I don't like that prospect. Richie is a luminary who I want to see continue illuminating our little haven. Forever. Even though his street--Indiana Avenue--is a couple of blocks east of me on State Street, I have considered him for all these years a neighbor. And a good one. His house was built by the same builder mine was and the construction supervisors used to tell me about the upgrades he was doing. And much, much more. Having Mayor Richard M. Daley right here validated the South Loop in ways nothing else could.

Sneed says it's the vertical nature of the townhouse that is pushing them to sell. I have always marvelled at the couple's ability to live so up-and-down, as the stairs in the four-story home (including an English basement) dominate the floor plan.

Many friends of mine lived in his Central Station townhome complex--and one even lived next door. I love the cop car being there because it adds an element of safety. Speaking of which, it's still there. Even though Sneed reports that Richie and Maggie have already been living in an apartment downtown, in deference to Mrs. Daley's cancer diagnosis. As many of us recall, he did buy a condo several years ago behind the Cultural Center. Although, the rumor was no one ever moved into it. So why is the cop car still there on Indiana?

Hope the sale of his house (and the million dollar price tag) is just a rumor. If it isn't a rumor, then I beseech you, Mayor! Stay with us here in the 'hood! We need you--and you can always get one of those lifts that travels up the stairs. Or install a little elevator!