APPOINTMENTS Gov. George Ryan assigned a new task force to draw up a set of blueprints for rebuilding Illinois (seepage 42). The panel's mandate is a broad one. The Infrastructure Task Force is charged with assessing the physical needs of the state's transportation network, as well as those of local schools and community water and sewer systems. But identifying the problems will be easier than figuring out ways to pay for solutions. John E. Glennon, who heads the task force, says the panel plans to investigate possibilities for modernizing and consolidating bonding authorization spread over various agencies. Beyond that, it could outline options in new financial instruments, and new fees and taxes. And the group will identify possibilities for matching federal dollars. Vice Chairman Ed Bedore says the group doesn't plan to recommend specific funding option Instead, it will identify revenues expected from various choices and leave the final call to the political players. "It's a very sensible way of doing it," he says. The group's report is due May J, just in time for the budget debate in the final month of the legislative session. Zeilenga is the county administrator for DuPage County. Though no one on this list represents the sections of Illinois to the south or east of the capital city, Glennon says additional appointments will be made and the group plans to hold meetings in all regions of the state. Other appointments: |
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