The Prairie State's True 2nd City (Chicago, Rockford: investment, firms, art)

[BUalumni]

What Illinois city do you believe is the state's "second" city? Without a doubt, Chicago is number one. Hands down, it is the clear winner. No matter how different the Windy City is from the rest of the state, it still greatly reflects everything else that makes Illinois great. For better or worse, Illinois just wouldn't be Illinois without it. But every state has to have a "second" and I was just wondering how others felt on the topic. In my opinion it would have to be a close call between Springfield and Peoria.

Springfield is sooooo deeply historic on a state and national level, and is soooo central to everthing that happens in the legislature, that it is a clear and ever present contender. With historic monuments, state of the art museums, and large commerical and buisness distrcits the city shows all the usual signs of city life. It is also a large and regionally powerful city in its own right, with a small, but ever growing metro area.

Peoria however, is obviously the urban and buisness center for the state outside of Chicago. Not to mention the city has an amazing amount of history and prestige, along with a large mix of elements that make it seem far larger than it really is. Like Springfield and Chicago, Illinois just wouldn't be the same without it. Most people I meet visting the area assume the city is around 200K in terms of population. It also supports a close metro of smaller cities and villages that all have their own idenity and unique culture.

I think it also important when making a consideration that we set some limits. Although the combined individual areas of Bloomington/Normal, Champaign/Urbana, and Moline/Rock Island boast high populations, we cannot reasonably let them be apart of this, and not allow places like Batavia/STC/Geneva to not be listed as well. When voting, don't forget to tell why you made your decision.

[studedude]

When you are Chicago's whipping boy and cater to it's every whim you have to be #2. Can you think of a more appropriate way to refer to the people spending the money in Springfield than #2.

[chet everett]

Anybody that drives out I90 to Rockford will see what really matters: investment by national firms. The corporations that all have their dollars invested in feeding and selling to the people of Rockford know that they WILL get a return on their dollars and that is what makes Rockford important.

Economically the only other city with a similar level of national investment is Naperville, but everybody knows that with out the engine of Chicago Naperville is just another place to get a Big Mac...

Springpatch does not need to exist when morons like Blago can count on the the undying of support of the same fools that picked the Toddler.

Peoria might as well be in another state for as much disrespect the massive Cat investment is shown by other Illinoisians, myself included...

[Steve-o]

Springfield. The capitol lies there, therefore making it the 2nd most important city outside of Chicago, IMO.

[BUalumni]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Anybody that drives out I90 to Rockford will see what really matters: investment by national firms. The corporations that all have their dollars invested in feeding and selling to the people of Rockford know that they WILL get a return on their dollars and that is what makes Rockford important.

Economically the only other city with a similar level of national investment is Naperville, but everybody knows that with out the engine of Chicago Naperville is just another place to get a Big Mac...

Springpatch does not need to exist when morons like Blago can count on the the undying of support of the same fools that picked the Toddler.

Peoria might as well be in another state for as much disrespect the massive Cat investment is shown by other Illinoisians, myself included...

Interestingly enough you are not the first person to make those exact three comments...

[BUalumni]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Springfield. The capitol lies there, therefore making it the 2nd most important city outside of Chicago, IMO.

That is not quite accurate. Look at California, Texas, Florida, and Missouri. Now I realize that Peoria isn't quite as powerful as San Francisco, Dallas, etc. but the economic output of Peoria is felt on a global level. Although San Francisco has to follow the rules set down by Sacramento, that does not make Sacramento more important in a broader outlook. Under that reasoning we can assume that Chicago is inferior to Springfield due to Springfield's stronger political stance and ties. We all know for certain, that is not the case.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by BUalumni

That is not quite accurate. Look at California, Texas, Florida, and Missouri. Now I realize that Peoria isn't quite as powerful as San Francisco, Dallas, etc. but the economic output of Peoria is felt on a global level. Although San Francisco has to follow the rules set down by Sacramento, that does not make Sacramento more important in a broader outlook. Under that reasoning we can assume that Chicago is inferior to Springfield due to Springfield's stronger political stance and ties. We all know for certain, that is not the case.

How did I know you'd be the one to jump on me for posting an OPINION (did you miss the "IMO" at the end of my sentence)? I never claimed that Peoria was less important and I didnt know this poll you created was designed to spur arguments. Forget I ever replied, sheesh.

W/o Springfield, who would, you know, RUN THIS STATE (hopefully better than the arses that currently run it)?

[BUalumni]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

How did I know you'd be the one to jump on me for posting an OPINION (did you miss the "IMO" at the end of my sentence)? I never claimed that Peoria was less important and I didnt know this poll you created was designed to spur arguments. Forget I ever replied, sheesh.

W/o Springfield, who would, you know, RUN THIS STATE (hopefully better than the arses that currently run it)?

I didn't know that replying was considered "jump"ing. I understand that it is your opinion. I was just pointing out that the basis for such an opinion was a little off. No doubt that Springfield is important for the state, but so isn't Albany for New York. I guess the way I see it, politics don't mean everything when taking into account these kinds of polls.

You seem to become VERY disgruntled anytime someone doesn't agree with what you have to say. Like you, others do have an opinion. It is AMERICA.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by BUalumni

I didn't know that replying was considered "jump"ing. I understand that it is your opinion.
You seem to become VERY disgruntled anytime someone doesn't agree with what you have to say. Like you, others do have an opinion. It is AMERICA.

BS You told me my OPINION was "inaccurate". What the hell do you expect people to do? I appreciate your input and all, but cmon. W/o a government, there is no state, hence the reason I chose Springfield as being the 2nd city in IL. Capeesh? Thank you.

[arpschneider]

Originally Posted by BUalumni

we can assume that Chicago is inferior to Springfield due to Springfield's stronger political stance and ties. We all know for certain, that is not the case.

Especially since Blago has single-handedly de-facto turned Chicago into the Capitol of IL by refusing to live in Springfield. I think it is time for a constitutional amendment not only to make recalling the fool a reality, but to MANDATE that if you run for the govship, you live in the digs provided by the state for said official.