THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008
6th Dist. Money Race Heating Up
Off The Record, By TODD WESSELL
A few thoughts and squawks about people, places and things in and around the area...
Recent Federal Election Commission reports show that Des Plaines resident Jill Morgenthaler is making some headway in raising money to battle Republican rival Peter Roskam in the 6th Congressional Dist. The two are locking horns in the Nov. 4 general election. Roskam is a one-term incumbent and former state senator and Mogenthaler is a retired U.S. Army officer who was in charge of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's Homeland Security department for a while.
For the three month period ending Mar. 31, 2008, Mogenthaler's campaign generated $306,823 in total receipts. While it's a hefty amount, it lags far behind Roskam's $1,388,643. Roskam's individual contributions during that time period were $622,833 and Morgenthaler's $155,943.
Still, there's plenty of time before the campaigns shift into high gear. And with many believing that the 2008 fall election will bring major Democratic Party benefits throughout the country, Morgenthaler's fundraising will likely pick up...
An important town meeting that will address the issue of underage drinking will be held in Des Plaines City Hall on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. It will be hosted by the Des Plaines Police Dept., Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation, and Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.
This program promises to be something local parents will not want to miss. The focus will be a panel discussion on the underage drinking situation in Des Plaines, the dangers of the liquor industry's new alcoholic energy drinks that target youths, and alcohol and drug prevention and treatment options.
We highly recommend that any parent of a kid in the 10 to 20 years of age range attend. Drinking and drugs are available throughout the suburban area. Proper preventative education is one of the best ways to head off potential devastating problems...
May 1 marks the end of Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens first year in office.
He was appointed to fill out the remainder of the four year term his father, Don, was elected to after the elder Stephens' death last April...
A story on page 2A of today's Journal & Topics Newspapers is a must read for all residents and business people. It tells of city plans to spend a significant sum of money to improve the appearance of downtown Des Plaines.A program begun last year is accelerating to full throttle where new landscaping planters, flowers and a unique and attractive garden will be developed. For decades, this newspaper has reported on and encouraged local leaders to invest in these kinds of projects. It's money well spent.