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Southern Illinois deserves united voice for progress

Sunday, June 17, 2007 3:54 AM CDT

As we've watched this state Legislative session spiral downward and into a divisive overtime period, we are reminded again that we may see another year pass without a capital budget to pay for some important, major projects.

Southern Illinois, mainly because its population is dwarfed by the numbers and influence in Chicagoland, routinely has to struggle for its share of state and federal government support. Still, this area is not without human resources or fiscal clout. It should not be so difficult to have our voices heard.

It wasn't always this way. A recent event organized by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute served as a reminder that our region has had its share of influential, "go-to" people. You know, elected leaders who regularly could deliver the bacon.

Although he is more popularly known statewide for the treasure trove of cash found stuffed in shoeboxes inside his hotel room when he died, Paul Powell above all else was a fierce backer of Southern Illinois. The notoriety of the cache of cash overshadows much of the good he accomplished. Powell fought hard to see our region get its share of government funding.

Ditto for Clyde Choate. And Glenn Poshard. And, of course, Simon himself.

But who are our go-to leaders these days? Do we have a seat at the table? Are we as influential as possible on the statewide political scene?

Without question, we have some fine lawmakers representing Southern Illinois. But this Legislative session has left us wondering whether we, as a region, could flex a lot more muscle if our lawmakers banded together to form a geographic coalition, of sorts.

There now exists a downstate Democratic caucus, and there are others such as the black and Latino caucuses, that routinely meet, discuss issues and form positions based on the desires and goals of those constituents. It is, in a way, consensus building.

Frankly, we are intrigued by the idea of state Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) sitting next to state Sen. Gary Forby, (D-Benton) who would be adjacent to Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) and Sen. John O. Jones (R-Mount Vernon), and across from state Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Norris City) and Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion). We would like to see them discuss issues of regional importance. In the same room. On a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule.

Partisanship needs to be checked at the door. This effort should recall the lost art of compromise and focus on the greater good of Southern Illinois. Banded together, with the Metro East area, there are 10 representatives and five senators. That would be a formidable force.

Our area leaders do, on an irregular basis, discuss issues of regional significance. They see each other almost daily during sessions in Springfield.

Why not make this a regular, formal get-together? Why couldn't there be time for bipartisan round-table discussions on issues of vital interest for Southern Illinois? What could possibly be more important or more desired by taxpayers?

It might even be possible to eventually coin a catchy name for such a group.

First, however, we'd ask the group to consider what might already have been accomplished if the forum was organized last year. Perhaps we'd have electric rate relief, know a great deal more about a Branson-like development proposed near Pinckneyville and have greatly advanced the cause of tourism for Southern Illinois.

Let's not wait any longer. We're hoping someone among our group of lawmakers acts like a leader and calls the group together.

We're one region. We need to find a way to speak with one voice.