Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – When the city council debated whether to give Dominic Watson (pictured) and the Springfield Project less than $100,000 to help promote economic development, Ald. Jennifer Notariano drew a contrast.

“We write a blank check, as far as i know, to the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance every year, so whenever I hear this line of questioning about how Mr. Watson is going to be paid, and it sounded like proof he is going to turn in for the work he has done, just ask yourself when you’re asking those kinds of questions, how does this look to someone?”

The council did pass the measure, but not before Ald. Shawn Gregory reiterated his position: racism is still out there in Springfield. He read from a message he received that his “History across the Tracks” proposal is a waste of money and that his Ward 2 constituents are “pimps” and “whores.” Gregory said he has received countless similar messages since taking office, adding silence only enables more racism.