Just call our 24-hour hotline at 299-1500, or go to our webpage at www.journal-topics.com/speakout.html to state what is on your mind concerning an issue you consider to be significant, and we'll publish it. If you would like to state your opinion about anything, feel free to do so. Just make sure your message is brief, to the point and within the limits of good taste and acceptable to readers of a family newspaper.

Respects paid to family of fallen coach

Condolences to the family of former resident Joe Yonto. Joe Yonto coached at St. Rita's, Mt. Carmel and Notre Dame High School in the 1950's before moving to South Bend to coach at the University of Notre Dame.

Offers insight into Campground control

As a long time United Methodist-affiliated summer cottage resident at the Des Plaines Campground, in the years before it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, I disagree with statements published recently in the Journal suggesting the campground is financially independent from the United Methodist Church (which is one of the leading main-line Protes- tant denominations in the United States). The recent Journal story fails to make a critical distinction between persons who have worked at, rented, or owned summer camp meeting cottages, and the position of the United Methodist Church, owner of institution. Since 1867, the campground has been legally defined and also governed by a church-controlled Illinois not-for-profit corporation, the Chicago District Camp Ground Association, consisting of nine trustees serving three-year terms of office on a staggered basis. All 300 or so United Methodist Churches in Northern Illinois, including the First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines, can choose to send their representatives (two apiece) to the Annual Meeting to elect nine trustees of the Association. The Chicago District Camp Ground Association held an annual meeting on Saturday, Aug. 2, as required by the 1867 act of the Illinois Legislature which established the Chicago District Camp Ground Association as an entity of the Methodist Episcopal Church (now called the United Methodist Church) in 1867. Unless repealed by a similar act of the Illinois State Legislature, I don't think the Illinois State Historical Society, for example, could possibly view the our recently designated National Historic District Chicago District Camp Ground Association (CDCGA) property, consisting roughly 35 acres, as financially independent of the United Methodist Church Northern Illinois Conference to any measurable degree.

Only first $500,000 tax-free

Former Republican Congressional candidate Michael P. Shannon incorrectly wrote on your Opinions page that an older couple in his neighborhood is "sitting on a million dollar tax free capital gain." Only the first $500,000 in appreciation would be tax-free. If the couple sells the house for one million dollars more than they paid for it, they would owe a 20% capital gain tax on the other $500,000. Tax bill = $100,000. Cash = $900,000.

Who was better suited to handle investigation?

Regarding your story about the internal investigation in the Niles Police Department being handled by Watch Commander Jim Elenz, prior to being a watch commander he was a senior detective who was promoted from the Detective Unit back to patrol. He then did one year as the administrative sergeant, who is normally tasked with internal investigations. I would like to know who you think was a better choice to handle the investigation?

Pharmacy Uptown would increase benefits

I've read with interest the concerns of the Uptown Park Ridge residents relating to the now vacant Bredemann property on Northwest Highway. I understand the area is zoned commercial and could accommodate the proposed CVS Pharmacy. The local residents want it rezoned to residential for townhomes. They state this was part of the initial Uptown plan. The area at Greenwood and Northwest Highway has been proposed for condos and townhomes. This will accommodate adequate new housing along Northwest Highway without rezoning the now commercial Bredemann property to residential. A CVS Pharmacy on Bredemann site and its proximity to Trader Joe's and the new Uptown district would add to the commercial advantages of Uptown. Residents within walking distance of the Walgreens in South Park can attest to its advantages. It is a destination for many of the residents of the area. The large parking lot has never caused a traffic problem. RP, South Park, Park Ridge.

Airport expansion really a land grab

Is Chicago annexing or conquering? Am I the only one who sees this airport thing as more than a new airport? Maybe Chicago wants to add more land. At present Chicago is landlocked, no more unincorporated land with which to expand Chicago territory, except the suburbs. All it can do now is invade and capture territory. This happened in World War II when countries invaded others. When this happened, we said, "How terrible!", but Daley is doing this now in the suburbs. But now, instead of calling it "invading" we call it, "annexing" or "eminent domain". Instead of using bombs, the courts are used just as effectively. The test case is Bensenville. Bensenville is first. Soon after all the contiguous unincorporated areas will be part of Chicago. I believe this is what O'Hare expansion is really all about. Airport expansion is a euphemism for "Chicago territorial expansion".

Seems those in Des Plaines want what Niles has

The new police station can be set on one of the condos that are not selling - instead of looking for another place. We are not rich here in Des Plaines. Somehow I feel that Des Plaines officials have seen the Niles Police Dept. building and they are jealous and want something like that.

Garden club doing a lot to make town better

We help a lot, but get no credit: Des Plaines Garden Club, I would like to be the first to thank you for all the wonderful work you guys do for the town. It is a lot of work and makes everything look great. Please keep up the great work.

What does dad have to say about gay son?

My son had no choice about being gay: O.K. mom, you have no problem with your son being gay. Now let's hear what his dad has to say about his gay son.

No one chooses lifestyle

No one chooses that specific lifestyle: It is during puberty that homosexuals realize they are attracted to the same sex. As teens they are often scared and confused. In response to the person who feels hate crimes are a tragedy, I would like to say that you're halfway there in your thinking. Now if only you would realize being homosexual is not a lifestyle choice. You are born that way. In due time funding for medical proof of this will be available, but for now it takes a back seat to funding for AIDS, breast cancer, autism, etc. What little research has been done has shown that you don't just decide to be gay. It is during puberty that homosexuals realize they are attracted to the same sex.

Sit down and talk to the elderly

Trust no one: Leave the old folks alone. What did you do to upset them? I don't think your story is exactly true. Sit down with them and talk. You might learn something. Restrain yourself from violence, it will get you in trouble.

Make law to allow driving of golf carts

Can we drive our golf carts around to save gas? I think Des Plaines should have routes for golf carts. Look at Indiana; the Amish have roadways for their horse and buggy. Great idea, heah?

Rooster Man, Rooster planning to travel

Hi Journal & Topics Newspaper readers: You call me the Rooster Man. I am taking a vacation with my little buddy (Henry the rooster). We are headed to some tropical islands for vacation. I have all the paper work for him, coming and going in the states. He is legally allowed to travel with me, but in different parts of the plane. Talk to you when we get back.

No free speech here

No such thing as free speech on this paper. I have written quite a few times and they did not publish them. There must be someone on this paper that gets paid big time money to pick the stories told - and probably does not live in Des Plaines either - like some city offi cials. Now - that's interesting.

Seems like entire report was newsworthy

I was disappointed in the press synopsis of the Park Ridge police audit in last week's newspapers. Certainly paragraphs b and c on page 20 should have been included in your discussion as well as the recommendation on page 45. I will give you the benefit that you may have not had sufficient time to do even a cursory review of the report. It just seems to me that when elected officials are blamed for not allowing the police department to properly enforce the laws, that is newsworthy.

Edison Park fest best in area

After going to various festivals this summer, the best one was the Edison Park fest. It beat the ones in Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, and Park Ridge by having a friendly atmosphere, especially for kids' rides.

Misses local farms

Roosters may be a rare sighting worth mentioning now in Des Plaines, but not so long ago that wasn't the case. I was born in the 60s and went to North School in the 70s. Along Ballard Road there was a house near the tollway that always had roosters (or maybe chickens, for all I know.) The farm next to Chippewa was still a farm. There were also some horses still around. I wish we had more of that still in Des Plaines. Wow, I sound old now.

My water bills have skyrocketed

This Speak Out is regarding local water bills. Water meter readers are allowed to go into homes to read the meters. They remain inside for a few minutes, then when you get your next water bill, you go into shock. My water bill has never been close to $100 in all of my 25 years that I have lived in Des Plaines. My bill for May was $58. After the city came in, my bill for July was $392. What, is Des Plaines' budget short again? Don't they care about us normal citizens? The lady who I spoke to in City Hall told me my meter started going bad in 2004. So why wasn't the work done then? She said the last time they read my inside meter was September 2001 and it was OK. So we have to pay for their neglect for not doing their job. I have my house up for sale. I will be so glad when I get it sold so I can get out of Des Plaines. Plus, I haven't watered my grass once this year.

Can I afford a long life?

Watching TV shows where they inform you how to live longer by running a lot as well as walking. Well, all that seems great initially. But as far as my finances go, I am not sure I can afford a long life. Inflation is eating into my holdings and I hear rumors that Social Security may not be able to sustain its current level much longer. I can't find a job. No one will hire me. I don't see a rosy picture. I don't know how much longer I can afford to live. How about you?

Downtown Post Office works well

Thank you, thank you to the City of Des Plaines for providing the downtown Post Office location. It is much easier to get in and out of than the Oakton Street location and the personnel are very pleasant and helpful.

We're so proud she's in charge

This is regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. I am woman hear me roar. I love the power and the hell with the common man. As Americans, I am sure we are just so proud she is in charge.

Community must address problem areas

Pine Court. We all have heard of it. From messy front yards on Mannheim to overcrowded street parking, and now to blatant gang related graffiti. Yep. Nice. Now we have the gang bangers blatantly displaying their fine art of tagging their turf out on public display. Where is the aggressive police presence? The strong arm of the law? Yeah, the DPPD has been around in numbers when a situation arises, but obviously they are not around enough to make the gang bangers feel intimidated into hiding. Des Plaines residents, even if you don't live right around Pine Court this situation is effecting you and you must voice your concern and dissatisfaction to your alderman, the DPPD, and the city manager. If this situation is not addressed vigorously the ramification will be felt city-wide. Hey, I have the perfect location for the new DP police and/or fire station. Pine Court.

I thought we were given anonymity

Whatever happened to police anonymity? Recently, I called to report inappropriate behavior of a patron at a Des Plaines park. I watch from the window as the officer nodded toward my house that I complained about the patron's inappropriate behavior.

Thanks police for nabbing bad guy

I just want to thank the Des Plaines Police Dept. for doing such a great job in catching the bad guys who robbed me. I feel a lot safer now knowing they're off the street.

We need to improve exposure

Driving east on Miner Street, it occurred to me that Metropolitan Square needs better signage. Maybe a painted ad on the side of the so-called Des Plaines Theater. Cheeseburger in Paradise is an asset to this community, and you cannot even tell it is back there. We need to do everything we possibly can to help the businesses back there get the exposure they need. We also need to spruce up the little stores on Miner. They could be a quaint addition to our downtown, and if they are worth looking at maybe we can attract some quality businesses in the vacant ones.

(Ed. Note: Those businesses likely knew what they were getting into. There are many ways of advertising your presence.)

Empty lot could be brightened up

The corner lot at Oakton and Lee streets has been an empty eyesore for as long as I've lived in Des Plaines. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the city could get this parcel and turn it into a sitting park? Imagine green grass, flowers and benches, a couple of trees. It could be such a nice little corner, on what is an ugly blighted lot.

Existence of trampoline is worrisome

With everyone complaining how ugly the rowhomes look on Mannheim, I took a look and what bothers me the most is that trampoline. I am so afraid that some child is going to get killed when that thing tips over, or one of the side panels splits open, and sends kids flying into a very busy street. Somebody needs to do something about this before there is a horrific accident.

Sign in median still there

Yes, this is still Des Plaines. There is a median sign laying in the median on Wolf north of Rand Road that has been there since winter. There are cable lines draped over the fences on the west side of Wolf north of Rand. Also the northwest corner of this intersection gets its grass cut by public works but the bushes are never trimmed and the broken planter never gets flowers. Nice look Des Plaines.

Reason for some of problems is apathy of people

Our right to decide who should represent us in our city was decided by an overwhelming majority vote by our citizens to limit terms of office. Now, certain people want to turn the tables and allow more than two terms of office. These people say, "well then, just vote them out." But it's almost impossible to vote an incumbent out of office if they were allowed to run for a third, four year term. The reason is apathy, usually, I believe about 35% of eligible voters actually vote and who has the strongest army of followers? Incumbents of course. Additionally, of the 35% voters, many are not abreast of council decisions and just vote for a familiar name, not a qualified candidate.

What is going on on city's south side?

What is all the hush I hear about the casino coming to Des Plaines? They are buying houses on the south side of Des Plaines. Are you going to put this in a residential area, near a park, possibly losing a park? What is wrong with this? Is this another underhanded thing that is going on behind closed doors to spring up on us? What happened to our rights as homewowners? Listen up people. Start waking up before it is too late. Another trick in their bags.

Thank goodness we have term limits

We told you, limit on terms in Des Plaines. Thank God we have term limits on the president. We need to keep the term limits, otherwise your tax bills will double and triple the way they are spending and planning. If they can't understand what we voted on, do you really want these people in office. We spoke to you, now you listen. This is second grade logic. We said no, N-O. Get it?

Increase in certain fee is outrageous

I own a small shopping center in Des Plaines. Recently we needed to repair our parking lot, so we applied for a permit with the city on July 14. I was told that the price of a permit had increased on July 1. I certainly understand price increases, but the cost of such a permit went from what would have been $700 to $6,800 on July 1. That is not a price increase, that is taking advantage of us. I doubt property owners will pay this new outrageous fee and, therefore, the City of Des Plaines will be a town of decrepit parking lots.

Term limits will give us new blood

Here's why I want term limits to stay: Twelve empty stores in Metro Square. This was supposed to be some great financial stimulus for the city. A still vacant parcel of land on Lee Street that the city paid close to a million dollars for to put a fire station there. A supposed Riverwalk that was to have been in use by now but isn't. Tombstones used to greet drivers as they came into town. The TIF at River Rd. and Rand was pushed through the day before residents voted "no". The passing of taxes when the city was in a supposed financial bind and then made permanent. The complete arrogance of the mayor and most of the city council. Keep term limits. We need new blood.

Expense for new park district logo unwise

Shame on the park district for spending $3,000 on a new logo. In today's economy when most of us can't afford the gas to drive our kids to programs, let alone the cost of the program it seems like a big waste of money. What was wrong with the old logo anyway?

Strange that letters came so soon

Isn't it ironic that two members of Des Plaines' "establishment" sent letters to the editor favoring term limits within 24 hours after the issue was proposed at the council meeting? Do you suppose they knew something before the newspaper editor and general public knew it?

$3,000 logo expense is way too much

Three thousand dollars for a logo. What is the park district thinking? Nice to see my tax dollars at work for the kids in the community---not!

What's with sticker?

Recently we had someone put a flag sticker on our front door. This has happened two times. I just wondered if anyone else has had this happen? I proudly hang our flag and am grateful to be an American - just wondered why someone would stick a sticker that is hard to remove without asking first?

City should open Campground Road

With all of the construction going on in downtown Des Plaines it would probably be very helpful if Campground Road was opened up and used. This would alleviate a lot of congestion.

They need to maintain buildings better

If the Des Plaines Police, Des Plaines Library and Des Plaines Fire Dept. would keep their buildings up to date and repair as needed, there wouldn't be such a need to move. They don't repair them thinking and hoping that they'll get to move by proving that the repairs needed are too extensive and expensive. There needs to be a committee or someone that inspects the buildings every six months or so to notice damage and repair them timely.

(Ed. Note: We're sure they would disagree with your assessment.)

Now's the time to be a nosy neighbor

People of Des Plaines, we have had an increase in robberies lately. Please be on the lookout for thieves in your neighborhood. It's time to be a nosy neighbor. Let's catch these guys.

Term limits about the will of the people

Regarding term limits, the people have spoken and they should stay as it is. We should not revisit this. It is about the will of the people, or have we lost that right too from the mayor on down?

Community looks like a cement jungle

Mayor, no fake flowers, no statues. Stop already with your silly ideas. This town looks bad enough already. It looks like a cement jungle.

Can't afford being a na•ve parent

Parents, please watch your children on the Internet. After several times of telling my teenage son not to chat with anyone online, I caught him doing it the other day and it really freaked me out. I kept hearing the computer making noise and asked if he was playing a game or something. He said that he was not playing a game but was chatting with people online. I asked him if he was chatting with his friends from school and he said no. I have sat him down on several occasions to watch "Dateline: Predators", inform him that not only girls are in danger with child predators and any Lifetime show related to child predators, and he just doesn't get it. Teenagers think they know it all (I remember having that attitude at his age). I've restricted his Internet usage now so he is only allowed on while I am at home and only for a couple of hours. I put all computer cords and the keyboard in my car every morning when I leave for work. I noticed PC Magazine is promoting software to keep track of what kids are doing on the Internet. I will definitely be ordering it soon. I would rather spend the money and be the irritating parent-spy. I can't afford to be a naive parent.

Why does he use the word "spooky"?

"Spooky"? Why is it, that when the mayor of Des Plaines, Tony Arredia, is unprepared to answer a question, he always says "spooky". Mayor Arredia answered the same for both a residency and term limits question: "Spooky." How about "goofy".

Sure other aldermen got the same

Go ahead and redact the names. Let's see those letters and emails concerning only your constituents with your term limits, Ms. Brookman. I am sure the other popular aldermen have also received a bushel basket drove of dire communications sustaining your objectives.

They're getting too big for their britches

Voters, it is about time that you let our city fathers know that we want the term limits kept. Call them, write to them or send emails that we want the term limits kept as a law on the books. They are getting too big for their britches. What the voters want and vote for doesn't mean a thing in this town. They just want to run this town the way they want. Our votes just mean nothing with them. We want the term limits left alone.

No one should be in office more than two terms

Now that Arredia and Brookman have to leave office they want to reverse term limits which we voters worked hard to get passed less than 10 years ago. Where do they get this that now because they don't want to get out they can just reverse the law? No one should be in office more than two terms. Is this town becoming a dictatorship? Voters, stand up for your rights. This town should be renamed "Desparate City-City of No Hope."

Officials need brains, hearts and courage

Elected officials in Des Plaines, get on the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to see the wizard. You all need a "brain" since you can't make sound decisions, need "courage" because you can't stand up for the people that you represent, and a "heart" because you do not care about the quality of life for the people of Des Plaines. There is no rainbow in our city, just broken promises for all of us, and egos of those who need to travel the yellow brick road out of our city. We have voted you in for the terms stated and we can vote you out, and not terms you want.

(Ed. Note: Isn't it a bit unfair to refer to all officials in this manner?

Comment about people cleaning houses

Regarding all these people that are allowed to make money cleaning houses for people and have ads in the news: Is any agency watching out for taxes on this income? I sure hope so as some of them make up to $80 a day and more.

Not happy with Wal Mart employees

I to am very disgusted with Wal Mart employees. They look at us like we are foreign and use their own language to speak to each other. This is extremely rude. I remember when they first opened it was all about American products. They said they only sell American products.

Officials wait until they're affected

Why is it that the four alderman and they mayor have had eight years to talk about the term limits, but they wait until they are the ones that will be pushed out? Why didn't they talk about this before other alderman had to leave the job? This is the same group that goes ahead with the TIF when the residents overwhelmingly opposed it. Is this why they want to stay, so they can keep doing whatever they want no matter what the residents think? If this is not self-gratification, I don't know what is. Steve.

Bring back roosters, horses, trolleys, steam engines

Rooster? What's wrong with having a rooster? Sixty years ago roosters were all over the Des Plaines area, also cows, chickens, goats, horses, and other livestock. I say let's bring them back. It would help with paying so much money on eggs and milk and other food at the high paying stores. While we're at it, let's bring back electric trolleys, the horse and buggies and steam engines. It would save America from its addiction to gas and oil. People might think it's going back to the Stone Age but believe it or not, we will be there soon enough the way we are going. "If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide." - Abraham Lincoln. So let's save ourselves before it's to late. Roosters rule.

You mean only incumbents are qualified?

"Term limits" are more like "squirm limits". I am troubled. Let me guess, only incumbent aldermen have "ideas", only incumbent aldermen can think "freely", only incumbent aldermen know "everything", only incumbent aldermen should "vote". Somewhere along the way every alderman had no idea of what to think freely about and knew nothing and still could vote. We all start sometime, somewhere at the beginning and go forward from there.

Getting tired of PH's old games

Patrick Ludvigsen wants to be mayor in Prospect Heights again. So I have a suggestion for him: answer residents' questions. What is he afraid of? He gets angry and is adamant about not having to answer our questions. There shouldn't be any reason to be "hiding" anything. Please explain what "Home Rule" can do for Prospect Heights. As I understand it, he is only pushing it to fix roads from hotel income. This is the very first part of his scare tactics. First of all, we don't bring in that much to Prospect Heights for it to be the solution. The amount gained wouldn't amount to much of anything. Is that the only benefit that he sees? Why do we want to change the entire law structure? If he can't answer questions, we certainly don't trust him. Living here with his family, he also must know that we are not a "big" destination spot and he needs to look for additional sources for income. They need to look into the arena snafu and the huge amount of money that has been wasted there. He was an alderman during that time and he needs to answer questions. He's been in office and nothing has changed - there is nothing for him to continue. He hasn't begun anything. There should be no continuing of the same old song and dance. Why is he satisfied with City Hall only open three days a week? Now is not the time to add additional bills to the residents of Prospect Heights. Doesn't he know that there will be two additional taxes if the Lake Michigan water goes through on top of all of the phenomenal water fees that he has not been straight about. The majority of the residents have not wanted it. It has been voted down in all the previous administrations. I rather have a working city government that listens to the residents. We need more transparency here and we are getting tired of the "old games."

Disappointed lawn ornaments stolen

I am so disappointed in Mt. Prospect. We had some of our lawn ornaments stolen. We display this for everyone, not only us. Thank you for the theft of my lawn ornaments. I will never decorate my house for any kind of holidays they may steel that stuff to. My house looks so empty thanks to the theft.

Closed gas stations don't look good

There are two gas stations that are out of business at Rand and Central roads. What a black eye at the gateway of Mt. Prospect.

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