By The Beachwood Naming Rights Affairs Desk

“Mayor Richard Daley today said Navy Pier’s name should not be changed, even if it means more money,” the Tribune reports.
“The idea is part of a plan being considered in Springfield to allow the troubled agency that runs it and McCormick Place to sell naming rights to its facilities to raise more revenue.
“‘It’s called Navy Pier. You try to change Navy Pier,” Daley said at a news conference in the Austin neighborhood to announce summer activities for children. ‘Dedicated to the men and women who gave service in the Navy.'”
Daley’s stance is unfortunate because the Beachwood has learned the following new names are under consideration:

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Posted on May 6, 2010

By Steve Rhodes

“House Speaker Michael Madigan swayed the University of Illinois to admit the relatives of public officials, political allies and donors who contributed $115,200 to campaign funds he controls, a Tribune investigation has found,” the paper reports today.
“Only five of the 28 applicants helped in three recent years by the state’s most powerful lawmaker lived in Madigan’s district, and many would not have been admitted on their own merit.”
Well, there goes the excuse that he was just performing constituent service. Oh wait, I forgot that in Illinois your constituents are your relatives and campaign contributors.

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Posted on May 5, 2010

By The Beachwood Semantics Affairs Desk

“Pawnbroker Scott Lee Cohen announced his independent candidacy for governor Monday, trying to leap back into the political fray that chewed him up and spit him out in February,” the Tribune reports.
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Pawnbroker: Unacceptable occupation for a politician.
Powerbroker: Highly esteemed occupation for a politician.
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Pawnbroker: Exploits vulnerable people for profit.
Powerbroker: Exploits vulnerable people for votes.
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Pawnbroker: Welcomed by powerbrokers to privately contribute to pols.
Powerbroker: Arranges private contributions to pols from pawnbrokers.
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Posted on May 4, 2010