Right on:
http://www.recordamerican.com/...
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn today was joined by state and local officials on what would have been Nelson Mandela’s 96th birthday to unveil the newly-designated Mandela Road in Chicago. The stretch of Cicero Avenue from Roosevelt Road to West Grand Avenue will now also bear a designation in honor of the late South African President and world civil rights leader Nelson Mandela.
“Nelson Mandela was a hero of democracy and championed the struggle for basic human rights and dignity,” Quinn said. “Now, those traveling this state highway on Chicago’s west side will be reminded of Mandela’s lifelong journey that continues to have a profound effect on the world we live in today.”
The Illinois General Assembly officially designated a portion of Cicero Avenue, also known as Illinois Route 50, as Mandela Road in House Joint Resolution 89, which was sponsored by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) and State Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood). The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is erecting signs in honor of the designation at a series of intersections along Cicero Avenue. Residents and businesses along the route will retain their official Cicero Avenue addresses.
Mandela Road joins other honorary Chicago street designations including those named for Emmett Till, Studs Terkel, Harold Washington, Mother Theresa and Michael Krzyzewski or “Coach K.” - Rockford Record American, 7/18/14
Here's a little more info:
http://www.austinweeklynews.com/...
Friday's dedication was specifically scheduled for Mandela's birthday, event organizers said. At the dedication, just outside the headquarters of Westside Health Authority at Cicero and Chicago avenues, Ford said the goal remains to have all of Cicero renamed after Mandela.
The partial renaming was an acceptable compromise, said Ford, who was among the speakers Friday.
"We know the importance of signs and how they help improve the way we go about our day," he said, speaking to a throng of community members and local media. "All across the world, streets are named after people who have made an impact on society. President Mandela has impacted the world. That's why we're here on the West Side of Chicago today to say thank you, President Mandela, for your symbol of hope."
Performers at the event included Ella Flagg Elementary School's March Band and AfriCaribbean Connection dance troupe.
Quinn said Mandela Road belonged to all of the people, just as Mandela himself did. Ford called upon the governor to lead the way in improving Cicero Avenue/Mandela Road with new businesses and improved street lighting, among other needed upgrades.
The beloved South African leader and humanitarian died on Dec. 5, 2013 at age 95. Ford announced his plans for renaming the street a week after Mandela's death. He submitted his resolution in early April and the measure was approved on May 30. Cicero Avenue is part of Illinois Route 50, which begins in Kankakee and runs north through Chicago and into Skokie, covering roughly 67 miles. - Austin Weekly News, 7/18/14
Couldn't think of anyone else more deserving. Meanwhile, Bruce Rauner (R. IL) is out on the campaign trail promoting his tax plan:
http://politics.suntimes.com/...
Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Rauner said he could find $600 million in new revenue by taxing select services in Illinois, but he also proposed freezing property tax rates and lowering the state income tax by 2 percentage points over four years.
In a Thursday campaign announcement, Rauner also said he wants to force all local governments to hold a referendum every time they want to raise property taxes.
Rauner also attempted to steady his position on the minimum wage, saying he would back a $10-an-hour minimum wage — only if the increase is paired with substantial business reforms.
Rauner outlined the proposals at a news conference at Quality Float Works in Schaumburg.
The campaign blueprint indicated $600 million more in revenue could be raised from taxing services such as attorneys, chartered flights, trailer parks, golf club membership fees and armored car services. Rauner proposed taxing certain services while allowing others to remain exempt, including day care centers, animal care and barber shops. - Chicago Sun-Times, 7/17/14
And he's pouring more of his money into his own campaign:
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/...
Bruce Rauner put another $1.5 million into his campaign on July 15, according to a report filed today, bringing the wealthy Republican gubernatorial candidate to more than $8 million of his own money in the race.
Reports filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections show that Mr. Rauner, a private equity investor with a net worth of several hundred million dollars, has raised more than $2.5 million in the last few weeks, not counting the latest $1.5 million he put in himself.
His latest big contributors include the Illinois Manufacturers Association, which put in $250,000 along with its formal endorsement on July 17, and $100,000 from Thomas Siebel, a former Chicagoan and software executive who is now chairman and CEO of C3 Energy in Redwood City, California.
Citizens for Rauner had more than $3.5 million on hand as of June 30, after raising about $8 million and spending $5.9 million since April 1.
Even with upwards of $7.5 million on hand now, Mr. Rauner still trails Gov. Pat Quinn, who had nearly $11.7 million on hand as of June 30 after raising more than $3.7 million and spending only $878,000 since March 30. After June 30, the Democratic governor raised an additional $13,500 plus a $12,150 contribution, apparently in-kind, for “lodging.” - Crain's Chicago Business, 7/18/14
Quinn may have a tough fight ahead of him but he can still beat Rauner. Click here to donate and get involved with Quinn's campaign:
https://www.quinnforillinois.com/