Posted Friday, January 23, 2009
Des Plaines can be a very beautiful place
To all the folks who light up their homes with all those Christmas lights, great job. Now whoever says Des Plaines is going downhill, wrong. Just look at the beautiful quality homes built here. Very nice to for the holidays. Now watch, some cry babies will write in saying, enough with the lights, "take them down". Wrong, "keep them on".
Rooster man wishes everyone a Happy New Year
The Rooster man and Henry the Rooster wish all a Happy New Year. Maybe another tropical vacation soon. This one I think I'll leave Henry home with family.
If dumpsters in driveways, use them
I would like to comment on people who have dumpsters in their driveway for an extended period of time. I think it is necessary at times, but leaving them sit without being used is an eyesore for everyone. Somehow this should be regulated.
Time to take down those Christmas lights
Take down those Christmas lights. They are not made to be left up and they look hideous hanging up in the summer. Come on folks get with it.
You don't have to speak English, but...
Responding to why do I have to speak English: I guess you do not have to anymore. I do not remember hearing anyone saying someone was deported because of only speaking Spanish, but it is our language. Just like our custom to adapt to American way of life. It is part of an unwritten rule. No one is detaining you so if you do not want to adapt or do not like America go home but this is our home and we speak press1 English.
Great to see local girl on stage
My family went to Metropolis Theater in Arlington Hts. this Christmas season as we have done for many, many years. It is a tradition in our family. As we are reading the program we see Willow Schneider is in the production. My kids knew who she was and said that's the girl we saw at Maine West. How wonderful to see Willow from our town in such a great production. We have seen her many times and enjoyed all of them. How can we find out more about this girl and where we can see more of her?
Let the Rooster have his say
I just want to say that the Rooster articles are such fun. There are so many stupid and negative comments in Speak Out that it is a nice break to see a little humor. Lighten up life is short.
Henry does not get involved in politics
Whoever wrote in saying my rooster, Henry, wants the Choo Choo to stay, is not true. Henry does not get involved in politics or endorsements. Please do not use his name. Good luck.
(Ed. Note: Why not? We're sure he would have lots to crow about.)
When will new community calendar appear?
When can we expect to see the new Des Plaines calendar with all the special dates and pick ups for Des Plaines?
Voters cry out to remove the bums
Unreal. Senators and reps wonder if the governor should be removed from office? Remember the cry from all of the voters, "Vote the bums out of office!"
He brings his business trash to his home
My neighbor owns a restaurant and brings all his trash home to put in his resident container. He also leaves his cans out at the curb for days after the pick up. Is this legal? I am tired of looking at trashcans being left out by lazy homeowners they should be fined.
Too many drivers blowing stop signs
Police need to ticket people not obeying stop signs. Walnut between Lee and Third, evening rush, no one stops. In fact they blow through. Signs are there to protect us but the people doing it do not read the paper anyway.
If you want English, head across pond?
If you want English go to Britain. Oh my mistake, you are concerned about the lack of criticism when somebody complains in Polish, German, Chinese, etc. (everything but English and Spanish) in America. In that case, please allow me to balance your little universe and ask why oh why are you complaining in English? By the way, are you Native American? For example, Apache, Cherokee, and Lakota. If you're not, then you are a foreigner, too.
New Yorker wants to read more obits
I live in New York and check here often for news since I grew up in Des Plaines. Please put obits back. Thanks.
Artists need to hold their heads up high
The Des Plaines art student who recently wrote the Speak Out is correct. Artists do come from all over. I was once an artist from Des Plaines who found the art community there in Des Plaines to be a wonderful support for my interests. Seek them out and you will find this to be true. I have since moved to the quiet and peace of the backwoods of the Missouri Ozarks where I continue to work as an artist and photographer of nature and of the night sky. I take with me all the things I have learned and the memories of the friends I have made at the local colleges, camera shops and art galleries in the Northwest suburbs and especially in my hometown of Des Plaines, Illinois. I say to this art student, you are correct, art is a special way of life that lives within you and always will. Something you will always have for yourself and to share with others. Do not be discouraged by those that do not understand. Some cultures hold artists in high regard as they feel that artists have been chosen by God to have a special gift. Therefore, artists must be special people. Here in the U.S. that is not really the case, not everyone feels that way. Keep working hard, young art student, it will all pay off in the end, I promise you.
The world has many pleasures
Times are tough. It seems everything can get you down lately. Consider spending time counting your blessings instead of counting your problems. Life is too short. Did you ever have the pleasure of a winter's walk around your neighborhood at dusk? Did you ever have the pleasure of skating at West Park? Did you ever have the pleasure of doing a kind deed for a neighbor? Did you ever have the pleasure of meeting the photo staff at the downtown Walgreen's? Did you ever have the pleasure of the downtown Post Office staff greeting you with a smile? Did you ever have the pleasure of chatting with the family who owns Mexico Restaurant? Did you ever have the pleasure of visiting the History Museum? Did you ever have the pleasure of watching children play after school? Did you ever have the pleasure of watching seniors Wii bowling at the Library? Did you ever have the pleasure of visiting the Mobile Library? Did you ever have the pleasure of driving through the woods down Algonquin? Did you ever have the pleasure of Fourth of July fireworks by the lake at Oakton College? Did you ever have the pleasure of watching young dancers do their best? Did you ever have the pleasure of hearing a marching band? Did you ever have the pleasure of riding the train downtown? Did you ever have the pleasure of watching planes soar right over your head? Did you ever have the pleasure of chatting with a World War II veteran? Did you ever have the pleasure of seeing your neighbor's pictures of family in Mexico? Did you ever have the pleasure of neighbors helping neighbors? Did you ever have the pleasure of seeing your town become one of the best places to raise children in the state? Did you ever have the pleasure of knowing you live somewhere safe, full of trees, awash with history, rich in diversity, and forward thinking with all the hope and pride of its citizens? Then you must live in Des Plaines.
Some thoughts on trash pickup
So we had another flood. Many people have lost the use of their homes and had to move out and live elsewhere while rebuilding. The misery started Sept. 13 and it is still with us. Thanks to our good mayor, Tony Arredia, the cleanup went much better than it did during previous floods, when the city placed dumpsters and we had to carry our garbage and place it in these dumpsters. That was hell. You had to be there So now the city trucks came around several times a day at the outset and less and less frequently as time went by. So now I have to read that one of our good Christian neighbors is complaining about why no dumpsters? Why is the city doing the pickup on taxpayer money? We remember the dumpsters well. It was a filthy mess, and blocking traffic. Is this the complainant's idea of real Christian charity? Would the complainer be happier seeing the same misery as before when containers were placed on the street? Or is the complainer a contractor who stands to lose money on container rentals? Shame on the complainant. You are a poor soul.
Give me break about casino comment
Gotta love Tom Becker. According to him the casino deal would not have happened without him. Give me a break. Can his ego be any bigger?
Creation of TIF too many coincidences
TIF this. You ask for an investigation? It was on your watch, Mr. Bajor. What do you mean something went wrong? Too many coincidences for chance to have played a role.
Alderman a hero for stopping truck
Great job. Sixth ward Ald. Mark Walsten. Stopping that out of control 18 wheeler. You acted like a real hero! Thanks again, Mark, for saving the neighborhood!
First too many opinions, now too few aldermen
What the heck, two Prospect Hts. aldermen were missing from the first budget meeting, and then a special meeting is called to make some decisions because a lack of a quorum. See, that's the problem with the reduction in aldermen. First, nothing gets done because of too many opinions, now nothing gets done because the few aldermen we have don't show up. I think we should unincorporate. We don't deserve to be a town. Let Arlington Heights swallow us up.
Turn attention to this spot
They destroyed land that would have made a beautiful park to build these condos. The last thing we needed in Mt. Prospect is more condos. Why not do something with the property at the northwest corner of Route 83 and Central (just south of Midwest Bank)?
Story should have been about the students
I read the article on Tammy Duckworth visiting MacArthur Middle School and discussing her views on community service. The article was written by Richard Mayer. I was there and attended the assembly at the school and wonder what agenda Mr. Mayer had in writing the article. The assembly was held to honor the 16 students in the Community Outreach program sponsored by the school and specifically by one of the teachers. This was not an assembly held to honor Director Duckworth. Mr. Mayer either chose to ignore that distinction or doesn't understand the difference. Director Duckworth contacted the school asking to come and make the presentation because she was moved by the actions of those in the program. Neither the school, the staff nor the students contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs seeking publicity. Director Duckworth learned of the donations through others in her department and came because of her experience with a quilt very much like the ones the students had made and distributed. That makes for an excellent foundation to the story that should have been written. The story should have been about the service of the students and the staff who guided them. The first mention of any of this doesn't appear until the ninth paragraph of the article. In fact the only mention of the service awards is limited to that single paragraph. Who are the staff members who guided the students in this endeavor? Who are the students who made the quilts? Did some of the students make more than one? Who made the most? Who designs the quilts? Where are the quilts distributed? The lack of information about those who were the reason for Director Duckworth's visit to the school suggests either Mr. Mayer didn't care or wasn't inclined to spend the time to find out. Instead the article re-tells the story of Director Duckworth's injures and recovery. The reporter asked about the director's opinion of the governor's appointment of Roland Burris to the vacant Senate seat. While that may be legitimate news it is completely out of place in this article. A separate article would have been more appropriate. In short, local papers exist to provide local coverage of local events. This article falls well short of that ideal and is a disservice to those where honored for their service.
Niles acting mayor needs to distance himself from Blase
An ethics committee in Niles created behind closed doors consisting of attorneys that our mayor will even not name? Does anyone else see this as a definition of irony? Mr. Callero, you and Mr. Blase seem like you are old friends but the political reality is that unless you distance yourself from him and acknowledge that what he did was wrong and hurt this town, you will be seen with the same taint as he and that other guy, Blagojevich are. On the other hand if you don't want to lose the election, keep it up.
Blase did a lot for the Village of Niles
I'm really glad to see that a lot of citizens, including Rosemary Palicki haven't forgotten how much good Mayor Blase did for Niles. That's really refreshing to know after he dedicated 47 years of his life to this village.
Candidate has done nothing to improve community
I am so tired of the empty talk from Kim Biederman. All she can do is criticize. She hasn't said a single thing about improving Niles. Mayor Callero has set up an ethics committee, and it sounds like he will be proposing an ethics ordinance. What programs has Kim introduced in her years as a trustee that amounted to anything? You got it. She's done nothing but talk while the mayor has acted.
She seems to be getting all the press
Why is Kim Biederman getting all of the press in your paper? It's pretty strange that she didn't turn down Mayor Nick Blase's endorsement twice in her elections. Kim also voted in favor of Bob Callero as acting mayor, didn't she? It's pretty bad when someone can't make their minds up, one day this, one day that.
Biederman sang the praise of Mayor Blase
Talk about ethics, what about Kim Biederman's ethics? Wasn't it Kim who was supported by Nick Blase in her previous two elections? She welcomed his endorsements with open arms, but I guess that's what happens when she lets her husband run her campaign. He's a lobbyist from downstate in Springfield, and we know what they do. They'll go to the money and step on anyone they need to. Guess the 47 years that the mayor gave the village just isn't that important anymore. People are quick to forget all of the good he has done: low taxes, free bus, unbelievable public services for seniors and families. He made a bad call and now he'll have to pay for it, but let's not forget all of the good he has done. And in case you weren't at the mayor's retirement party, Kim volunteered to stand up and sing praise of Nick. How about that for a knife in the back, is that what we want for our next mayor?
People to vote out old political regime
Niles starts an ethics committee? The town of Niles needs a complete overhaul. How can an ethics committee run by the acting mayor (who was the previous mayor's accountant) along with the same people who were hired and worked for the previous mayor run an ethics committee? This town needs a cleansing starting with the mayor's office. The people of Niles need to vote out the old Blase regime.
If she wants change, what kind of change?
Once again we see that your paper, writers and reporters write, print and publish only half of the story. I've sent in three different messages with nothing being published. The articles that are published about the upcoming Niles election are one-sided and a great stretch of the truth. If you are to be serving the public and trying to keep them fully informed, as Kim Biederman claims that she does and wants, then why don't you print the other side? Kim claims that she wants change, but never says what that change is. Do the citizens of Niles want a change in the way their snow removal is being done? It doesn't get any better. Change the programs that Niles has in place for our seniors and families? They're second to none! Change the tax structure? Niles has the bragging rights to one of the highest sales tax dollar revenues in the state. What kind of change is Kim looking for? The only one that I can foresee is one that would upset the services, programs and low tax base that we citizens of Niles have enjoyed, and sometimes forgotten about, for the last five decades. If things were as bad as she claims, then why does she brag about growing up in Niles? Why did she accept Mayor Blase's endorsements during her last two elections? Why did she voluntarily get up and speak in praise of him during his retirement party a couple of months ago, knowing everything that he was implicated of? I think that the only change that she can bring to the table is one of disarray, manipulation, confusion and instability. She has proven so thus far with not doing anything but trying to discredit the others running for re-election. Talk is cheap and so are the shots she's trying to pull! A concerned Niles voter and citizen.
People in mobile park need help
My daughter lives in Sunset Village mobile home park and she is disabled. It is a shame that he asks for so much rent. They need some kind of help. Remember the fire that they had and had to hook up all the way to Waukegan Road for the water? Come on all of Glenview and stand up for the people in there. They are your neighbors.
Why report from outside firm?
Why did Glenview (taxpayers) have to hire an outside firm to analyze the effectiveness of our police and fire department? Isn't that why we pay large amounts of money to our police chief and fire chief? Is the board of trustees saying they do not have confidence or trust the accuracy of reports submitted to them from these department heads? Gee. In the real world if a discrepancy was found in a formal report you might just end up getting fired. One thing that was conveniently left out of the article was how many thousands of dollars taxpayers had to pay this "outside" firm. Perhaps the trustees of Glenview should look into the effectiveness of the multi-million dollar "Taj Mahal" police station that was built a few years ago.
What's going on with park employees?
What is up with the employees of the Park Ridge parks? Got a big-time Chicago union, which is tied to our disgraced governor and now demanding automatic pay increases? Is that their idea of "pay to play?" We have to pay them more just to play in the parks? Bad idea. Get real. Don't they read the newspapers? They should be kissing the ground that they have such a good job. Wise up park employees. The taxpayers don't like Chicago-style union antics when it comes to getting into their pockets around here.
Should tell them "no thanks" in the voting booth
The rumors are that a Chicago union is backing candidates for the Park Ridge Park Board. Why? To get a better paycheck for union members? We should find out who they are and say "no thanks" in the voting booth.
Need effort to fight possible casino here
Is anyone ready, willing and able to start a group against the casino? I do not have the political skills to do so, but willing to participate. The reason I moved to Park Ridge (and pay high taxes and inflated home prices) is to get away from things such as this. I cannot think of any neighborhood that has improved the quality of life by having a casino. They all seem to be in "bad neighborhoods" for a reason. I don't want to move. I like it here, but if the casino comes to the neighborhood it will make sense to leave as soon as possible.
Potholes, casino are problems
The services in Park Ridge this year are terrible. Cumberland is full of potholes between Devon and Higgins. It was like this last year and all the city did was do a spotty job of patching. Shockingly it's worse this year. Streets aren't salted properly, side streets aren't cleared. Besides this, Park Ridge residents have to deal with a casino in their backyard, planes even lower than ever, high property taxes, dangerous icy/snowy streets. Who's minding Park Ridge? Mayor, what are you doing?
Won't be supporting him this time around
In the Jan. 14th Park Ridge Journal, Howard "$400,000" Frimark is identified as calling Jim Oberweis personally and asking him to keep referendum petition gatherers out of the Park Ridge Oberweis store allegedly saying, "It's not fair to mix business with local politics." On page 2A of the same paper, it mentions Frimark is holding his campaign kickoff fundraiser Friday at Uncle Dan's Pizza & Pub. Don't look for me at the pub Howard, I supported you the first time you ran, but I won't be making that mistake again.
He was a supportive teacher
I agree with Karin and Jody, that Michael Pressler was a supportive teacher and positive influence on numerous students, yet the alleged incident at Lake Michigan indicates a risky lifestyle.
Sounds like a man out of touch
Park Ridge Mayor Frimark might be interested to know that Devon Avenue as well as Cumberland and Canfield are residential neighborhoods in this part of town. Canfield and Cumberland are the two streets that have exit/entrance ramps for traffic coming from the east. These streets are not designed to accommodate increased traffic flow. But, more importantly, as this is a residential part of town, these streets also have Roosevelt Elementary, Lincoln Middle School and Maine South High School students traveling on foot, bicycle and bus. This will expose our children to a 24-hour influx of drivers. And to suggest that the concerns of increased crimes and traffic congestion are outweighed by restaurant and casino employment sounds like a man out of touch. Not to mention the decrease in property value. I also suggested he do his homework, check with mayors of other towns adjacent to casinos. Try driving around Elgin and Joliet. These towns remain depressed. The patrons of casinos have one destination only and that is the casino. And very often after losing everything they spill out on to the neighborhood streets to pilfer what they can find from parked cars and open garages.
Journal article informative, scary
Your recent article on the union fighting the Park District in Park Ridge is scary. You have to wonder what the park district employees are thinking when they invite a big-time union capable of giving nearly $2 million to Governor Rod in exchange for political favors. They should be glad to have a job and stop trying to bully the park district and dig deeper into the pockets of stressed taxpayers. Many of those same taxpayers would love to have a cushy job with the park district. Get real and wise up. Don't kill the Golden Goose.
How about salt, pothole fundraisers?
In Park Ridge, should we replace the fireworks fundraiser with a salt fundraiser? Sure, now the city has purchased more, now use it. After the salt fundraiser, maybe a pothole fundraiser. Now, I read that Alderman DiPietro is worried about how many TVs are in a restaurant/bar? What's wrong with this logic? Can't we make Park Ridge a good place to do business, instead of keeping this facade up? This town needs money for street repairs and even salt.
We need to extend Route 53 now
Extending 53 north is desperately needed. Congestion in the Northwest suburbs is insane. We need to take advantage of the national focus that will be on infrastructure to finally complete this project. And while I have empathy for those who may benefit less or feel adverse affects, the pathway of 53 has been known for many years. Our once sleepy towns are already much busier and populous. The years of decisions in local communities for the build-up of residential neighborhoods and strip malls have put a load on our local streets that necessitates solutions. I'm not espousing an attitude of preserving the past. It is just not reasonable. Progress (if you wish to call it that) is inevitable. We have to move on the extension of 53 or we will end up widening every minor county artery one lane at a time until we have many 53's. This is neither practical nor efficient. I have personally voted for the widening of streets adjacent to my house because I know it is the right thing to do for everyone. Now is the time to extend 53 north.
Theater opened in 1971
Elk Grove Theater opened in November 1971 as a Jerry Lewis Cinema and was bought by Classic Cinemas in 1986.
Elk Grove Mayor needs to conserve
This unexpected expense is a good example of why Mayor Craig needs to shelve his plans for a "greenway" behind the Village Hall. Save the $800,000. No one can predict what the next 12 months will bring. The mayor should give up his summer concert series, the bike race and his lame effort to delay the O'Hare expansion.
Too bad you think you got a raw deal
This is in response to the Speak Out about Catholic education: You sound very resentful and angry about having had a Catholic education. It is unfortunate you feel you were behind the other children in the public schools once you got to high school. I have children at Our Lady of Destiny and I strongly believe they would be completely bored being in the public school system. As parents, it is our choice to send our children to whatever school we feel will serve their needs best. Every child learns at their own pace. I am happy your children excelled by being in the public school system. I believe my children will succeed and achieve their goals as well, if not even better.
Appreciates condition of Busse
I'm sure it is always somewhat of an inconvenience, these potholes on our streets. But I'm absolutely pleased with the "smoothness" of Busse Road, between Algonquin and Higgins. It was even finished before the holiday season, this past December 2008. To all who were involved in getting it started, all the way to the finish, my hats off to them all.
Get rid of those pacifiers
For all the Des Plaines parents with toddlers: Your kids are way too old for the pacifier. By then, it should be long gone. I have seen five, even six year olds walking around with pacifiers in their mouths or taking it out to tell their mom what to order at restaurants. It should be taken away by two years old and no later, unless you want them to take it to college with them. They start sucking their thumb? Give the pacifier back and take it away when they stop. Walking around with your six-year-old-pacifiered son shows off bad parenting and embarrasses Des Plaines citizens. Now be a good mommy and take that thing out.
TIF 3 fiasco is shameful
Politicians passing the buck and covering their butts. What else is new? Regarding TIF 3, which the Des Plaines City Council just voted to extend by 12 years, this may be an extreme example of taxpayers footing the bill. TIFs in general give to the rich while the poor and middle class bear the financial burden. I live in the 5 Corners area where a TIF was passed by the City Council a couple of years ago the night before a referendum was voted down. The reason we voted against it is that the area is perhaps a bit run-down, but not "severely blighted". There are successful businesses operating on most parcels. It's shameful.
A certainty: teachers overpaid
These are interesting facts. One thing stands out. The teachers are overpaid.
People hurt situation by blowing snow into streets
This is in response to the person who put down the Des Plaines Public Works Dept. in the Jan. 7 Journal & Topics. You need to do your research before complaining how they do their job. How do you expect the plows to plow curb to curb when the cars stay parked on the streets instead of in their driveways knowing that the trucks will be coming down their streets? How do you expect the plows to do their jobs when no sooner the truck comes down the street you have idiots who shovel or blow the snow right back into the middle of the street? I wouldn't be asking the city managers to take off their blinders. Instead I would be asking the residents of Des Plaines to be more considerate and help Public Works do their job properly. These guys do the best they can under the circumstances. So again do your research before complaining.
People have to help by removing cars
No parking on streets with 2" of snow: This is a joke. The Public Works trucks are out plowing and residents, with their cars parked on the street, have room in their garage or driveway. Leave them in the streets. After the plow comes they then move their cars. Let's get with it people. There is a law about parking on the street but it's like other laws are not enforced.
Henry livens up our day
A co-worker stated that she heard a rooster crowing in Schaumburg. My question is, has Henry migrated west due to all the verbal abuse he has encountered? We enjoy the humor and my co-workers love to hear about Henry's new stories. Only complaints in Speak Out are depressing. Henry livens up our day in these troubled times. Alma & Co-Workers.
Offers opinions on Choo Choo, Bush
Save the Choo Choo. Good by Ald. Brookman. No to Sayad for Mayor. Yes to equality no matter gay or straight. And, thank the good Lord that Bush is almost gone.
There's corn and you in Iowa
Now very happy living in Iowa: There are only two things living in Iowa, corn and you.
Let trash collection procedure proceed as planned
Dear "There are procedures for trash collection": Please. Just stop. If ARC wants to do the right thing and pick up trash that isn't in the bin, without a bin present, why do you care? What harm does it do you? None. Maybe some people aren't at home all day watching for the garbage man, the mailman, and the milkman. Maybe they have responsibilities and won't be around that evening to bring in the container. Maybe they're going on vacation and want to get the trash out of the garage so it doesn't stink when they come back. Lots of really good reasons to do what they do, very few to keep moaning about procedure on Speak Out. Besides, the agreement with ARC clearly indicates that nothing would change about how garbage is collected from the bins to with the bins.
Our half of street needs attention
Hello. I love the paper, good job. A lot of us on the 1200 block of Washington Street are wondering why the plow guys who are supposed to be taking care of our streets forget about us? Seems like the last two snowstorms they only plowed and salted half of Washington Street and forgot about our half off of Western. Come on guys, we deserve to have our half of the street taken care of too.
Pooper scooper a pooper snooper
Need strong laws concerning leashing dogs. Here he goes again, the guy who hates animals. He wants dogs on a short leash, and for you to hold up in the air a pooper scooper. I remember you; you're the guy who looks over your neighbor's fence to see the dogs in their yard. You're the pooper snooper and now he wants to see the scoopers. Something scwoooey going on here.
Henry is an ideal alarm clock
Henry the Rooster goes to work. I have an offer to put Henry to work. He will be an alarm clock for a friend. He needs to get up at the crack of dawn and get to work without being late for one month. He is working on a project that must meet a deadline. Henry gets up at the break of dawn. I just hope he can handle the load crowing. Trust me, he will get up.
Too many crying about snow, trash
Snow plows pushing snow back in my driveway. Just getting ahead of the whiners. They will be writing in and complaining to their alderman about the snowplows. Oh, we also are waiting for the crybabies to complain about the garbage cans. Wha, wha, wha.
Rooster's mighty big living area
Henry the Rooster's home: Just wanted to let you know what kind of living quarters Henry has. I have the whole side of one wall that is his cage. It is about 25 feet long and 10 feet high and 2 foot depth. He also has multiple ramps to go from level to level. No plasma screen for him.
MP street plowing something to behold
OK, another snowstorm. I live on the north side of Des Plaines on the border of Mt. Prospect. I am sorry but our plowing stinks. Any intersection, from Berkshire to Jon, Patricia, etc., is horrible. Trying to get out onto Central from any of these streets, it's not plowed out. We pull out to go to Central, look across the street and Mt. Prospect is clear. Their streets are down to blacktop, and there are no snow mounds trying to get out onto the main roads. Why can't our plowers do the same? Trying to get out from Berkshire to Wolf is horrible as we have to go over mounds of snow. Getting out onto Central is horrible. The only clearing is from cars going in and out. Our plowers don't finish the job. So, why are Mt. Prospect streets are cleaned and clear and ours aren't? Makes no sense.
Mt. Prospect cares about fire service
Well, it's nice to see that Mt. Prospect has vision and is moving forward with their new firehouse plans even with the economy. Guess they see the fact that people will die in fires because the fire department can't get their fast enough. Guess the Des Plaines City Council and the people on the north side of Des Plaines don't really care about a new fire station. What did that nice firefighter say at the City Council meeting? How much is your life worth to you? If you live up north, not enough I guess.
Casino will do city no good
Told you, you didn't have a say so on the casino. Now Des Plaines is going to be even worse. And I thought that was impossible.
Offers site for new fire station
Solution for new police and fire stations: Since the city still owns the land at Lee and Prospect, sell that land to developers for new houses. Use the proceeds to purchase the townhouses along Mannheim, between Everett and Prospect and put the new fire station there. This way, there would be immediate access to a busy street and emergency equipment would not have to navigate through residential streets. As for a new police station, purchase the remaining townhouses that are along Chestnut from Howard south to Fargo. This can be paid, in part, by selling the old police dept headquarters to another developer, for what else...a condo.