On a spectacular Saturday in early Could, my spouse and I drove up a lot of the size of Illinois to attend a dinner to debate the way forward for the state. It was hosted by two elder statesmen of the Prairie State: Ray LaHood, the previous congressman and U.S. secretary of transportation, and Jim Nowlan, a former state consultant, cupboard director and creator of a number of essential books about Illinois.

The drive from Carbondale to Princeton was lengthy, however Illinois was at its best possible, with ample sunshine, rising crops, busy farms, and bustling communities internet hosting spring festivals galore.

The dialogue that night in Princeton included former members of the Illinois Common Meeting, a retired decide, an aspiring decide, lecturers, professors and political analysts. We thought-about how Illinois has modified over current many years, political polarization and the approaching fall elections. There was a spirited dialogue about whether or not current credit score upgrades by bond ranking businesses are the results of prudent fiscal insurance policies in Illinois or an infusion of federal COVID-related funds. We contemplated why Illinois has turn out to be a one-party state and mentioned the advantages of aggressive elections wherein candidates really meet residents face-to-face and clarify their insurance policies.

It was invigorating to debate the way forward for our state with individuals of differing views however a shared aspiration to make Illinois higher.

Just a few months earlier, I attended a wide-ranging dialogue about Illinois with two dozen individuals on Zoom that was organized by two forward-leaning and spectacular organizations, Illinois Humanities and Elevate Illinois. The Visioning Illinois dialog thought-about how the state is altering, regional variations and areas the place we are able to discover widespread floor. We listened to the views of a scholar, a journalist, a monetary knowledgeable and an environmental activist. We then broke into smaller teams to delve into the shows we had simply heard.

As a participant in each of those discussions, I got here away with a transparent sense that dedicated individuals are attempting to resume and revitalize Illinois.

There’s broad settlement on Illinois’ strengths: The state has a world-class metropolis, diversified economic system, intensive transportation system, well-educated workforce, productive agricultural sector, dedicated philanthropists, sturdy universities and vibrant cultural life.

The state’s challenges are evident: regional antagonisms, a historical past of political corruption that doesn’t appear poised to finish, lackluster inhabitants development and severe long-term funds imbalances.

There’s additionally broad settlement on what is required to rebuild Illinois: bold plans, competent and visionary leaders, sturdy establishments and an engaged public.

Illinois doesn’t want grand pronouncements or slick promoting campaigns. It must get to work and deal with longstanding issues with actual options, not simply Band-Aids and partial fixes. We want particular plans for our funds, faculties, public well being, public security and struggling city and rural communities. Sound plans have to be coupled with efficient implementation. Former Secretary of Protection Robert Gates has mentioned that implementation is “the place all too usually good intentions go to die.”

Illinois is at a crossroads. There’s a temptation to lament wasted time and squandered alternatives. There are many causes to be disillusioned and we should always mirror on earlier errors so we keep away from them sooner or later. Nonetheless, there may be little to be gained by lamenting historical past. We should transfer ahead.

I just lately got here throughout a Chinese language proverb that accommodates appreciable knowledge for people and establishments — and our state.

“The most effective time to plant a tree was 20 years in the past,” it says. “The second-best time is now.”

It’s now time to begin planting bushes in Illinois.

• John T. Shaw is the director of the Paul Simon Public Coverage Institute at Southern Illinois Carbondale. This op-ed was distributed by Capitol Information Illinois on behalf of the Paul Simon Public Coverage Institute. The opinions expressed on this article are the creator’s personal.