U.S. Congressman gets into the act . . . What next?

Last Friday, Mayor Brad Cole's Home Rule medical malpractice ordinance ("Cole's Home Remedy") got some more support. According to the Marion Daily Republican Online: "An Illinois congressman is assuring people in Southern Illinois that the United States Congress is paying close attention to the medical malpractice crisis that is hitting the state. Congressman John Shimkus, R-Illinois, was in Marion Friday afternoon to discuss the issue," and praise mayors Cole and Butler (of Marion) "for the grass roots leadership that the two cities had shown for passing ordinances addressing this issue."

This week the Mt. Vernon City Council will consider an similar ordinance, without the cap on benefits . . . just limiting the venue to the local court.

And so it goes.

Will there be a follow-up in Carbondale as requested by Councilman Wissmann in exchange for his "vote against patients" -- that City Counil "will address an ordinance that will benefit the patients of Carbondale [and] will stand ... legal challenges."

Will a Citizens' Commission or Mayor Panel ever be empowered to investigate other aspects of this troublesome issue? This blog has learned that Prof. Jon Alexander, of Carbondale, is heading up a private investigatory body for a group in St. Clair County. Jon has some excellent points to make in conversation on the topic, finding blame on all sides, and offering an "outside the box" prescription that will work even better than Cole's Home Remedy. Not ready for publication yet, but trust this blog to administer the proper dosage when the time comes.