Martin Oberman, Chairman of Metra talks to Bill Cameron about recent challenges for the agency as well as plans for future updates to the Chicago commuter rail system.

Martin Oberman, Chairman of Metra talks to Bill Cameron about recent challenges for the agency as well as plans for future updates to the Chicago commuter rail system.

Connected to Chicago - 04-05-14 - This week on connected to Chicago, Bill Cameron brings us both sides of this week's proposal by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to raise property taxes and reduce benefits for some pension recipients. First we hear the mayor's press conference from this earlier this week, followed by a statement from the Chicago Teachers Union, Vice President Jesse Sharkey.

John Dempsey gets the latest update about the Chicago Marathon and changes to the sign-up process including the deadline to enter the lottery for this year's race.

In the Roundtable, Bill Cameron is joined by: Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's. Topics this week include: Mayor Emanuel's plans to increase property taxes and revise pension benefits for city workers. Transportation is also on the checklist as the Governor's task force on transportation for the region, recommended the addition of another agency to oversee management of groups like the CTA, PACE, & METRA. The U.S. Supreme Court has made a ruling to remove the 'cap' on individual donation limits to federal races. And the CUBS might start selling shares to boost financial support for upgrades to the team and the stadium.

Connected to Chicago - 04-05-14 - This week on connected to Chicago, Bill Cameron brings us both sides of this week's proposal by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to raise property taxes and reduce benefits for some pension recipients. First we hear the mayor's press conference from this earlier this week, followed by a statement from the Chicago Teachers Union, Vice President Jesse Sharkey.

John Dempsey gets the latest update about the Chicago Marathon and changes to the sign-up process including the deadline to enter the lottery for this year's race.

In the Roundtable, Bill Cameron is joined by: Ray Long of the Chicago Tribune, Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Greg Hinz of Crain's. Topics this week include: Mayor Emanuel's plans to increase property taxes and revise pension benefits for city workers. Transportation is also on the checklist as the Governor's task force on transportation for the region, recommended the addition of another agency to oversee management of groups like the CTA, PACE, & METRA. The U.S. Supreme Court has made a ruling to remove the 'cap' on individual donation limits to federal races. And the CUBS might start selling shares to boost financial support for upgrades to the team and the stadium.

Connected to Chicago - 03-29-14 -- This week's newsmaker is Andy Shaw, President and CEO of the Better Government Association. With an eye on government and focus on exposing corruption and other problems in political office, Andy discusses a few of the BGA's most recent investigation focuses on allegedly improper conduct by members of the clout-heavy Cook County state's attorney's police. Also, actions of the States Attorney's office in the Richard Vanecco / David Koschman case are now being called into question by the victim's mother. The 'L' accident at O'Hare airport brings up the question of management problems in the operation of the Chicago Transit Authority. On the heals of Governor Quinn's budget plans, Andy explains how State Rep. Jack Franks has been road blocked as he leads the way to "downsize" state operations and if all of the planned taxes and breaks are the best solution to the state's financial problems.

In the round-table, Bill Cameron is joined by: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune. The "Outrage of the Week" is a bill in Springfield which will release convicted killers over age 50 and that is sponsored by two state reps who are facing corruption charges. Senator, Mark Kirk made waves this weel when he made statements about his support for fellow Republican Jim Oberweis, who is running against Senator, Democrat Dick Durbin. Eric Zorn thinks it means that Kirk isn't going to run for re-election in 2016, but Sweet and Hinz say otherwise. Pat Quinn advocated making the "temporary" income tax increase, a permanent one.

Nick Gale, closes the show with a sure sign of spring in Chicago, plans for 2014 "Public Art" displays.

Connected to Chicago - 03-29-14 -- This week's newsmaker is Andy Shaw, President and CEO of the Better Government Association. With an eye on government and focus on exposing corruption and other problems in political office, Andy discusses a few of the BGA's most recent investigation focuses on allegedly improper conduct by members of the clout-heavy Cook County state's attorney's police. Also, actions of the States Attorney's office in the Richard Vanecco / David Koschman case are now being called into question by the victim's mother. The 'L' accident at O'Hare airport brings up the question of management problems in the operation of the Chicago Transit Authority. On the heals of Governor Quinn's budget plans, Andy explains how State Rep. Jack Franks has been road blocked as he leads the way to "downsize" state operations and if all of the planned taxes and breaks are the best solution to the state's financial problems.

In the round-table, Bill Cameron is joined by: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune. The "Outrage of the Week" is a bill in Springfield which will release convicted killers over age 50 and that is sponsored by two state reps who are facing corruption charges. Senator, Mark Kirk made waves this weel when he made statements about his support for fellow Republican Jim Oberweis, who is running against Senator, Democrat Dick Durbin. Eric Zorn thinks it means that Kirk isn't going to run for re-election in 2016, but Sweet and Hinz say otherwise. Pat Quinn advocated making the "temporary" income tax increase, a permanent one.

Nick Gale, closes the show with a sure sign of spring in Chicago, plans for 2014 "Public Art" displays.

Connected to Chicago - 03-22-14 - Newsmaker Guest is Douglas Whitley, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. The Round Table Panel includes: Lynn Sweet, Greg Hinz, Ray Long, & Eric Zorn who cover: The GOP gubernatorial primary turned out closer than expected, but why? Pat Quinn launched a media attack on Bruce Rauner before their speeches even finished; will it make a difference? Can Rauner work with Speaker Michael Madigan? Quinn's budget address is next Wednesday what will he propose to resurrect the state financial disaster? Is a tax hike inevitable?

Ryan Burrow closes the show with the story of Arlington Heights police officer Michael McEvoy, and his colleagues who helped him survive being shot while on a domestic disturbance call.

Connected to Chicago - 03-22-14 - Newsmaker Guest is Douglas Whitley, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. The Round Table Panel includes: Lynn Sweet, Greg Hinz, Ray Long, & Eric Zorn who cover: The GOP gubernatorial primary turned out closer than expected, but why? Pat Quinn launched a media attack on Bruce Rauner before their speeches even finished; will it make a difference? Can Rauner work with Speaker Michael Madigan? Quinn's budget address is next Wednesday what will he propose to resurrect the state financial disaster? Is a tax hike inevitable?

Ryan Burrow closes the show with the story of Arlington Heights police officer Michael McEvoy, and his colleagues who helped him survive being shot while on a domestic disturbance call.

Connected to Chicago - 03-15-14 --- This week, Bill Cameron interviews GOP Candidate for Governor, Bill Brady just days before the primary election. Recorded on Friday, Bill asks candidate Brady about his previous attempt at the governor's seat and compares the previous race to the competition in this campaign. Is the Quinn 'Slush Fund' controversy something that could impeach Quinn? Brady is then asked to compare himself to each of the other candidates self-proclaimed "Strong Points", and we get insight into Brady's opinion of taxing concepts including a tax on retirement income and personal services.

Bill Cameron's round table panel segment includes: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune. It's time for election predictions! Has Bruce Rauner developed some good political chops? Did the unions make enough of the ammunition they had against Rauner? Will we be shocked if Doug Truax beats Jim Oberweis for the GOP senate nomination? Robert Shaw, (age 77) throws his hat into the ring for mayor of Chicago next year and Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle fails to close the door on a run for mayor.

John Dempsey and Nick Gale close out this weeks show with a summary of the final GOP gubernatorial candidate debate.

Connected to Chicago - 03-15-14 --- This week, Bill Cameron interviews GOP Candidate for Governor, Bill Brady just days before the primary election. Recorded on Friday, Bill asks candidate Brady about his previous attempt at the governor's seat and compares the previous race to the competition in this campaign. Is the Quinn 'Slush Fund' controversy something that could impeach Quinn? Brady is then asked to compare himself to each of the other candidates self-proclaimed "Strong Points", and we get insight into Brady's opinion of taxing concepts including a tax on retirement income and personal services.

Bill Cameron's round table panel segment includes: Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Lynn Sweet of the Sun-Times, and Ray Long and Eric Zorn of the Tribune. It's time for election predictions! Has Bruce Rauner developed some good political chops? Did the unions make enough of the ammunition they had against Rauner? Will we be shocked if Doug Truax beats Jim Oberweis for the GOP senate nomination? Robert Shaw, (age 77) throws his hat into the ring for mayor of Chicago next year and Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle fails to close the door on a run for mayor.

John Dempsey and Nick Gale close out this weeks show with a summary of the final GOP gubernatorial candidate debate.