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The ship that sank is
rising again
[Re-posted from MAY
8, 2003]
The
good ship LDC, they say, did sail the waters of Lincoln for well
over a hundred years. She was a mammoth ship with a large, hale crew
and was appreciated by all for her beauty, bounty and purpose. It
was a tragedy when after all her years of service she had the
misfortune of striking the Gov. George Ryan iceberg.
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First
the damage was merely a small hole and slow leak that all thought
would be patched and she'd be good to go on as always. But serious
structural damage occurred in the process as multiple attempts were
made to fix her. The damages became irreparable. It was one of those
shocking tragedies when something goes from bad to worse despite all
the best efforts to fix it.
Eventually, to the dismay of thousands -- hundreds who called her
home, hundreds who called her employment security and thousands who
called her their history and a valued member of the community --
that mighty icon sank. The battle to save her had raged almost a
full year when at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, 2002, it was all over.
As she
went down, the optimists and pessimists played their roles.
Some
said she might sail again. Others scoffed and called them dreamers,
though they secretly hoped this might be so.
Powerful
men said that if they were put in command, they would bring her
back. Others said that even if they meant it, it couldn't or
wouldn't be done.
Months
passed, and one of those men who had made a promise was put in
command. All waited and watched to see if he remembered and if he
could or would actually keep his word. Some went to see him to
remind him about her and say how much she was still missed and
needed.
Then
everyone waited.
The day
came on April 9, 2003, when new Gov. Rod Blagojevich rolled out his
state budget. Everyone listened, straining to hear what they most
wanted. Despite listening hard to the detailed and lengthy plans,
none heard any confirmation of the promise he had made so long ago.
This was the last, best hope, dashed.
[to top of second column in
this article] |
However,
Gov. Blagojevich had sent written word to Sen. Larry Bomke that yes,
he definitely remembered LDC, and yes, he had plans to reopen her.
This was
the letter:
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OFFICE OF THE
GOVERNOR
207 STATE
CAPITOL, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62706
ROD
BLAGOJEVICH
GOVERNOR
April 4, 2003
Senator Larry Bomke
105E Statehouse
Springfield, IL 62706
Dear Senator Bomke,
Pursuant to our discussions today and on behalf of Governor
Blagojevich, this letter is to inform you that included in the
FY04 budget will be funds dedicated to and for the reopening
of the Lincoln Developmental Center. If you have any
questions, please feel free to call me at your earliest
convenience.
Sincerely,
Alonzo Monk
Chief of Staff |
She
didn't go down fast and she isn't coming back up fast, nor easily
for that matter.
But for
right now it looks as though the beautiful LDC ship will sail again.
[Jan
Youngquist]
Related article:
"Committee hears LDC
recommendations" |
