Since You're Leaving Anyway, Take Out the Trash by Dixie Cash

The story was a microcosm of Illinois’ financial recklessness and a warning of what’s to come for other municipalities – and the state as a whole – if things don’t change in a hurry. National news outlets – such as Fox Business Network and the Associated Press – joined Chicago-area TV stations and newspapers in reporting an eye-catching headline: More than $7 million delinquent on pension payments, the city of Harvey had to lay off 40 police and fire personnel to cover a court-ordered pension payment. But news broke just days prior that put Harvey in the spotlight, and gave plenty of additional fodder for the group to discuss.

The Har-V Community Coalition, a nonprofit founded in 2011 to activate citizens around the city’s major problems, was regularly scheduled to meet that day. “Harvey has become a dump yard,” said fellow Harvey resident Ruth Cameron, to vocal agreement from the other attendees. “The book I subscribe to says, ‘when there is no vision, the people perish.’” You can see the destruction and perishing of Harvey if you just get in your car and drive around the block.”

“For the city, for the community, Harvey lacks direction. “Harvey lacks leadership,” said 40-year resident Carrol Wilson, attending the citizen-led meeting for the first time. Related Pritzker’s economic record: Weak labor market, widening racial gaps

Since You're Leaving Anyway, Take Out the Trash by Dixie Cash