How do you feel about Gov. Blagojevich’s proposal to sell the state lottery to a private company? Would you support this idea and would you play the lottery?

Glenn Cosby
“It’s funny; I guess like a lot of new things, it’s like we’re threading into new waters. I guess people thought he was crazy for supporting the city in selling the Chicago Skyway, but it brought in more operating money when the budget was just about to bust. Maybe this might be a good thing. I don’t know if Rev. [James] Meeks played a part? I say, good for him. That just shows you if everybody stood up and did something, we would all gain. We need the money now. The kids need the books now. We can’t wait 20 years to get books. So no one should have a problem with that.”

Vanessa Dukes
“I think that kind of brings it down a little bit. I’m not really into the lottery, but when it goes private like that, I don’t know; maybe it would be more control. I’m not really sure, and not into the lottery.”

Tony Cox
“Well, in my opinion anything that can help the public schools today, we should do. They are in terrible condition, so I know it’s going to take a tremendous amount of funding. Any money they can put together, I think it’s a good idea.”

Dr. Joyce Jones
“Well, I’ve heard a lot of information about how the lottery was suppose to benefit education. They’ve told that lie in so many states. Unfortunately, it really has not lived up to those expectations. Now, if [Gov. Blagojevich] really has a plan that is going to provide money for the schools, we definitely need it. If it were truly going to be used for educational purpose then I would back it 100 percent. I’m happy that he has taken the initiative to at least approach the problem, because truly, we are in great financial disparity.”

Mark Foley
“I don’t think it’s right selling the lottery to a private industry. I thought it was for the schools and not for someone else’s gain. It should be for the schools and not for someone else’s pocket.”

Frank Latin
(publisher/editor “Nitty Gritty News)
“I would say that is kind of a risqu idea when you’re putting the state lottery, which is responsible for funding a lot of public education, in the hand of private companies who may not have the students’ education as their first priority. They may be more about selling products, as oppose to, educating children. So that’s the dilemma that I see in that.”