Posted Friday, January 30, 2009
Moving Choo Choo would be a bad decision
I'm sorry for not being on top of the news 'n all, but they're moving the Choo Choo? Why? Kids love that place. It's like tearing down a playground and replacing it with a garbage dump. That is wrong; let me tell you, wrong.
(Ed. Note: No such decision has been made, but the threat is there.)
Basketball team not living up to its potential
This goes out to the Maine West boys basketball coach. Over the last three seasons he has produced a total of 13 wins. He also has less than a 33% winning percentage through his coaching career. Can someone please explain to me how he is able to do this with all the potential that comes through the boys program.
Wozny has much more experience
Nothing against Mr. Wozny personally, but could not the Democrats nominate someone with highway construction and/or maintenance experience as highway commissioner? Bob Provenzano, the current Maine Township highway commissioner has those qualifications.
Clarifies statement about Catholic education
I'm sorry if I gave out the wrong idea. I never said anything about having to be Catholic, and I quote myself: "So what if you're not Catholic? Your kids would still get a better education." Whoever wrote, "Keep religion out of the education picture", I, for one, am not racist. So please read a Speak Out post carefully before criticizing.
There's a lot of garbage lying around
Wow, there sure is a lot of garbage on the ground. I wonder whose fault that is. The Garbage Gremlins? Yea, right.
Keep it simple: save that restaurant
Short and simple: Save the Choo Choo!
Clean snow problem; got no response
Talk about safety. I called 4th ward Alderman Jean Higgason and emailed her twice. My concern is the children that have to cross the bridge on Wolf Road between Harvey and Columbia south of Golf Road. There are huge chunks of snow and ice on this bridge. No possible way for man to cross it let alone children walking to Chippewa or Cumberland schools. Everyone has to walk out in the highway including the children. When I called the city they told me it was a state problem. When one or more of our children get run over by a car or semi it will be our entire problem. Please fix the problem. Clean it with a snowplow. It can't be that tough. Thanks for the no response from 4th ward Ald. Jean Higgason.
Snowplows have to be more visible
I can't understand why not one Public Works plow was not out once since our most current snowfall. Why are we paying taxes if nothing is getting taken care of? Did you follow Chicago Mayor Daley's stupid idea and only plow during rush hour and ignore the side streets completely? I think so. I am extremely upset that I only saw one plow go by on Golf Road once in the morning and he didn't even have his plow down to remove the snow. Was it break time? Seriously, get the plows out and clear all main and side streets before a horrible accident happens. Sincerely, a very concerned Des Plaines resident of 14 years.
There may be no newspapers left
By the time Des Plaines gets around to installing unified newspaper boxes downtown, there won't be any newspapers left.
(Ed. Note: Don't bet on it.)
Allowing casino makes sense
What is the difference between putting the casino in Des Plaines or across the street in Rosemont? Be in favor of the casino in Des Plaines. It is added revenue that we need.
People instead lost their jobs
The unions decided not to give anything and to let the environmental service people get laid off. Does Obama know this? He wanted people to sacrifice and rather than do that we let people lose their jobs. Well take comfort Des Plaines employees, Rolling Meadows did just the same thing. Rather than sacrifice a raise, they let their council lay police, firemen and city workers off. Be proud all you unsacrificing people.
Hope two mayors enjoyed their lunch
Hope the mayor of Des Plaines and the mayor of Park Ridge enjoy their lunch. Park Ridge is not happy with the casino, but if we have to live with it we'd like some of the tax benefits. How generous of you Park Ridge. Park Ridge would like to hire more police. Well you won't have to Park Ridge because Des Plaines will have you covered. Would you have made as big a deal if Rosemont would have gotten it? If Mayor Stephens had gotten it, he would have told Park Ridge to deal with it.
Oakwood has worst potholes around
I agree with the writer about Oakwood Avenue having the worst potholes. The Deep Tunnel project was done in 1991, 18 years ago, and nothing has been done to the street since then. It's way overdue for repairs seeing that asphalt has the life of 10 to 12 years.
Why are casino issues being ignored?
Casinos bring in drug traffic, drinking, immorality, etc. according to the plain facts and statistics, of both independent and government sponsored studies. They ruin, or at the least are detrimental, to good communities. Casinos contradict productive work ethics. They promote irresponsible stewardship. They receive gain only at the expense and suffering of others. They promote harmful habit forming addiction for many people. Studies show the costs incurred from the effects of casinos far exceed revenues gained by a ratio of at least 3 to 1. Why is this being ignored? There are obviously many good wholesome activities for people to spend time, energy and money for the good of everyone! Is Des Plaines ignoring plain evidence?
Public benefits need to be put in line with private business
What kind of retirement packages do employees get? The toll road, as an example, wants to implement a package calling for 80% of pay after age 50 and 25 years of service. Is this on the union's agenda as well? If so, it is time to reign in these benefits and put them in line with private business.
Manager needs to respect people he serves
We need a city manager that will respect its citizens. What right does Jason Bajor have in deciding or more like electing not to return phone calls? When he was appointed, he also, indirectly, promised to serve the citizens of Des Plaines. We pay him $137,000 per year, plus another $400/month car allowance and he has a car at his disposal. Why? Who approved this nonsense? Hopefully, once we get a new mayor and aldermen in, they will get rid of this so-called "leader" and replace him. Can anyone name 10 good things he has done for the city? Raising property taxes does not constitute a good thing, and neither does increasing the General Fund.
It gets billions, then fires people
Bank of America bought LaSalle Bank at a very high price then proceeded to throw thousands of Chicagoans out of work. Now they want (and get) billions of dollars from the government because they don't know how to run a bank efficiently. What are they going to do with the money? Buy up more banks and fire more people?
Mobile homes best in warmer areas
The only place for trailer courts is in the milder climates where many retirees go to during the winter months. When I drive from Rosemont north on Mannheim in Des Plaines on my way to work, while the townhouses along River Road leave a lot to be desired, they are nothing compared to the trailer courts on Touhy Avenue that I observe when I drive home eastbound on Touhy across from O'Hare, plus the trailer courts at the former Oasis Drive In Theater on Elmhurst Road.
Casino is a good thing
Casino in Des Plaines is a good thing. The state was going to have a new casino built where it would make sense from a revenue standpoint. Outside of downtown Chicago, the O'Hare area makes the most sense. As long as it was going to be in the O'Hare area, then it is best that it gets built in Des Plaines. Casino gaming is just another form of recreation. I know gambling, just like drinking alcohol, smoking, and over-eating, can be a destructive vice. But we all are responsible for our own behavior, and when needed, help should be seeked out. Tom Grey stated that Des Plaines will be known for gambling. Just for kicks, I asked a dozen of my peers at work, none live in Des Plaines, what do they think of when Des Plaines is mentioned. All said "floods". A couple also said airplane noise. I like where it is going to be built, no heavy residential area there as far as I can tell. Our city property tax is low, so I expect the casino revenues to go to capital improvement (local roads, alleys..etc..etc). I don't expect our taxes to go down (taxes never go down), but we will do a better job of keeping up and getting ahead of infrastructure work. I don't expect property values to go down and I do expect a slight uptick in some crimes. BC.
Getting rid of all taxes not reality
"Now we can get rid of all those taxes. No more." To the person who wrote this and those who believe this, you are showing your ignorance. Casino money is not guaranteed money, hence the reason it should be used for rebuilding the infrastructure so we the taxpayers don't have to carry that burden. Have some coffee, wake up and we'll talk more.
They have done a great job over the years
Thank goodness the Republicans are working together again. The current township board has done a fine job in expanding programs and services and keeping taxes down. They have won all kinds of awards for senior programs, the food pantry, and even the website, according to articles in the Journal and Topics Newspapers. Nice going. There are a few good folks on the Democrats slate but a few are a joke.
Oh poor Park Ridge. You'll have to suffer
To all you Park Ridge folks complaining about the casino: get over it. I am so tired about hearing about how this is going to ruin your community. Oh, poor, poor, Park Ridge, you will have to endure the traffic from the Kennedy into Des Plaines. Oh, the big bad casino is going to ruin your pretty town. You don't want riff raff near your homes? Maybe you should get your elitist attitude and move to the North Shore. In Des Plaines we welcome people from all walks of life, from the new immigrant family to the middle class stay at home mom. We work hard for our homes and don't look down on people who can't afford what we can. My children go to school with friends from different economic circumstances and different cultures - and they learn to be caring and modest - and most importantly - they don't judge people by what they do or don't have. In our town we have churches that setup sleeping centers for the homeless once a month near our homes - and don't cry about it. We actually volunteer to help out. Are Park Ridge folks that scared of outsiders infiltrating their community by driving down Higgins Road to get to our casino? If so maybe you should become a gated community? That way you won't have any "outsiders" nearing your McMansions, and driving down your streets. Oh and by the way, since the only people who go to casinos are bad make sure your neighbors don't see you when you decide to go.
Airplane noise complaints? Talk to Daley
The people of Park Ridge who are complaining about the planes need to take it up with Mayor Daley. He's the one who wanted the O'Hare expansion. However, it's nice that the noise is elsewhere after many, many years in Des Plaines. Obama is for spreading the wealth. This is spreading the noise.
They want much more than what meets the eye
Recent reports in the newspapers say that the SEIU union presenting some of the parks employees in Park Ridge only wants a cost of living increase guaranteed each year. Nonsense. The union representative quoted was not disclosing everything they are demanding for their members and trying to hide the full costs to taxpayers. The actual demands are much more and very costly. Let's deal with facts and truths for a change here folks.
Anyone else experiencing vandalism?
I am interested in hearing from any resident of Park Ridge living in the vicinity of North Park behind Lutheran General Hospital who has experienced repeated acts of vandalism. My in-laws live on Parkside and have been vandalized more than 30 times over the last four years. Due to the stress of this situation, my father-in-law passed away in September and my mother-in-law is now thinking of moving. Please reply back to this message if you have been experiencing similar events.
Seems like mayor not being that open
For creating an "ethics committee" it seems Niles Mayor Callero is being very closed and not at all transparent.
Biederman voted against gambling expansion
I'm so excited that Kim Biederman is running for mayor of Niles. She's the only trustee running that voted against gambling expansion and against the OTB in Niles. She's got my vote.
OTB parlor has helped village
Niles residents beware. A vote for Roseanne Palicki is a vote for higher taxes. For those who don't remember, she led the fight against the OTB. Well, the OTB hasn't caused any of the problems she said would happen, but it has put a lot of money into the village at a time when sales taxes are down. Without that money, our taxes would have gone up. Her scare tactics remind me of the weapons of mass destruction that weren't there. We need elected officials who understand how to run the village well and keep taxes down. We don't need officials who just oppose things.
She was in Washington with Madigan
When is Kim Biederman, who keeps talking about transparency, going to tell us Niles residents about her trip to Washington with Mike Madigan? That's the group she went to the Inauguration with. I sure don't want him messing with our town or controlling our Mayor. We need to support Mayor Callero, who won't sell us out.
She was at my door, has my vote
What a surprise to answer my door and meet Kim Biederman. She has my vote for Mayor of Niles. She had a great record of opposing tax increases and working to redevelop Milwaukee Avenue, not to mention her goal to include more input from residents. She's the kind of leader Niles needs now more than ever.
Can get the truth on her website
It's very easy to throw out wrong information about Kim Biederman. If you want to know what Kim Biederman stands for then go to her web site kimbiederman.com and find out for yourself the right information. Kim's husband was never a lobbyist. That is just a flat out mistruth and if you don't believe me then check with the state.
Think about laying off policemen, firefighters
Prospect Heights to possibly lay off employees in Public Works? Sounds like someone is not doing his or her homework. Why hire people then lay them off? Get the police to do their job and pass out citations to build revenue. How about cutting aldermen, not the people who have been breaking their backs sandbagging, plowing and repairing water mains. Why don't we lay off police or firefighters?
Consider raising fees at golf course
Prospect Hts. purchased the golf course, which now is part of the park district. They should raise fees or sell it to get more money and leave the residents alone. Or maybe try to bring in more business to the area to receive more revenue.
Fire district the best managed in Prospect Hts.
The Journal's commentary regarding the Fire District is biased and utterly ridiculous. The Fire District is the best-managed and staffed governmental unit in Prospect Heights.
Noticed police reading magazines
Maybe the Prospect Hts. Police should do more ticket writing than reading magazines at the 7-11. They are always in there. Plus plow truck drivers sitting for hours in Rob Roy talking on their cell phones. You people must think we are stupid. The taxpayers are getting sick of this. Also, fine people who let their property go downhill.
There are many issues in Palatine
There's much more to the Palatine mayor's race than you covered here, though I know you have space limitations. Look more closely at the business situation and how the current mayor's policies have not helped business very much. Also, the rampant over-building in downtown Palatine has some interesting roots and connections you need to explore.
How can I respond to article?
Is there a way to comment on an article? If not, I think that is a huge option a lot of people look for with an online newspaper. Just a thought. I did like the article on the Palatine Mayor and Council race.
(Ed. Note: Best way to respond is by contacting our Speak Out hotline at 847-299-1500 or typing your comments out at www.journal-topics.com/speakout.html)
Look who's helping out Mayor Craig
No surprise on who is providing Mayor Craig with campaign contributions. The guy who owns the industrial park and the lawyer handling the O'Hare expansion fight.
Tired of people picking on Carla
I am tired of reading the constant attacks on Des Plaines Ald. Carla Brookman. These Speak Outs are obviously from people with a political agenda in trying to harm her reputation. If you have watched the council meetings over the years as I have, you know that Carla is the only alderman who consistently fights for the people. It is time for her friends to start speaking up and come to her defense. We need more public officials with the courage to do the right thing and cast the right vote. And Carla doesn't have an agenda?
Never understood why park land going for a bank
I have always been a strong believer that land is one of the most important assets that can be possessed. It holds a monetary value and is something that should not be given away. I am confused as to why the Des Plaines Park Dist. donated a portion of Rand Park to the Moti Argawal Bank Development, which is being built right next to the tennis courts on the east side of Rand Park. First of all, Des Plaines doesn't need another bank. Second of all, land is worth money and shouldn't be donated to a bank. A bank is not a charity. If they want to build it, they can pay for the land.
At least Becker helped people
At least when Tom Becker was on City Council, he would help the people. Give examples, stop talking in generalities. It's easy to complain. Why don't you do something? Stop your whining.
Most Maine West grads do very well
"I had a good laugh from Speak Out. Maine West has never been in the top 50 schools." And what does that mean? Absolutely nothing. On a whole, if you bother to investigate instead of spouting off most Maine West grads do very well in life. They go onto college, even Ivy League schools. Kids have become doctors, lawyers and good productive citizens. Here, tell ya what. Do some studying yourself and stop your whining.
It's where Jerry Springer gets all his entertainment
What do they have against mobile homes? Well, Jerry Springer loves you guys. Heard that's where he gets all his entertainment.
(Ed. Note: That's pretty bad. Many people who live in mobile homes are good people who contribute to the community.)
All we want is a clean glass of water
It's a shame that in this country, the best in the world, that a human being cannot expect a clean glass of water from their faucet. These people have been fighting for healthy water for 19 years. They pay extremely high rent for a space just big enough to fit their houses and park a car and the spaces are becoming smaller from greed so they can squeeze another house. How do some people sleep at night?
When was last time he returned phone call?
Answer me this riddler? When was the last time Jason Bajor was available for any comment? Silence must be golden nuggets in his pockets. I wonder if the finance director could calculate his salaried plus deferred plus expense dollars divided by the number of words uttered without hiring yet another new assistant or deputy director to a department. I wonder?
(Ed. Note: Mr. Bajor has returned the last few calls the Journal & Topics has made to him.)
What happened to Caesars?
My wife and I graduated from Maine West (her in '86 and I in '85). What is the story of Caesars, which used to be over on Oakton? Where did they move? Or did the Palazolo family simply shut down? Also, what about Dimitrius, which used to be over on Mannheim? Every time we go back to Des Plaines (from Iowa) to visit family and friends, there are more depressing changes to Des Plaines. It started with the "Berlin Wall." You folks built along the railroad tracks on the south side of Des Plaines. Thanks.
(Ed. Note: The old Caesar's Restaurant on Oakton Street, later renamed Liam's, closed down about three months ago.)
Why do people move to America?
Why do people come to America? There is no work here. We sent our companies to Mexico and China. Now there is no work or money. Maybe Americans should move to Mexico or China. The odds of getting work there are probably better. Now that our jobs are gone, the tax dollars are dwindling, and so are the government funds.
(Ed. Note: There's more to life than only money and jobs. People move to America for freedom. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.)
Moylan for mayor
Hope that Marty Moylan wins as mayor. He has been the only alderman who does care.
What do those officers do?
Community service officers, what do they do? Will anyone answer this question and in a satisfied manner. I really would like to know what they do. Can they cite people who park on snow routes, those who dispose of trash three to four days ahead of schedule? Folks who do this make the city look like an unkempt, uncaring city. Does anyone get this?
Says she does not finish anything
Carla Brookman is not a do-er. She loves to stir the crowd and make herself look like something, but she never finishes anything.
Not about safety, it's about revenue
The "Safety Committee"? Please stop insulting our collective intelligence. At the meeting Wednesday, the committee voted to pass on a recommendation to the full City Council to set up an administrative hearing process for motorists that receive violations through the automated system. Tickets are treated similarly to parking tickets rather than moving violations under state law. If motorists acquire more than five unpaid tickets the Illinois secretary of state has the authority to suspend a driver's license. How does this relate to safety when the tickets are treated like parking tickets? This is nothing more than another revenue stream for our city. Studies have shown that these cameras lead to an increase in rear-end collisions due to drivers slamming on the brakes to avoid a ticket.
DP will be getting a lot more cash
Casino equals cash. That is why you will have it. Like it or not, Des Plaines.
Why does Maine West lag behind?
Why are Maine South and Maine East so much better than Maine West? Test scores, sports, and theater, in all ways. Look at the standings.
Will remember the records of former aldermen
So, former Ald. Becker has announced his intention to run for mayor. Isn't he the same one who brought embarrassment to the city with a sexual harassment charge a few years ago? He also promised that once he left office, that he would tell his side of the charges…to the Journal. Why hasn't he lived up to his words? Did he think or more like hope, that no one would remember this? Well guess what…at least one concerned resident hasn't (forgotten this). Former Ald. Sayad also announced his intention on running. A few years ago, when the city wanted to put a fire station on Lee Street, he proposed using tax revenue from the hotels that were suppose to have been built at Pratt and Mannheim. It's a good thing that, that never materialized since that development company is now filing for bankruptcy. The citizens would be looking forward to higher property taxes on this ill-conceived idea. Be forewarned former (or present) aldermen who are interested or are running for mayor; you will not have an easy time with your campaign as long as I am around. Signed: A proud citizen of Des Plaines.
Just think of all the jobs coming
To all people who don't like the casino, you should look around. Elgin, Wisconsin and Indiana, why should they get all the money? Think of all the jobs that this area will get. Let's start with people tearing down those buildings, the construction jobs, hotel bellboys, the cleaning people and all hotel workers. The restaurant workers. Then you have casino workers, people like dealers and all the casino workers. Just think of the taxes. People will be paying to help us lower our taxes.
Not much is done to remove snow
I must repeat what a previous individual said about the lack of snow removal on the sidewalks. Please Mr. Mayor, do something about this situation. The plows come through and try to keep clear the roadways for the motorists yet not much is done for those of us who must walk in this horrid weather. My 81-year-old mother and I walk with canes and we must climb over piles of frozen snow or walk out in the traffic to get to the store for groceries. We try to be as independent as possible, but without a car, walking is treacherous for us. When we need a bus, it is usually impossible to even get near the bus stop. Oakton Street just happens to be one of the problem streets for us and the businesses pretty much ignore the situation. Is the city tight for funds? Raise the fines and go after these stores and businesses. We have every right to safe sidewalks as motorists have for cleared streets. I never imagined I'd be walking during two winters in this area and the situation hasn't improved. Please help all those who must walk or catch a bus to do this in a safe manner. Make sidewalk shoveling mandatory, for homeowners and businesses alike.
Long for the good old days of Behrel
It's too bad Herb Behrel is no longer with us.
Wants action on town homes
Lots of comments, but no action. This is getting ridiculous. I see many Speak Outs about the town homes along Mannheim Road, but I see no action by the alderperson. Get with it.
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