VOLATILE WEATHER
The bio identifying the author, Don Hanrahan, tells the reader all they need to know about this longtime opponent of Hunter Lake ("Say no to Hunter Lake," Aug. 24).
We're currently facing volatile weather conditions nationwide like we've never seen, and it's not out of the realm of possibilities we have a severe drought within the next five to 10 years. As times change, we need to adapt, or we're going to face the brunt of letting those opportunities go by the wayside as we continue to push the status quo of being the same old Springfield.
The author handpicks facts to create a narrative to fit his longtime opposition to Hunter Lake. Why not publish excerpts from the studies that have been completed by experts that show the current need for a secondary water source for Springfield and surrounding communities?
Arthur Dunkin
PAYS FOR ITSELF
A CWLP graph shows Springfield has the lowest water rates in the state, and Chatham's rates are almost 4.5 times higher: $14.80 compared to $64.84. So is it worth a minor water rate increase to get a 7,800-acre state park that will border our city limits and also solve our secondary water supply issue?
One University of Illinois study estimates that the economic impact to Springfield from just the aquatic aspects of the lake alone would be $7.2 million per year and could be as high as $11.6 million. This doesn't include the economic impact from the 5,000 acres of ground surrounding the lake and activities such as hiking, biking, camping, birding, hunting, etc.
When built, this project could possibly pay for itself in economic return to Springfield within 15 years, and then Springfield will reap the profits forever.
Reg Davis
FORGET IT
In reference to Don Hanrahan's excellent remarks on Hunter Lake, for a bad idea like this one to persist for so long, despite growing opposition and better alternatives, it's certain that someone stands to benefit from it, and I don't mean the people.
It's foolish to insist on digging a new lake because certain people just prefer to let the existing lake fill up with sediment. I'm sure there's more to this than meets the eye. The responsible policy, however, is stewardship, not brinkmanship. Maintain Lake Springfield, and forget about Hunter Lake already.
Jeffrey Hobbs
Springfield
KEEP STANDARDS
Now I have heard it all ("Debate over non-citizens becoming police officers," Aug. 10). The so-called leader in the Illinois Republican party is no leader at all. House Leader Tony McCombie is instrumental in total misinformation. I am very tired of hearing the opinions of these elected officials instead of what is lawful and constitutional.
You would think lawmakers would at least take time to check with lawyers or other immigration experts as to what will hold up in a court of law. But instead, Leader McCombie would rather vote what she thinks, rather than what would support our Constitution.
I did my due diligence and checked with immigration lawyers in Washington, D.C., who actually do this for a living. The lawyers said DACA recipients are not on a pathway to citizenship. Their deportation has merely been deferred and DACA can be revoked at any time, making them deportable.
A law enforcement officer generally has to take an oath to uphold our Constitution and our laws. If the individual is an illegal alien, he or she cannot take that oath.
There is also no way to definitively determine who that individual is because they were not vetted or admitted into the country.
Standards should not be changed because more police are needed. Would you allow nurses to practice medicine because there is a shortage of doctors?
Rosanna Pulido
Springfield
