust the process? But I’m With all of the e! ective form Rockford cited cities Rockford. I’m done with than stopping the next to do with public hous- a fi rm believer that taking initiatives that are doing similar to Rockford and east side vs. west side. We burglar. ing in Rockford is going a leap of faith, and trust- remarkable things and the what those cities are doing are one city. We are one Then you have the to continue all summer. ing again is exactly what community leaders who to thrive. That’s all well band, one sound. So let’s ghost town of a shop- And for many more years. we need as a community. are working diligently and dandy, but I desire to create this masterpiece, ping strip that used to Fairgrounds and the I’ve become heavily within their passions, an see Rockford on a list of together. be home to Circuit City potential move of some involved within our com- array of beautiful tunes is cities that others can study and Pep Boys just up Fairgrounds residents to munity in recent years, being played. But it’s time to become better. I know —Maurice A. West II (@ the street from South South New Towne Drive but lately I recognized a that we become one band, we can do it, but it will not MauriceAWestII) is the New Towne Drive. Those is the focus of the discus- hailing truth: I love the one sound. If we are able happen if we are not in director of Career Services empty stores are not sion, but we’re going to city of Rockford. I know to come together for a uni- one accord. at Rockford University doing the neighborhood have to go through this that I’m not alone in this fi ed cause, then the music Some of us are still and a board member for any favors. process as other housing fact and I’m confi dent that can come from this skeptical of initiatives that the Winnebago/Boone So when “The City,” in developments are torn that many of you nod your city will sound so majes- have the best interest of Counties Community the minds of New Towne- down and their residents head in agreement when tic! However, we must let the Rockford community Action Agency. area residents, comes in are relocated. with a plan to build up There’s no ques- to 70 apartments, most tion that the status LETTERS TO EDITOR of them fi lled by low- quo is unacceptable. Raising taxes is not having one of the most shoot itself (and by exten- changes in the Sheri! ’s income residents from Public housing across punitive tax positions sion, the rest of us) in the Department that should Fairgrounds Valley Hous- the country has been a the solution in the country, coupled foot before they realize have happened years ing Development, which failure because it con- I read the article in the with mindless spending, that punitive measures ago. The county is now has had more than its fair centrated poor people June 10 Rockford Register Illinois is losing citizens in do not attract people and working with the city of share of crime, it’s easy to into projects, and those Star on raising taxes with droves. The largest ben- money? They repel them. Rockford as partners, not understand why people projects became breeding much dismay. How is it efi ciary of that egress is I suggest these “experts” separate municipalities. are worried. grounds for drugs, crime that liberals fi nd the solu- Indiana, which is thriving take a look at what other, With crime rates at an all- Yet that does not justify and poverty. tion to every problem in on much lower tax rates, more successful states are time high in Winnebago the behavior of some of The projects need raising taxes? Do they not a more friendly busi- doing and emulate them. County and Rockford, we the hundreds of people to be dismantled, and know that money is not ness climate and a more need a good man in the who packed the Gregory studies have shown that manna from heaven? Are equitable legal system. Dave Willis, sheri! ’s o" ce, and Gary Elementary School gym. low-income residents they completely oblivious Other states such as Texas Rockford Caruana is that man. It was not Rockford’s have a better chance of to the fact that some- and Wisconsin also enjoy Keep up the good work proudest moment. It was succeeding if they get one must fi rst earn that sizable migrations from Gary, and thanks for all ugly, with tempers fl aring housing in mixed-income money, then be subjected Illinois in people who take Sheri! Caruana you have done to make and sometimes rude and neighborhoods. to governmental confi s- their earnings and tax doing good work Winnebago County a intimidating behavior. We want all our resi- cation of much of those payments with them. I would like to thank better place to live. Listening to oppos- dents to succeed and to earnings in order to pro- How many times must ing points of view, no have a better life. Some Gary Caruana for a job vide those tax payments? the liberal Democratic well done. Gary has made Tom Strickland, matter how disagree- need more help than Currently, because of leadership in our state Machesney Park able to your own, is one others, another point that of the requirements got lost Thursday. of democracy. There Earlier this month we TRANSFORM ROCKFORD wasn’t enough listening wrote that public housing Thursday. Gorman & is what the community Volunteer spotlight: Jim Pirages Company representatives makes it. So what will it were barely allowed to be, Rockford? Age: 59 co-lead change and positive energy Occupation/profession: TRANSFORM Quote: “Pursue excellence that has been prompted by Attorney, and accountability of self and the Transform Rockford Hinshaw & ROCKFORD others by not shifting blame movement. rrstar.com/opinion Culbertson or taking improper credit.” In 2025 I hope that ... Check out the latest blogs from our reporters and edi- LLP Rockford resident for 59 What are some recent Rockford is regarded by tors. Read editorials, letters to the editor, guest columns In Rock- years signs of progress in the Rock both its citizens and visi- and check out the latest local and national cartoons. Take f o r d a r e a Transform Rockford River Valley? The commu- tors as a safe and welcoming a look at the latest polls and how you voted on issues. since: involvement: Safety Segment nity engagement, thirst for community. A12 ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR Sunday, June 28, 2015

99 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104 | rrstar.com Owned by GateHouse Media

Editorial Board Paul Gaier ...... Publisher Mark Baldwin ...... Executive editor Wally Haas ...... Opinion editor Other members Anna Derocher, managing editor; Chuck Sweeny, senior editor; Georgette Braun, columnist; Linda Sandquist and Kristina Reuber, community members.

MY VIEW Let us show that love truly wins he news came on my car radio. T Supreme Court ruling: Gay marriage legal in all 50 states. I cried. The ruling may not directly a! ect me, a hetero married woman, KELLY EPPERSON but yet it does a! ect me. SIMMONS Deeply. Goose bumps. Tears of joy. Break out the see between the legs, you MY VIEW bubbly! It’s a historic cannot tell if that baby is moment. Let the cel- male or female. Except ebration rage on. And for that one small area, more importantly, let the facial features and there be a real change in body parts of a human boy baby look like a Rockford housing debate how people are treated, in the fl esh, in daily life, human girl baby. The not just on paper. pink headband industry Let us, we the people, wouldn’t exist if this truly show that love were not so. needs more facts, less noise wins. It’s no secret that When you look at the some hotels, restaurants face of a crinkled old he debate over We need better than that involved and never provide and hospitals treat gay person at the end of Gorman & Com- from our public o" cials. the big picture. people di! erently. It’s no their days, many elderly T pany’s emerging Next time, stick to what Next time, start by secret that some people, people have gone back to plan to develop a! ordable you can prove. meeting with small groups in general, treat gay the unisex look of birth. housing on a site o! South The full County Board of people. Talk to them in people di! erently. We come and go from New Towne Drive in east joined the misinformation plain English. Ask them This ruling gives me this physical plane with Rockford isn’t likely to end machine when it passed a for stories of their neigh- hope that a shift is hap- no regard to what sex we anytime soon. MARK BALDWIN resolution stating its oppo- borhood. Paint the big pening. That the words are. Amid the noise, I’ve sition to the "Rockford picture. Share with them of love posted all over My love for my hus- detected four broad Housing Authority's plan the stories of the people social media will be a band goes deeper than concerns surrounding the other guy speak, some- to develop a 70-unit public you’re trying to help. You’ll way of life. My wish is our physical attraction, importance of civility in thing that didn’t happen housing development on likely get better results. that we give all love pure our boy or girlness. I public dialogue, the spread at the June 18 forum at South New Towne Drive." The broad consensus in acceptance in every way. love him to the very core of misinformation, poor Gregory School, where Wrong-o. Rockford and elsewhere My gay friends don’t of him, and at our core, public communication and opponents of Gorman’s Gorman is the devel- is that 1960s-era hous- openly show a! ec- we are all genderless. the need for change. Some plan shouted down those oper, not RHA. Then ing programs have failed. tion like my husband As much as I love his thoughts: trying to explain the again, what's a little dema- Instead of providing a and I do. It’s ingrained outside, I love his insides Civility doesn’t require proposal. goguery among friends? temporary solution for in them that two gals more. I love who he is, that we join hands and Manners, people. True, some residents of struggling families, they’ve holding hands or two and that has nothing to sing “Kumbaya.” Productive civic dia- RHA's Fairgrounds Valley become a way of life, and guys kissing in public do with what pronoun We Americans have logue also requires you to complex may decide to that’s not healthy for might make people we give. a long history of vigor- be open to changing your move to the Gorman anyone. “uncomfortable.” One We all come from ous, sometimes raucous, mind in the face of new development on New Things must change. summer, my beloved and divine source, and in debate over political and evidence. That goes for Towne Drive, but it's Gor- That’s not negotiable for I were hiking through that “place,” there is no social issues. The coun- those on both sides of the man's baby. the residents of Fair- the arboretum and two gender. There is no color. try emerged from such issue. Demand more infor- Inept is the kindest way grounds Valley or New women emerged from There is no religion. debates — the founding mation. Pound the table. to describe the public Towne Drive, for the RHA the woodsy trail. They There are no parameters fathers were tough, smart But be willing to change communication surround- or Gorman brass, or for quickly dropped hands or any kind of defi ning and adept at weaponizing your mind as new facts ing the New Towne plan. members of the City Coun- when they saw us. It di! erentiator. We are their words. emerge. That’s how democ- The people in charge long cil and County Board. made me sad. I can hold all one. As humans, we (These days, whenever racy works at its best. ago ditched plain English Confronted by inevitable hands anywhere with fall in love. As humans, someone laments the Misinformation has for the esoteric nomen- change, all of the stake- my partner and no one we label. As humans, we state of political dialogue, shrouded the housing clature of the government holders have a choice. bats an eye. You can kiss judge. local or national, I like debate. A notable example housing bureaucracy. They You can embrace and your dog on the lips and May this ruling be an to refer them to David is the whisper campaign may as well try Latin. help shape the changes no one judges, but two indication that we can McCullough’s great biogra- in some quarters sug- It doesn’t work. You’re needed to improve the way chicks holding hands or let go of the latter and phy of John Adams. There, gesting that the fi x was not talking to wonks. our community provides a guy kissing a guy, that focus on the former, love. you learn that perhaps the in for Gorman — that the The stakeholders on all a! ordable housing to still makes some squirm. Love is love is love is dirtiest campaign of all company was granted sides converse in English those in need. When all people can love. was waged by the secular the right to turn the old vernacular. That’s how you Or you can fi ght a kiss their sweetie and not We are souls on a jour- saint Thomas Je! erson Ziock factory into a hotel need to talk, too, if you delaying action that will worry about a reaction ney. We came from love. against Adams in the elec- in exchange for taking on want anyone to listen. ultimately prove futile. from those around them, We return to love. Let us tion of 1800. The kindest Rockford’s housing chal- A further communi- But you can’t block it. that will be true equality. be love while we are here things said about Adams lenges. It’s a charge that’s cation problem: The Because, as Sam Cooke We are on the way. Love in the middle. Let us were that he was fat and been made publicly by at explanations provided sang, “change is gonna is love is love is love. show, day in and day out, bald. But I digress.) least one County Board by Gorman and its RHA come.” Skirts or trousers do not that love wins. No, civility isn’t so much member. allies don’t just get into the factor into any equation. about feelings. It’s about There’s not a shred of weeds. They start in the —Mark Baldwin is Human marries — Kelly Epperson Sim- how you use two tools. evidence of a quid pro quo, root system or below, in a executive editor of the human. End of story. mons of Loves Park is One is the ability to of course, but who cares muddy mess of acronyms Rockford Register Star. I may be oversim- an author and freelance listen — really listen — to about facts when you’re an and initials. The expla- His email address is plifying, but look at a writer. kellyepperson. points of view opposed to ambitious young o" ce- nations never rise to the [email protected]. newborn. If you don’t com. your own. That, of course, holder with a Facebook 30,000-foot level, never Follow him on Twitter at requires you to let the account? explain the principles @markfbaldwin. rrstar.com/opinion LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Check out the latest blogs from our reporters and editors. Read editorials, letters to the editor, guest West View excited square-foot addition has Goodbye, gymacafetorium. you to our school com- columns and check out the latest local and national begun. How will it feel for our munity, our community cartoons. Take a look at the latest polls and how you about remodeling We’re giddy here with students to experience partners and taxpayers for voted on issues. I look out my window the thought of a new art these new areas of the your trust and support. at West View Elementary room, a new music room building? Delightful, won- Be proud, Rockford, School, and what looks and three new kindergar- derful, exciting, I imagine. for investing in a fi eld of First Amendment like a sea of destruction ten classrooms with their As the principal of potential — our children really is a fi eld of poten- own bathrooms. We also West View, I’m fortunate — and thereby improving Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise tial. There are a multitude will have a new gymna- to be in a position to see the quality of their lives. thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the of soil colors and more sium, where the fl oor will an entire neighborhood press; or the right of the people peaceably to assem- types of gravel than I ever not contain food or drink transformed by a project Veronica “Ronnie” Bazan ble, and to petition the Government for a redress of knew existed. West View’s remnants of that day’s that will positively a! ect West View Elementary grievances. remodeling and 18,000 lunches and breakfasts. so many citizens. Thank School ■ ROCKFORD KIDS WRITE TO VETS, A3 A SALUTE TO VETERANS ■ AUTO PLANT HELPS DISABLED VETS, A5 !ank you for your service | Veterans Day 2015 ■ VETERANS BY THE NUMBERS, A17 Rockford Register Star

Newspaper of the Rock River Valley

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 rrstar.com Volume 160, Number 315 $1.00

TODAY THU FRI LEGISLATURE BUDGET IMPASSE

61°/43° 52°/32° 44°/25° Complete forecast, A2 Rauner o! ers compromise NATION/WORLD By John O’Connor with legislative Democrats winners. It would release $1.9 billion to suggest adding money for The Associated Press for a second day on Tuesday, A memo released Tuesday in money collected through safety and other programs. Bush seeks to regain this time reversing his posi- from Rauner’s deputy chief of motor fuel tax to cities, “To further strengthen the footing in debate SPRINGFIELD — Repub- tion on a measure to free up sta! Richard Goldberg indi- wireless phone taxes to emer- progress made over the last A feisty Jeb Bush sought to lican Gov. Bruce Rauner already-collected tax dollars cates the fi rst-year governor gency-dispatch centers, lottery few days, legislators can — and regain his footing in Tues- positioned himself as fl exible for distribution to cities for will support the legislation fund money to winners, and day’s Republican presidential in an 18-week budget stando! emergency services and lottery the House plans to consider. more. Rauner went so far as SEE BUDGET, A12 debate, taking advantage of a policy-focused debate to detail positions on the PUBLIC FORUM economy and immigration COMMUNITY while casting himself as the strongest general election opponent. A16 Event LOCAL produces 20 years in housing Rockford for NIU Northern Illinois University celebrated the 20th anniver- dialogue sary of its Rockford satellite By Lindsey Holden center with public tours of a Sta! writer business incubator serving entrepreneurs through inno- ROCKFORD — Com- vation and collaboration. A3 munity leaders at an affordable housing dia- FOOD logue Tuesday admitted to communication failures but remained committed to This could work finding solutions for low- on Thanksgiving income residents. Looking for the perfect Rockford has been roiled Thanksgiving side dish? Try by the divisive issue since this Spinach and Gruyere June, when Gorman & Gratin from the editors of Company unveiled plans Relish Magazine. A14 to develop an affordable housing complex on South SPORTS New Towne Drive on the city’s east side. Many of the units would serve as feder- Team to rebuild ally subsidized replacement around Cutler housing for residents of Fairgrounds Valley, a Rock- The Bears’ rebuilding plan ford Housing Authority has a long way to go. But make no mistake, Hub public housing complex on Arkush writes, the team is the city’s west side. The proposed location of a Hospice House for veterans in Pecatonica is this restored Victorian home at The fi rst session of the two- going to be rebuilt around 608 Main St. HANNAH BALDWIN/CORRESPONDENT/RRSTAR.COM QB Jay Cutler. B1 night roundtable discussion — hosted by the Register Star — drew about 75 residents to Midway Village Museum, ‘A place of dignity and respect’ where they heard community leaders and stakeholders end-of-life care for termi- engage in a series of conver- nally ill patients. Hospice for vets proposed in Pecatonica sations about topics ranging Hospice House in Peca- from housing policy to com- By Hannah Baldwin considering a request for which the hospice would tonica would focus on munity development to the Correspondent a special use permit that operate. treating veterans, whose future of the proposed New would allow the hospice Marty Johnson, who needs at the end of their Towne complex. PECATONICA — A to operate in a restored owns the house, has been lives may be affected by Participants included 1 24 - y e a r - o l d h o u s e Victorian home at 608 a hospice nurse for 15 their experiences during Christine Klep- with a history of serving Main St. No one opposed years. She founded Hos- military service. There per, executive director of military members may the request during a Vil- pice Care for America in are 21,278 veterans in Chicago-based Housing become a hospice house lage Board meeting last Rockford in 2004 and Winnebago County, for veterans. week, but trustees did dis- has long wanted to open Choice Partners; Sunil Puri, The Village Board is cuss the conditions under a hospice house to provide SEE VETS, A4 SEE HOUSING, A11

ANTONIO LITTLE Rockford YMCA works to keep his memory alive Comics ...... B8 Lottery ...... A2 Deaths ...... A6-8 Opinion ...... A17 Local...... A3-8 Sports ...... B1-4 By Je! Kolkey in honor of fellow staffer Little, a Northern Illinois the Rock River Valley as a communities, YMCA CEO Business ...... A5 U.S./World ....A16 Sta! writer Antonio Little, 24, who was University student who was youth program coordinator. and President Mike Brown found June 23 drowned in a class credit shy of gradua- He had a gift for connect- said. ROCKFORD — YMCA the Rock River after he had tion, was renowned among ing with teens, encouraging But in a tragedy, it’s easy staff gathered Tuesday to been reported missing over those who knew him for them to work hard in school announce a new scholarship the Memorial Day weekend. his work with the YMCA of and give back to their SEE LITTLE, A10 Wednesday, November 11, 2015 ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR A11

“We shouldn’t condemn put our community in a box,” wished both sides of the New HOUSING ourselves to repeating the Chiarelli said. “It created a Towne issue had been better From Page A1 same mistakes we may have monster that didn’t need to informed, so Fairgrounds made over the past year,” Mor- be created.” residents could have avoided president of First Midwest rissey said. Blakley disagreed with being “blindsided” by upset Group; Mayor Larry Mor- Morrissey also said some of Chiarelli’s remarks east side residents. rissey; Ald. Joe Chiarelli, Rockford is bound by U.S. regarding alleged commu- Life at the public hous- R-14; André Blakley, Gor- Department of Housing and nication problems. He said ing comple x can be man’s Illinois market Urban Development and Gorman had been a good “unpredictable,” said Whit- president and Sesheta Whit- Illinois Housing Develop- guest in Rockford, but that tier, a stay-at-home mother tier, a Fairgrounds resident. ment Authority regulations, “reactive” tendencies on the of four who is working Participants didn’t agree which require new a! ordable part of residents and leaders toward an associate’s degree entirely on the best way housing to be built in spe- had made productive discus- at Rock Valley College. Even Rockford should proceed cifi c “opportunity areas” with sions difficult. Blakley said so, she wants people to see with its mission to rede- specifi c racial and economic Gorman will continue to push residents as “regular, normal velop 1,100 units of its aging makeups. He said other com- for the development, which he people trying to make the public housing. Klepper said munities in the region, such called “something I’m person- best of what we have,” instead Gorman and RHA’s three- as Roscoe and Rockton, will ally passionate about.” of lazy or entitled government pronged approach — which eventually have to shoulder Whittier appreciated the dependents. will include the New Towne some amount of the low- controlled tone of the night’s “We’re not monsters in the complex, scattered-site units income housing burden. dialogue, which she regarded closet coming to wreak havoc,” around the city and redevel- Scott Abbott, director of as a stark contrast to the she said. oped housing on the current Together Rockford, a commu- anger-fueled informational Fairgrounds site — is in keep- nity organization that opposes meeting Gorman held in —Lindsey Holden: 815- ing with current approaches the New Towne development, June at Gregory Elemen- 987-1339; lholden@rrstar. to revamping public housing. asked Morrissey why Gorman tary School. She said she com; @lindseyholden27 She cited a! ordable housing continues to cling to the New developments located near Towne site, despite the com- more affluent communities plaints of residents. in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, “Why can’t we visit some- and Yonkers, New York, as thing else instead of going all examples of similar complexes or nothing?” Abbott asked. done right. Chiarelli, who represents “Lots of communities are the New Towne area, said struggling with affordable the uproar surrounding the housing,” Klepper said. development affected him Puri cited Forest Glen, on a personal level. Com- a 140-unit apartment complex munication issues between near McFarland Road and aldermen, Gorman and area East Riverside Boulevard, as residents created a climate of an example of how he’d build “fear, anxiety, confusion and a! ordable housing. Fifty-six anger,” he said. of the development’s units are “This housing issue has set aside for income-restricted renters, which Puri said rep- resented a mix he’d support. Forty-three of the 49 units Gorman plans to construct at the New Towne site would be set aside as federally-subsidized housing for current Fairgrounds residents. Communication was a key topic during the interview and question-and-answer sessions. Morrissey and Chi- arelli both said they wished talks regarding affordable housing on the New Towne site had been planned better since the project was first fl oated in January as part of RHA’s Choice Neighborhoods proposal. TODAY FRI SAT

MAN SHOT, READY 51°/33° 46°/26° 54°/38° BEATEN ON TO CLAIM Complete forecast, A2 Act to preserve EAST STATE A TITLE U of I prestige LOCAL&STATE, PAGE A3 SPORTS, PAGE B1 OPINON, PAGE A13 Rockford Register Star

Newspaper of the Rock River Valley

Thursday, November 12, 2015 rrstar.com Volume 160, Number 316 $1.00

CRIME KYRIAN KNOX CASE NATION/WORLD

Remembering on Veterans Day Police seek person of interest Ninety-seven years ago, an armistice ended World By Chris Green The person’s name is being Anthony Guglielmi. phone calls for comment to Harris, 40, of Rockford, War I, which was then the Sta! writer withheld. Kyrian’s mother, Lanisha the Register Star. while Lanisha Knox was greatest confl ict the world “I don’t know if he has a Knox, told Register Star Kyrian was last seen in moving. Harris was arrested had ever seen. Armistice ROCKFORD — Chicago residence in Rockford, but media partner WREX TV mid- to late August in Rock- the day of or shortly after Day became Veterans police said Wednesday a he has some type of pres- Wednesday, “Justice will ford but was not reported Kyrian was reported miss- Day in the 1950s and now person of interest in the ence in Rockford, and he is be served, and whoever did missing until Sept. 17. He ing. He was held in the commemorates the spirit death of 2-year-old Kyrian known to the family,” said this, they are going to jail.” reportedly was in the care of all U.S. military mem- Knox has ties to Rockford. Chicago police spokesman Knox did not return of a family friend, Kamel SEE CASE, A4 bers. A look at how the day was observed across the country. A12 PUBLIC HOUSING LOVES PARK LOCAL Residents Vets protest at high school discuss About 150 veterans and supporters gathered out- issue face side Belvidere High School on Wednesday to protest the school holding classes to face on Veterans Day. A3 By Lindsey Holden Sta! writer BUSINESS ROCKFORD — Carole Cooke lives in a public Belvidere bar housing complex. Scott plans canceled Abbott has raised concerns Plans for an upscale tap about the construction of room on Belvidere’s east new a! ordable housing in side have been canceled. his neighborhood. The two The proposed bar was sat side by side Wednesday the latest venture of Nick night and learned more Fosberg and Derrick Kunz, about each other and what who co-own Rural on Tap has shaped their beliefs in Rockford. A5 about a! ordable housing, Veterans salute as the VFW Post 9759 U.S. Marine Corps League presents the colors Wednesday during a a topic the city has been Veterans Day program at Loves Park City Hall. PHOTOS BY MAX GERSH/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/RRSTAR.COM debating for months. FAITH&FAMILY The two were part of an eight-person roundtable Internet battle made up of Rockford-area over the red cup Tribute to Veterans fi lls City Hall residents from all walks of life, who got the chance to The latest missives in the By Max Gersh Inside talk about a! ordable hous- continuing culture wars Sta! writer ing at a forum organized by have come from di! er- Kids bring USO to life, A4 the Register Star. Some 50 ent sides of Christianity over, of all things, the new LOVES PARK — A people attended the event design of the Starbucks standing-room-only crowd High School's wind ensem- at the Midway Village red cup. A10 packed Loves Park City ble and choir provided Museum. Hall on Wednesday for the music for the program. Rockford has been annual Tribute to Veter- The program concluded embroiled in a sometimes- ans to honor the men and at the Field of Honor with contentious discussion women who have served in a wreath presentation, about the issue since June, the U.S. military. a three-shot rifle volley when Gorman & Company Retired Loves Park Police and the playing of taps unveiled plans to develop an Chief Jim Puckett delivered by Harlem High School a! ordable housing complex the keynote address, shar- students. on South New Towne Drive ing stories from his time in Harlem High School student Emerald Kounthapa- on the city’s east side. Many Vietnam with the Marine —Max Gersh: 815-987- nya plays taps on her trumpet Wednesday during of the units would serve Corps. 1348; mgersh@rrstar. a Veterans Day program at the Field of Honor in as federally subsidized Students from Harlem com; @pd_camerman Loves Park. SEE HOUSING, A8 Nondeployed reservists, guardsmen aren’t ‘vets’ here ’m writing this column This one came from the secretary of state being thinking about that story on Veterans Day, or Roger Bain. Roger and I enabled by the Legislature when he went to renew I Remembrance Day were partners in hijinks to endorse veterans’ driv- his driver’s license, when in the rest of the English- at Auburn High School, a ers licenses with ‘Veteran’ “the pleasant young lady speaking world. And that’s long time ago in a galaxy on them, thus allowing behind the service desk my theme today. far, far away. I hadn’t those who served in our asked, ‘Sir, are you a vet- Local...... A3-10 U.S./World ....A12 Tuesday, I received a heard from him in many armed forces to enjoy eran?’ “ Lottery ...... A2 Opinion ...... A13 letter, yes, a real letter, years. I thought he’d fallen discounts at venues and He said yes, and the Business ...... A5 Sports ...... B1-3 CHUCK SWEENY Deaths ...... A6-7 Classifi ed ....B4-8 written on real, dead tree o! the Earth, and he had, vendors who choose to clerk replied that to get Faith&Family .A10 Comics ...... B6 paper, that came in a real, but only as far as Byron. honor their services by the word “Veteran” on dead tree envelope with anymore, but when I get Bain wrote: “A couple of ‘giving back to those who his drivers license, all he a U.S. stamp on it. That one of these snail mail let- months ago the Register gave.’” doesn’t happen much ters, you can bet I’ll read it! Star ran an article about Bain said he wasn’t SEE SWEENY, A4 A8 ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR Thursday, November 12, 2015 HOUSING From Page A1 replacement housing for residents of Fairgrounds Valley, a Rockford Housing Authority public housing complex on the city’s west side. Participants included Cooke, an RHA scattered- sites resident; Amanda Hamaker of Hamaker Consulting and Rockford Connect; Earl Dotson Jr., chief of communica- Eight panelists participate in a discussion about tions for Rockford Public affordable public housing, moderated by Register Star Schools; Abbott, a direc- Executive Editor Mark Baldwin on Wednesday. tor of Together Rockford, which opposes the New Towne project; Cora Woods, an RHA Jane Addams Park Matthew Simpson addresses Carole Cooke Wednesday as moderator Mark Baldwin Apartments resident; David listens during the second night of a community dialogue on public housing in Rock- Gri! th, a New Towne-area ford. “We can’t paint (each side) with such a broad brush,” Simpson said. PHOTOS BY resident, Matthew Simp- SUNNY STRADER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/RRSTAR.COM son, community impact manager for the United Way of Rock River Valley and Ellie Fashingbauer, a Rockford Lutheran High School senior. Mark Baldwin, the Reg- ister Star’s executive editor, moderated the discussion, which covered everything from perceptions of public housing residents to Carole Cooke speaks about living in public housing. creating welcoming neighborhoods. Not all panelists are “sub-human,” and don’t The two are in favor of agreed on how leaders and see the full picture of what slowing down the project to policymakers should pro- life is like in federally sub- create more time for addi- ceed with the New Towne sidized complexes. tional community input. complex, but all agreed Larry Williams, Free- They say a small group speaking to fellow residents port Housing Authority’s of officials are the only face to face is a good way CEO, asked the roundtable ones making choices about to better understand each if their concerns about the complex. other. a" ordable housing had to “We didn’t get included,” Woods and Cooke both do with their perceptions Abbott said. “That is the said they’d felt the stigma of of residents’ behavior. biggest problem we have being a public housing resi- Gri! th and Abbott, both with this process.” Amanda Hamaker and David Griffith listen to Cora Woods speak during the round- dent. Cooke recalled seeing of whom have opposed After listening to the dis- table discussion at Midway Village. a comment online suggest- Gorman’s New Towne cussion, Hamaker said she ing public housing residents development efforts, said didn’t understand why a “I fundamentally have Interacting with people of hearing the other partici- be corralled behind barbed they don’t dislike Fair- new housing development not heard a case yet for different backgrounds is pants’ perspectives. wire. It hurt her to realize grounds residents; they in the area would cause why it’s actually a bad idea,” the only way to truly see the “It’s very hard to dispar- people thought of her that simply want more of a voice. such an uproar, apart from Hamaker said. world di" erently, Simpson age someone you’ve sat way. “My opinion has never communication issues. Although participants said. down and gotten to know,” “It’s not where you live, been there’s anything wrong There were no forums held had differing opinions, “People have been dis- he said. but how you live,” she said. with the people,” Griffith when Bello Reserve, an Dotson and Simpson said tanced from each other to Even so, she said she said. “There’s something east-side subdivision along the roundtable was useful the extent that it’s hard to —Lindsey Holden: 815- believes many people think wrong with the form and Guilford Road, was built, for promoting discus- see a bridge,” he said. 987-1339; lholden@rrstar. public housing residents the process.” she said. sion and understanding. Dotson said he enjoyed com; @lindseyholden27 Friday, November 13, 2015 ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR A15

LETTERS POLICY Letters to the editor should be 200 words or fewer. All letters are subject to editing for length or clarity. Letters must be original and should be on topics of public interest. Writers are limited to one published letter every 30 days. Letters, guest columns and cartoons must include the writer’s name, address and a daytime phone number for confi rmation. OPINION Email: [email protected] Mail: 99 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104 Fax: 815-987-1365 QUESTIONS? Contact Editor Wally Haas at 815-987-1359 or [email protected] Rockford Register Star MY VIEW 99 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104 | rrstar.com Services that help sexual assault victims in jeopardy Owned by GateHouse Media Editorial Board hat’s at risk if the to provide intervention Despite being the victim of Paul Gaier ...... Publisher Illinois budget and prevention services to a crime, survivors and their Mark Baldwin ...... Executive editor impasse con- survivors of all ages free of families will be left with Wally Haas ...... Opinion editor W tinues? Women, men and charge. Sexual violence is fewer, if any, options. It is not Other members children who experience costly to communities and acceptable to put the issues Anna Derocher, managing editor; Chuck Sweeny, senior a sexual assault and go to to the state. By working of sexual violence and the editor; Georgette Braun, columnist; Linda Sandquist and the emergency room will together with other agencies struggles of child and adult Kristina Reuber, community members. not have a 40-hour trained MAUREEN MOSTACCI and resources, sexual assault survivors back into silence. volunteer advocate to provide victims can heal. What di! erence will it them support and educa- Accessible, focused sexual make if the Illinois state OUR VIEW tion at a much needed time. help them navigate the often assault services help decrease budget impasse continues? The 15,000 hours a year that confusing and scary legal the short and long-term If you care about the health these advocates provide will process. e! ects of sexual violence such of this community that we Community dialogue be gone, and survivors will be What’s at risk? The 20,000 as addictions, depression, live in, work in and enjoy, alone and without support children who received pre- suicide, psychiatric hospi- you understand that the lack too important to be during a very traumatic time vention education last year talizations, inability to work, of a budget that protects in their lives. will not receive it anymore. falling behind in school and all citizens makes a huge What’s at risk? Hundreds Children will not be given legal problems. In addition, di! erence. confi ned to two days of survivors and their sig- the information they need to work is done statewide to Please contact your repre- nifi cant others ages 3 and up recognize dangerous situa- challenge the myths and sentatives and let them know wo days of robust, would have wished. who seek out free counseling tions and to disclose if they change the attitudes, laws that sexual assault survivors respectful dialogue The lesson for us at the from therapists who special- have been victimized. While and processes that keep and their well-being matter about an important Register Star is to identify T ize in sexual assault/abuse perpetrators are wholly survivors silent. Silence only to you. community issue are over. potentially divisive issues and trauma would have responsible for the abuse, it is protects the perpetrators. Let them know that ser- Now what? before they have a chance nowhere to turn during a our responsibility to provide What’s the risk? The vices that help sexual assault The community forums to damage the community traumatic time. While sexual them with education to help budget impasse is making victims, as well as other com- on a! ordable housing and to promote the kind violence is a crime against reduce the risk and let them it di" cult for sexual assault munity services, are valuable organized by the Rockford of dialogue we had this one person it has far reach- know it is OK to tell. centers around Illinois to and need to continue to be Register Star were not week. ing consequences for families These services and others continue doing the critical accessible. meant to create solutions, There are many people and communities. are provided by Rockford work that has been done for The health of our commu- but were structured to to thank for making the What’s at risk? The survi- Sexual Assault Counseling, more than 30 years. Centers nity is in the balance. promote understanding of two evenings a success: vors who seek justice through which is one of 29 member around the state are at risk the issue and of the people ■ David Byrnes, the legal system for the crime centers of the Illinois Coali- of closing, or at the very least —Maureen Mostacci whose lives will be a! ected president of Midway committed against them tion Against Sexual Assault. losing sta! numbers and is executive director of as plans to develop a! ord- Village Museum Center, will not have a free, specially Across the state of Illinois, valuable hours of service that Rockford Sexual Assault able housing throughout for hosting the dialogue. trained legal advocate to the common mission is are a lifeline to survivors. Counseling. Rockford proceed. We hope to partner with The importance of the Midway Village for other conversations on Tuesday important community LETTERS TO ANOTHER VIEW and Wednesday nights conversations. THE EDITOR cannot be overestimated. ■ Clair Lorell, director Participants were grate- of the National Commu- Where’s the outrage ful that their voices were nity and News Literacy on lack of a budget? fi nally being heard in a Roundtables Project, an debate that has divided American Society of News It is well past the time to the community. Editors initiative, who insist that our legislators and People who live in managed the event. governor get together and public housing and ■ Day 1 participants: approve a budget. The su! er- people in the neighbor- Christine Klepper, ing of the elderly, the disabled hood where Gorman & executive director of and the children is real and Company plans to develop Chicago-based Housing shameful. Gov. Bruce Rauner an a! ordable housing Choice Partners; Sunil has to understand that the complex felt that their Puri, president of First state is not a corporation to interests were being Midwest Group; Rockford be run by dictate, since he ignored. Communica- Mayor Larry Morrissey; knows better than all elected tion, or the lack thereof, Ald. Joe Chiarelli, R-14; o" cials. It is time to com- was a consistent theme André Blakley, Gorman’s promise, a word that may be during the discussions. Illinois market president; foreign to one who is used to The Tuesday and Wednes- and SeSheta Whittier, a having yes men all around day conversations did not Fairgrounds resident. him ready to do his bidding make up for that, but it ■ Day 2 participants: without question or concern. did give people a venue to Carole Cooke, Rock- I am no fan of Madigan, but express themselves and ford Housing Authority Rauner is making him look Platonic love should involving their reproductive funding for Planned Par- a chance to refl ect on the scattered-sites resident; like a saint. organs. enthood and other social issue. Amanda Hamaker of The recent spate of com- be emphasized more Our culture today ought services does nothing to The message that we Hamaker Consulting panies moving to Chicago My sister is a social worker to give more credence reduce immorality. But, those heard from just about and Connect Rockford; gives lie to the premise that at a high school in suburban to this beautiful human actions have very real dam- everyone was that if this Earl Dotson Jr., chief of Illinois’ business climate is Chicago, and recently there relationship. aging e! ects on peoples’ lives kind of discussion had communications for the toxic. The budget must not have been front-page reports and health. occurred six months ago, Rockford Public Schools; be held hostage to Rauner’s about how the girls at the Alice Kaczmarek, The real point of Repub- the issue might not have Scott Abbott, a director of desires to revamp the way school are protesting having Rockford licans’ sanctimonious been as contentious. Together Rockford; Cora unions operate and the to share their gym locker posturing is that it whips A public meeting in Woods, an RHA Jane perks and reforms needed to rooms and shower areas War on ‘immorality’ up enough support from its June at Gregory School Addams Park Apartments attract companies to Illinois. with transgender individuals, conservative, religious base was ugly, with tempers resident; David Gri" th, a Reforms may be needed, some of whom have not yet damages lives so they can carry out the real fl aring and sometimes New Towne-area resident; but they can and should be had the necessary surgery. Planned Parenthood is business of the Republican rude and intimidating Matthew Simpson, com- discussed and agreed to in The discussion appears to the target in fashion to be party, which is giving tax behavior on display. Hun- munity impact manager a separate venue from the be centered around what attacked as a symbol of breaks to billionaires and dreds of residents from for the United Way of budget. to do — construct separate alleged “liberal immoral- otherwise doing the bid- the New Towne area were Rock River Valley; and Rauner’s intractability is showers for the transgender ity.” Change its name to ding of those in control of crammed into a hot gym Ellie Fashingbauer, a causing the already burgeon- people or force the girls to “Women’s Health Services” corporate America. Many where they heard about Rockford Lutheran High ing defi cit to increase daily. accept this new cultural and much of Republicans’ Republicans simply don’t the Gorman plan as if it School senior. Legislators must begin the trend? vitriol would go away. care how many people they were a done deal, which ■ The audience. They process of standing up to When I taught, almost Sometimes Republicans go hurt in their ruthless pursuit no one appreciated. were not merely specta- Rauner’s dictates by insisting every year a senior varsity after abortion more directly. of political power. The reaction was pre- tors, but were engaged the governor and legisla- football player would talk to Last campaign season, the Liberals are usually more dictable, although that in the conversation, ture agree on a budget. It is me after class about whether target was contraceptives concerned about the immo- does not excuse how some asking good questions foolhardy to hold the most he might be homosexual in Obamacare. Other past rality of some National Rifl e behaved that night and and providing thoughtful vulnerable among us hostage because he really, really liked targets have included gay Association actions, reck- the outrageous posts that comment. to this stalemate. Legisla- his fellow team members. Of marriage, gays or women in less military policy, political have permeated social We hope that Tuesday tors and governor, do what course, I could not answer the military, “welfare queens” corruption, distorted news media since. and Wednesday were just you were elected to do and him. Instead, I usually gave and fl ag-burning. reporting, pollution and The lesson for elected the beginning of a new govern. Pass a budget now. him a brief explanation of This Republican war on denying people health care. and appointed o" cials way for dealing with chal- what platonic love is. Yes, “immorality” is completely is that Rockford resi- lenging issues. There are Jo Minor, males and females may ine! ectual, in that prohibit- Mark Holmboe, Rockford dents want to be heard. sure to be more contro- love one another without ing gay marriage or cutting Rockford Their concerns should be versies. How we address validated even if the fi nal them will determine our outcome is not what they future. DOONESBURY CLASSIC By Garry Trudeau Original strips appeared in 1981 rrstar.com/opinion Check out the latest blogs from our reporters and editors. Read editorials, letters to the editor, guest columns and check out the latest local and national cartoons. Take a look at the latest polls and how you voted on issues.

First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.