Voters must act to rebuild state reputation

Yes, We’ve had our “bananas.”

There’s been lots of talk about the relative importance in the selection of “second banana,” the Illinois governor’s running mate. But frankly speaking, I believe all that talk is of little or no consequence, or interest, to the scores of citizens of Illinois that I know who, like myself, care far more about who is chosen as the guy at the top.

What Illinois needs is credible, powerful, leadership experience at the governor’s level. Most Illinoisans are thoroughly disgusted with having to witness this constant “politics as usual” gamesmanship as it’s been played out for generations here in the financially — and politically — bankrupt state of Illinois.

We are faced with huge financial problems and significant decisions have to be made, and made now, before we become a totally debt-ridden state that no business or industry, foreign or domestic, will consider pursuing as an investment.

The changes we must have will have to come about as a direct outcome of this 2014 election. No “second banana” is going to make those changes that are required.

What we need at the top is a governor with experience in making Illinois a magnet for industrial and commercial development, in keeping jobs in Illinois, and with an understanding of the full complexities of our financial problems.

We Illinoisans have had our share of “green bananas,” and too many turned into “bad apples.” We need to recognize the fact that such “green bananas” and “bad apples” are the consequence of our poor or misinformed political choices.

Illinois has become the laughingstock of the nation. We’re known for our history of widespread political waste and corruption. That’s not the reputation we want to keep as we are approaching the election of 2014.

Patrick Dalton

Northbrook