Speak Out!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Why defend former mayor?
I greatly respect Niles Trustee Hanusiak for sticking up for the people in Niles who are not either still brainwashed by a crook or living like it is June 7, 2006 (the day before Blase was arrested). When Rod Blagojevich was impeached and removed from his position without having been proven guilty of a crime, the state of Illinois was quick to remove his name off of the signs at each Open Road Tolling station. The I-Pass was inventive and has improved the Illinois tollway system, yet his name was removed because it was a constant reminder of a man accused of wrongdoing. In Niles, we have a former mayor, Nicholas Blase, who admitted his guilt and is currently spending each day in prison, yet we feel the need to defend him and even honor him with a sign next to our village hall. I feel ashamed and betrayed that we trusted this man to serve us honestly and renewed this trust every four years for decades only to find that he was dishonoring and spiting us all the way. Now the question becomes whether the trustees of Niles would like to continue to defend and support a crooked politician who betrayed us all or make Niles a place “Where [Honest] People Count” more than a criminal.
Things that make you go ‘hmmmm…’
Why was Mike Conlon asked to resign? Was it because the previous city manager brought him in?
What would Carnegie think?
“Recent library board appointee Dion Kendrick suggested double late fines, which are currently 15 cents for books and $1 for DVDs each day. Kendrick also said adding user fees to library programs should be looked at.” Sure, Mr. Kendrick. And you could start charging patrons to check out books, too. On top of their taxpayer contribution, of course. Then soon you wouldn’t need to serve on the board anymore because there soon wouldn’t be a public library. Andrew Carnegie is rolling in his grave.
Pickwick a local gem
The Pickwick is the pride and joy of Park Ridge and envy of every suburb in the area, whether more affluent or not. Most other towns, Des Plaines even Skokie and even Barrington and Highland Park are struggling to hold on to their theaters even if they have to make them into something else. But there are those that are hateful that can’t appreciate anything. Go to those modern theaters that have like 14 movies in one. Overwhelming if you ask me, the last time I went to the one at Randhurst was to see “Walk the Line”. Some people are just hateful and have no appreciation for anything. Especially when they really keep up the upkeep and have current movies at the Pickwick.
Trustee should let residents decide
I detest the fact that Niles trustee Hanusiak has so many demands. He wants to go after the Blase plaza sign? Why doesn’t he leave the sign to the residents to decide?
School not that close
The Des Plaines casino is not 800 yards from Maine South. More like a mile, and it’s through a forest preserve, over a river, and on a different street. Get a grip.
Questions location of cameras
Why install a Red Light camera at Golf and Rand if the intersection only had 16 accidents in 2008? How many of those were the direct result of a person running a Red Light? Sounds like an attempt to increase revenue for Des Plaines.
Still hope for theater
The gentleman who called in saying the Des Plaines Theatre lost all historical value in the fire 20+ years ago is dead wrong. That fire damage was isolated to water and smoke damage in the lobby. More damage was done when it was twinned in 1987, but it is reversible. The theatre is historic–it was found eligible for the national register–and it is absolutely possible to restore it to its opening day glory, or better. Just because it’s in bad shape today doesn’t mean it can’t be fixed.
Weren’t there other candidates?
In this entire city of Des Plaines, the mayor could not find another volunteer to serve on the library board? He had to pick an alderman, and one that was never elected by the people in the first place.
Flags everywhere would be wonderful
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all Americans would fly the American flag everyday? Even companies could get into this beautiful act. They don’t cost much. You can buy one for a dollar or less. Put them in your flower pots on your balcony, on your deck, in the ground around your house, fly them from a small or large pole - but fly one now and show you’re proud to be an American. Wouldn’t it be wonderful?
Probably allowed in
Arlington Hts. Library probably allows homeless people to come in from the cold/heat if people are behaving themselves, if not call the PD. Otherwise get over “your snobby selves”.
What’s all this Henry crowing?
I have lived in Des Plaines for some time now. I try to read Speak Out as often as possible. I just really want to know what the deal is with this Henry the Rooster?
Parks provide a lot
In response to your “let the public discussion begin” remark about the park district stepping up and insinuation that staff should have salaries cut to provide a parade and fireworks as well as the Taste...wake up. You obviously do not live in Des Plaines. The park district went out on a limb to start Fall Fest last year and is making it an annual event for the community. This year it will be even larger from what I hear. The park district also contributes money and staff time to assisting the senior center and the history center, both of which are important aspects of the community.
An anniversary to remember
I would like to thank the Journal for our story, “Anniversary Plan a Strike”, in the Family section of the July 9 publication regarding my parents anniversary date. Sad to say, my father passed away on July 11, but he was able to enjoy reading “their” story. Once again, I want to thank the Journal & Topics, along with River Rand Bowl and Jimmy’s Restaurant, both in Des Plaines, for making that anniversary one to remember forever. Please support these two DP businesses. They deserve it for a job well done.
Businesses claimed by changing times
Re: Another business feels pressure: Blockbusters all over the country are closing since “on demand” and Netflix came out. Arby’s all over are closing because no one goes there and Romanos had property tax issues. None of these businesses could be saved by Des Plaines. You cannot blame someone who is not responsible.
‘Not everyone cares about parades and fireworks’
In these difficult times, why on earth should anyone be expected to put their hard earned pay toward something frivolous that literally goes up in smoke, or a parade? Not everyone cares about parades and fireworks and that includes many taxpayers. If the fireworks are so important to Todd Wessell, let him donate part of his pay. Should the park district’s mission really be to help pay thousands and thousands of dollars for fireworks and parades, rather than providing the wonderful parks, programs and facilities it already offers?
Will city pay me back?
The DP City Council is floating the idea of using $20,000, so residents can buy generators if the power goes out. What happens if this passes and my neighbor does not want to share their city purchased generator with me? Fortunately, I have my own...one I bought a few years back. Will the city be giving me any money for what has already been purchased?
Bring down condos
The two relatively new condo buildings across from Shop N Save should be bulldozed. They should have never been built in the first place. They are vacant and vacancy will attract crime, drugs, etc. It is time for this new administration to pass a city ordinance limiting the number of condominium buildings being built.
Keep landscape costs down
As a cost-conscious gardener I have spent a few years buying hearty plants and flowers that do not require a lot of watering or maintenance. Now my garden requires little work and next to no money. Why is the City of Des Plaines tearing up and replanting in Metropolitan Square? There are plenty of grasses, low greens and tall lush flowers that the city could be planting to keep “beautification” costs a bit lower in this difficult economy. It is offensive to see my tax money literally ripped out by the root and discarded.
Enjoyed cookout
Mayor Moylan’s hot dog cookout was a joy. The volunteers were delightful. And of course, the food was excellent. Kids and adults of all ages really enjoyed themselves. What a wonderful event. I also think the food pantry benefited from it.
Not such a big deal
You have to show your drivers license to buy liquor, cash a check and whatever you may need, so what’s the big deal in AZ? Just show your ID and deal with it. You’re making a bigger deal of it than you need to.
Keep town looking nice
Wondering why all the towns around us are having their streets repaired and re-surfaced, when ours are in such bad shape. Wondering when the wood Hawks sign will come out of the Miner Tap window. And I agree that the smoking receptacle should be outside the back door and not the front. Not a very attractive sight when you drive through town to see all the smokers hanging out there. I do love all the new flowers though.
Thought there was no eating, drinking
The homeless lady next to me is eating and drinking pop. I thought that eating or drinking in the Des Plaines Library was forbidden. So much for rules.
Save some, get rid of others
I think that the stretch of old buildings along Miner Street, between Lee and Pearson Street, should be demolished. Only the theater, shoe store, jewelry store, Sugar Bowl and Leona’s should remain.
Tells mayor to focus on something else
Hey Moylan, you are so far out of line. You stop people from talking at council meetings when you don’t like what they say. Now you want to know what goes on in executive sessions at the library? I would suggest you get your own house in order, meaning the city and its out of control city council.
No need for more traffic lights
For the person who wants yet another stop light at Lee and Perry: are you kidding? There are way too many stop lights in Des Plaines, which along with the trains make what should be a quick commute a nightmare as it takes 10 minutes just to get out of Des Plaines. While I’m on the topic, has the city ever thought about adjusting the timing of the lights so that the next one doesn’t immediately turn red as the light you’re at turns green?
Library has been a mainstay
Why is the library such a threat to the local government? It willingly cut its budget by 7% last year and is one of the only long-term successful entities in downtown. While a whole list of businesses have come and gone here, the library remains and continues to provide the community with unlimited books, music and DVDs as well as free programs.
Not happy? Demand change
Parents and citizens, instead of complaining about the various districts and teachers, and constantly lamenting on how salaries, budgets, etc. are unfair, how about you do something proactive? If you do not feel a school or district is adequately handling money or educating children in a satisfactory manner, then demand change. A simple solution is to look into enrolling your child in another public school/district, or in a private school. Instead of griping, put your money where your mouth is.