Cancelled

With COVID-19 numbers plummeting in Illinois and our economy on life support, the Governor had a chance to make a statement last week. But he decided to send out a late Friday afternoon message to cancel both the Illinois State Fair in Springfield…and the Du Quoin State Fair.

In Springfield alone, the decision will cost the local economy $80-million dollars.

Mark this one up as another unilateral decision by the executive branch without proper consultation with the legislative branch. State law mandates two fairs. The Governor doesn’t seem to concern himself with trivial matters…like the law.

Meanwhile, neighboring Missouri continues planning for its 2020 fair in Sedalia. And our own Wayne County Fair’s future will be discussed tonight when the fair board meets. I hope they decide to hold our fair.

The view from Chicago gets really blurry when you look south. It’s hard to see Du Quoin  from the Windy City. In fact, it's sometimes hard to make out Joliet.

Besides the economy, the real losers are the kids who work so hard to prepare for their 4-H projects. I’m told by Yvette Anderson the projects will still be judged virtually…and there is still hope that there will be something in the fall for the kids who show livestock.

We really need a Governor who can conjure up some passion for us and understand we have a different reality than he experiences every day he stays ensconced in Chicago.

Let’s step towards recovery….not captivity.