State senator: Explore selling U.S. Cellular Field

Illinois' ownership of U.S. Cellular Field should be re-examined as part of a plan to help solve the state's budget problems by selling surplus property, according to a legislator seeking re-election.

Democratic state Sen. Michael Bond made the suggestion about the state-owned home of the Chicago White Sox in response to a Daily Herald candidate questionnaire.

When asked what should be done to solve the Illinois' budget crisis, Bond replied that one avenue the state should explore is selling surplus property at fair-market prices. In some cases, he said, a property sale would bring a financial return to the state and eliminate budget expenses.

"We should ... re-examine the ownership stake that the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority has in U.S. Cellular Field," said Bond, 40, of Grayslake.

Bond separately added that a partial sale could be worth investigating to make sure the state is receiving a fair return on the stadium investment. He said "at the very least" a renegotiation of lease terms with the White Sox should be explored.

U.S. Cellular Field is owned and operated by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. The authority was funded in 2009 mostly by $33.4 million in hotel taxes, along with $2.7 million from the White Sox.

Bond is facing Republican Suzi Schmidt, the Lake County Board's chairwoman, in the Nov. 2 election. The 31st District Senate seat they are seeking covers nearly all of northern Lake County.

Bond and Schmidt said they don't support tax hikes to boost the budget, but offered different solutions.

Schmidt, 59, of Lake Villa, said money could be saved by eliminating the lieutenant governor's job and streamlining the treasurer's and comptroller's offices.

She also suggests eliminating programs and departments that are unnecessary to the state's constitutional requirements.

"The state needs to cut spending before any (tax) increase is discussed," Schmidt said.

Bond was elected to his first four-year term in 2006, defeating Republican Warren Township Supervisor Suzanne Simpson.