Public forum Jan. 9

Burris deserves to be seated

I wish to respectfully express my disappointment with the decision to run a Chicago Sun-Times editorial titled “Blogojevich (sic): More reason for impeachment” (Pharos-Tribune, Jan. 6). The misspelling of the name Blagojevich in the headline was but a minor matter when compared to the disservice done to Roland Burris by the Sun-Times (and by the Pharos for repeating lines unworthy of good journalism). I refer to the following: “And whom did the governor choose? Just another Illinois politician, Roland Burris, the former attorney general whose career is notable only for its lack of notable achievements.”

During my terms of service as Indiana treasurer in the 1980s, I had the privilege of getting to know Roland, who was then serving as comptroller for the state of Illinois. As president of the National Association of State Treasurers, I was also active with the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers, and in such capacity served with Roland on the executive board.

Both NAST and NASACT determined that major cash management issues in state-federal relations needed to be addressed, and out of this concern, a Federal-State Cash Management Reform Task Force took shape, on which I was privileged to serve. Our work ultimately resulted in the passage of landmark cash management reform legislation, and Roland Burris was elevated to the presidency of NASACT in 1986. Several years after his term as president, Roland was honored for his service to the people of Illinois and to the national organization by receiving the President’s Award for 1991.

By all indications, his appointment fell within the lawful powers of the governor of the state of Illinois. There is absolutely nothing presented that suggests that Roland Burris is any the less an honorable man and capable public servant, regardless of negative opinions of the governor that are harbored by many as a result of recent media coverage.

In a biblical reference to those who might have questioned the credentials of Jesus Christ, the question was asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

By analogy, if one asks today, “Can anything good come from Blagojevich,” I would suggest the answer to be — A good and true public servant, Roland Burris.

It is time for pettiness and petulance in the U.S. Senate to cease at least momentarily and do the right thing for the right reasons. Seat Roland Burris.

Julian L. Ridlen


Logansport



Thanks for support of memorial tree

The Hope Hospice Memorial Christmas Tree was a great success.

The 2009 holiday season was a time for remembering, and our thoughts turned to those we were privileged to know. Personalized Christmas ornaments were created by Hope Hospice in memory or honor of these loved ones and friends.

Hope Hospice wrote the names of loved ones on beautiful glass ornaments and one by one, hung these on the beautiful Memorial Christmas Tree in the entrance of Rochester’s First Federal Savings Bank. It was a special time of remembering for many families and loved ones. Also, through the memorial and honorary gifts to Hope Hospice, funds were raised for the care of hospice patients in both Fulton County and other near-by cities.

We appreciate everyone’s support of the Hope Hospice Memorial Christmas Tree. To those who participated, we say thank you.

Daniel L. Purkey, executive director


Hope Hospice


Rochester

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