What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
Should be mad at their local governments
I feel sorry for the people of Park Ridge and Des Plaines who are getting noise from the new runway at O'Hare. They should be angry with their own city government. Park Ridge and Des Plaines both pulled out of the Suburban O'Hare Commission, which has been fighting O'Hare expansion.
Was Governor's Mansion manned, stocked?
Why is no one telling us the total amount of taxes Blagojevich used for his airplane taxi service between Chicago and Springfield? Also, while he almost never lived in Springfield were the freezers and refrigerators kept stocked just in case he came? What about staff? Was the Springfield mansion kept fully staffed just in case he came? Why have neither the media nor politicians ever told the public of this? Why did not the Illinois politicians stop it such as our state representatives and senators? I never heard anything from them about this misuse of our taxes.
Should first sell cars sitting behind dealers
For a bailout of the big three automakers, how about stopping production right now and start selling those millions of brand new cars and trucks sitting out back of the dealers that haven't been sold. Some are maybe two/three years old, but still in brand new condition. You know the cars that they thought the public would buy and didn't. Sure the price will have to be lowered (like all homes in today's market) but since wages of all the workers, CEO's and office people have been long paid for to build all of these "leftovers" and "unwanteds", this would be pure profit and the money derived from sales could be applied towards the bailout.
Legalize cannabis and reap millions in taxes
Lawmakers should turn to regulating and taxing cannabis to help with struggling budgets. It is amazing that nobody even mentions or considers it when it is a budding market to be taxed and regulated. Currently in its illegal form, drug dealers, organized crime and large drug cartels profit financially from the sales and consumption of cannabis. The same was true during alcohol prohibition. The time has come for America to end our policy of arresting and incriminating adults who use marijuana responsibly. Use it recklessly, endanger others and one should be punished accordingly but for those adults who use it responsibly they should be able to purchase it legally just like alcohol, tobacco or pornography. Literally, billions of dollars could be made in tax revenue and costs saved by not arresting and imprisoning these adults. Last year there were over 800,000 arrests for cannabis, a plant. Imagine how many people did not get arrested and then consider what so many have said for years. Legalize it.
Where were Democrats?
One would think that after former Gov. Blagojevich's first term in office, the Democratic Party would have known what to expect from the governor. Yet he was slated for a second term. Where was the Democractic Party? Why weren't the voters informed of what to expect?
Can't expect them to work all the time
Noticed police reading magazines plus plow truck drivers sitting for hours: Do you expect police officers to minute by minute write tickets? Do you expect snowplow drivers to plow minute by minute. Oh, we have snow minute by minute. Bad guys are not always busy, and let's have the snow plow guys just drive around and waste fuel.
Glad Henry is back
Henry the Rooster comes home for his new job: I just picked up my little buddy from his job. He has been an alarm clock for a friend who has a project he has been working on and could not be late. So Henry would wake him up at the crack of dawn. He's home with me again, and glad my little buddy's home.
Why pick on people who live in mobile homes?
Why do you guys always pick on us? Because we live in trailer parks? For one, they are called mobile homes.
Springer goes to plenty of places to find contestants
Many people who live in mobile homes are good people who contribute to the community: Jerry Springer does not only go to trailer parks, he also goes to Kmart and Wal-Mart to find the contestants so don't just single us out.
Digital conversion is a joke
This digital conversion is a joke. Biggest rip-off from the government I've seen in a long time. Everyone has to pay to get a box (coupon or not) to view TV. Stupid. Maybe they don't have their act together yet but this digital is a joke. I just hooked up my aunt's converter box. Her TV is maybe five years old. Great picture, great sound, great everything - until I hooked up the digital converter box (which was also a joke). The actual hookup wasn't too bad, except their cable kept on falling out off the back of the TV when I moved it back into position. A little electrical tape works wonders.
Put an end to July 4th parade until casino arrives
Let the 4th Of July parade be halted until the new casino is operating and at a profit. For sure there will be funds available at that time. A.J.P.
People must be tired of everything
Tired of people whining? Tired of whining about snowplows. Tired of Choo Choo moving. Tired of police reading magazines. Tired of aldermen doing nothing. Tired of casinos. Man, just tired of being tired.
Who is keeping watch on city manager?
I thought Des Plaines City Manager Jason Bajor started out as an assistant to past city manager Wally Douthwaite? Who is watching this guy? Why can't Des Plaines find a seasoned manager?
People who live in townhomes are good folks
Many people who live in mobile homes are good people who contribute to the community: If you look at Mannheim Road townhomes, you're right; mobile homes are doing much better. What is wrong with the folks that own the townhomes? Take the snowplows, and drive them 50 mph at the front lawn and clean the front yard up with one sweep. That's the start.
Negative attitude and spouse is suing city
Tired of people picking on Carla: You are kidding all of us aren't you? You obviously know nothing of her constant negative attitude and the money. How about her husband who is running for office and suing the city at the same time.
That property was never part of park
The property where Millennium Bank is being built was never part of Rand Park. It is merely adjacent to it.
Makes no sense to spend money for parade
Just when I thought that our city council finally came to its senses and decided not to squander away money the city does not have on a frivolous 4th of July parade, I now read in the Journal & Topics that they will try to find it, somehow. I am appalled to read that they are now more than willing to find the money to pay some parade people hundreds if not thousands of dollars to have some nondescript bands march up and down the streets of downtown Des Plaines. In these terrible times when every day thousands of people lose their jobs with no prospect of finding another one, where homes are in foreclosure or for sale on almost every block, where streets are in disrepair and businesses closing everywhere, I find it unconscionable to even think of having this parade and spending that kind of money. Even if our insensitive city officials can somehow find the money to pay for this frivolity I, for one, think that this money would be much better spent on helping out a few of the truly needy families in our city. We live in terrible times, suffering and despair is all around us and all we can think of is a parade that most of the Des Plaines inhabitants will not see. Wouldn't it be much more patriotic and meaningful to help out some truly needy families with a few dollars to maybe make a mortgage payment or get some food and clothing they need? I find that a far more patriotic act than standing on some street corner for a short time watching some bands marching by. I have nothing against a parade, but in good times, not when we are in the desperate straights we find ourselves in right now. Every dollar spent on something that is not a necessity of life is to me criminal and unforgivable. However, knowing how our city council works we will most likely get saddled with paying for this event. After all, they can always tack it on to our real estate taxes should the money well run dry just as they have done with all the other expenses of late. They were able to find the money to give fat pay increases, perks and special allowances to already overpaid officials. So what's a few dollars more on each tax bill for this ill-timed parade?
Of course he won't return calls to "whiner"
City manager electing not to return phone calls? Probably right. "The Whiner on patrol" calls him around the clock to complain. I wouldn't answer him either. Wha, Wha, Wha.
Maine West is a great school
Maine West lags, huh? Seeing as to how Maine West hasn't had any vice principals in the news for inappropriate behavior, drug overdoses, etc., I just don't see how Maine West can possibly stand up to these "fine schools". Maine West has done nothing but provide a nice environment for students, staff, and all visitors by having annual fundraisers for needy charities, to high-spirited students at sporting events and everywhere in between. Maine West is a fine school and I'm proud of it, so how dare you say Maine West is on a "lower standard" when all we try to do is eliminate discrimination. Shame on you. I thought people are supposed to be mature and role models to younger people, but I guess not in your case. Keep up the great work, Maine West.
Beginning to feel like a prisoner in my own country
I tried to place an order by phone at Target for an item that is not available in their stores. The person who attempted to take the required information's native language was Spanish and a process that should have taken five minutes took 15. I had to repeat things four or five times and ask her to repeat what I told her to see if it was correct. It still wasn't. I made a second call when confirmation of the order failed to appear on the Internet. I spoke with a man whose native language was also Spanish. He was unable to give much assistance. I then made a third call. This time the English was better but whether or not the problem will be resolved is questionable. I'm beginning to feel like a stranger in the country where I was born. I know of a country just south of the U.S. where the primary language is Spanish.
This is a battle for best quality of life
To the person in Des Plaines who feels Park Ridge is complaining too much, does it matter what city we live in? The issue is the entire neighborhood in which the casino affects all of us. If our home is worth $500,000 and yours is worth $300,000 won't both of our values fall? We are concerned about the quality of life, and I would imagine you should be, too. We want the best for our family and children, as I expect you do as well. Safety is a concern for all neighbors nearby. Maybe you live at the furthest point of Des Plaines as possible, making the casino a smaller issue but what about your fellow neighbors in Des Plaines close to the casino off River Road? These families selected a place to live doing the best they can for their families as well. Do they deserve any less than you? Think before you write. This is not a battle of Park Ridge versus Des Plaines, this is a battle for the good of all neighboring families, providing the most they can for their children, and maintaining the quality of life we all deserve. Wouldn't you agree?
Suggestion to bring more people into the dialogue
May I make a suggestion for your Speak Out section on your website? Why don't you do post your stories then immediately under them have the comments from your readers about each particular column. This way you can have a forum for the readers to discuss their views amongst themselves.
Something not right with this picture
So jobs and money aren't everything? Have you tried paying your rent and feeding your family without it? Not to worry your Congress is issuing visas to the banks that our tax dollars are bailing out. The bailout banks are laying off American employees and hiring foreigners for over $90,0000 a year twice the median income for U.S. households. Everyone needs to be writing his or her representative. Not that the representatives are representing anyone but themselves. Those people don't even think paying taxes applies to them. The rules do not apply to the people that work in Washington.
No reason for trains having to blast horns at night
Why can't the city officials do something about these loud train horns? I can't see why these train engineers have to blast these loud train horns at all hours of the night. There can hardly be any traffic out at that time, so why all the horn blasts? People have to work the next day. They should not have to be awakened at all hours of the night. This is getting ridiculous.
One of best aldermen in last 25 years
Thank you Ald. Carla Brookman of Des Plaines for your fine public service during your time in office. I, for one, will miss you when you leave office this coming April due to term limits. You are one of the very best aldermen this city has ever had during my 25 years of following city business and I want to thank you for your service.
Are they using special kind of scanner?
I have a question. How is it the Des Plaines Police Dept. is so good at picking out drivers with suspended licenses? Is Des Plaines using a scanner of some sort to alert law enforcement of the vehicle owners driving status? And if the Des Plaines Police Dept. is using such a device, I do believe this is an unlawful device, when used in the fashion our boys in blue use it. It's an invasion of privacy (probable cause to stop a vehicle) and is in the supreme courts in numerous states. That would explain why, when these individuals are pulled over as the Journal & Topics reports weekly. The offenders are usually given a typically "false" speeding ticket to show reason/cause for the original stop. I can say "false" as I was the victim of the charade.
(Ed. Note: To our knowledge, local police do not use the kind of device you refer to.)
Village should emphasize education more
It's about time that someone in the village puts an emphasis on education. For years, schools tried to pass referendums without any assistance or support from the mayor. Biederman shows some initiative in supporting our schools and the future of Niles. We need a mayor that will support all the people of Niles and not just its elderly constituents.
Says Biederman rude when she didn't respond to Callero
I, for one, think it is great that Mayor Callero has formed a trustee committee to work on the problem of flooded basements. And, I think it is probably good that he offered Kim a place on the committee. What I don't think is good is that she didn't have the courtesy to tell him she was accepting. Instead, she announced it to the press. Yet another example of big talk and no action from her. And, how rude is that?
Callero was first to act on ethics
Ethics---a hot topic in Niles. I've been reading a lot about the formation of an ethics committee in Niles for the past month or so. I have also been hearing that trustee Biederman claims the rights to the calling for it. Wasn't it Mayor Robert Callero who started and executed the anonymous phone line in November 2008 to report any wrong or suspicious doings within the village? I also believe that Callero followed protocol in asking that this committee be formed, in all due time frames and within the boundaries of the law. It's easy to say that you want something done, or that we need to start something new, but it just doesn't happen when we want it to. Guidelines and laws need to be followed and that's exactly what is being done. Kim knew that all of these things were in place and were moving along, but she opted to take the opportunity to sell out her fellow board members and mayor to try to snatch a bit of the spotlight. How ethical is that? She also accepted and welcomed the backing of former Mayor Nick Blase in her two previous campaigns and now is knocking him and his ways. How ethical is that? During his retirement party in November, she stood in front of 600+ attendees and told them of his great doings and the legacy that he has left behind. Now she calls for change and ethics reform. How ethical is that? When someone cannot be true to themselves and others around them, can we count on that person to judge others? Mayor Robert Callero and the Continuing Economic Stability Party have what Niles needs to remain a solid community. They can brag of positive financial background, second to none senior programs and services, strong family morals and public service that surrounding communities try to duplicate. On Apr. 7, make sure that you get out and vote for Robert Callero, Andrew Pryzbylo, Louella Preston and George Alpogianis so that we can continue to enjoy the riches that Niles has provided for us and our families for the last five decades. After all, do we really want to elect somebody that will take whatever good you can offer, then toss you aside when all has been spent?
Park district, village need to update photos
Why doesn't the Niles Park District update the pictures of their park board? Those pictures are so out of date. For that matter, why doesn't the Village of Niles update trustee pictures, too? Both are from 10 years ago.
Blase not on the ballot; must judge candidates
While former Mayor Blase did a lot of things right and a lot wrong, the fact is that he is not on the ballot in April. Bob Callero is on the ballot and I can't understand why he deserves anyone's vote. He voted for the new gigantic Korean development that will make traffic horrible for residents. Time for a new batch of people.
Agree we're heading into a sewer of socialism
I agree with Ray Giovannelli, Barack Obama is heading us into a sewer of socialism. Half of this country is ill informed and don't want to know the truth. Soon the government will try to attack our rights to bear arms. When gun control was enacted in Russia and Germany, we all realize that millions of people were slaughtered. I love America but America has shown itself to be too soft.
Callero reached out to Biederman
It is a fact you can verify that Kim Biederman never told Mayor Callero that she would serve on the Building & Zoning Committee. In spite of the Mayor's effort to reach out to her, she gave her thoughts, and her acceptance, to the press, not to the mayor. That's hardly being open and transparent. Instead, it is playing politics, instead of being concerned with Niles residents. I sure hope Callero wins a full term. He's acting in our interests, not just talking to the press. I do wish Kim Biederman would stop distorting the truth in the pages of your paper. In spite of her rant in the article on the new Building and Zoning Committee, while she has been doing nothing but talk, Mayor Callero has been working on the flooding problem for months. As your paper reported, he's met with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, and is taking the steps necessary to try to move up their timetable for doing something. Last fall, he spearheaded the effort to get FEMA money for people with flooded basements. He's been working on this problem consistently, and he's getting results. To suggest he has not been is ridiculous. To suggest the problems have been ignored is ridiculous. To not acknowledge what she has heard at meetings is ridiculous. To think of her as mayor is ridiculous.
They have served the park district long and well
Whoever "spoke out" about time served on the Niles park board, referring to Chuck Barbaglia and Bill Terpinas, had better check out their facts. Has this person ever attended a board meeting and spoke their feelings in person? Second, Mr. Barbaglia raised his two children in Niles and they both actively took part in park district activities, golf, tennis and figure skating lessons. Now with seven grandchildren he has taken them to various parks, the pool and miniature golf whenever they visit. I thought age and sex discrimination is illegal. What has age got to do with serving your community in a non-paying job? Looking at the record of these two men while serving as park commissioners they have been responsible for not raising taxes and providing many programs for your children to enjoy. I personally, will vote for them to continue in their positions.
Makes case for park district write-in
Niles parks are in good shape thanks to Joe LoVerde, but what's wrong with change? Why not let the younger people with kids who use the park, run in the election? Why challenge the candidate, Dennis O'Donovan, who was penalized for being one day early with his petitions. He would be a great asset to the parks. Look what great shape the library is in. We need fresh ideas. It is time to rotate the produce. Bring the fresh to the front. How long do you want to stay in the little leagues? Or is it the big leagues aren't calling you up? On Apr. 7 write-in Dennis O'Donovan for Niles parks.
Nitpicking about everything
I recently read the article "Park Board Candidate Petitions Questioned." I don't understand how Hynes could say that inconsistencies occurred on the petition form when O'Donovan listed he is running for a full term instead of four years. What voter does not know that a full term is four years? Is Hynes insinuating the voters are stupid? Hynes is also challenging that O'Donovan filed his financial interest statement one day early. Hynes is nitpicking at everything. Did he also check to be sure O'Donovan spelled his name correctly? That would have been another thing he would have challenged. The "three jewels" are worried that O'Donovan will win the election as a write in and the "three jewels" won't be the "three jewels" anymore.
Candidates have to make a case why they should be elected
Too bad State Senator Dan Kotowski has jumped on the partisan bandwagon already for the Maine Township elections. The Journal article quotes him as pushing to elect Democrats. Why? Hey, senator don't forget a lot of Republicans and Independents voted for you because you are basically a good man who works hard for his area. Forget the partisan junk. No one should get elected because of just being a Democrat or a Republican. Partisan politics ruined Cook County and our country. That thinking is what got Todd Stoger and Rod Blago elected. Now, there's a pair of Democrats who should have never been elected. Are you proud of them? If the township slate of candidates is so wonderful, let them talk about qualifications and experience as the reasons they should kick out the current folks who have served for decades and actually know what they are doing. Is one term as a trustee enough experience when compared to the current supervisor's 18 years? Is no experience or qualifications for the Dems' candidate reason enough to boot a highway commissioner with decades of proven, hands-on experience and voted an outstanding elected official in Illinois? What the heck is a hairdresser qualified for except to do nice perms and haircuts? Run a township? Vote on millions of dollars of taxpayer funds? Ridiculous. Partisan politics must go. Elect people who can actually serve the best interest of the taxpayers, not the party bosses. Right, Dan?
If he supports Democratic slate, so will I
State Senator Dan Kotowski is backing the Maine Township Democratic slate? That is what it appears to me in the picture I saw in my latest edition of the Journal & Topics. If he is supporting them then so am I.
People acting like the sky is falling
"Please move the casino location away from Park Ridge and into the heart of Des Plaines": Ahh! The sky is falling, the sky is falling. Go sit down have some coffee and relax.
Dropped in on open house, met candidates
I saw in the paper the invite for the Maine Township Democrats open house so I decided to stop by and see what it was all about. I got there near the end and saw dozens of people still hanging around, met State Senator Dan Kotowski as well as Peter Ryan who is running for supervisor. After talking with Peter it is clear that he knows the direction our township needs to move in. I will be voting for the Democrats.
Maine Township officials know what they're doing
Thank goodness for those in charge in Maine Township. I am reading constantly about how they are doing recycling programs to help get rid of old TVs, cell phone, and other electronic junk that just would end up in Farmers Creek or some landfill. They have been doing this for years even before it was politically correct. They get it. The old supervisor started it and the new one, Carol Teschky, has certainly moved the ball forward in the right direction. Keep going, Maine Township. We need you more than ever.
Voters need to pay more attention
Who the heck is running in Park Ridge these days? People are getting arrested before they even get on the ballot? In Illinois, that usually happens after they are elected. Others cannot figure out how to fill out some simple petition forms. Who are these folks? I hope to God they don't become our next batch of elected officials. Does the "Blago" thing not mean anything to us voters? We have to learn our lessons and elect good honest people who can do the job. No more bozos, please.
What did city get for its investigation?
Last year when there were rumors flying in regards to problems at Park Ridge Police Dept., certain members of the city council got the idea of having an outside investigative body look into those rumors. After receiving a report of nothing really found to be substantiated and with the dodging of questions by other council members posed to the attorney, it quietly disappeared. Now you have a grand jury looking into certain allegations. There seems to be some credence to these rumors and a big question is that did the city get for the over $70,000 investigation that the public integrity unit of either the Cook County States Attorney or the FBI couldn't do?
Is suggestion for fire chief a joke?
Tim Jones for fire chief. You've got to be kidding.
Mt. Prospect should have followed others
There was a story on The Sunday Morning show about the CEO of JAL Airlines who believes corporate execs should receive the same benefits and percentage pay raises as their employees to help encourage high morale. Obviously, Village of Mt. Prospect trustees don't follow that rule. If they did they wouldn't give Village Manager Mike Janonis a 4.5% raise and a $10,000 bonus (again) and give the rest of the employees a 3% raise.
Believes Arlington PADS site should stop
PADS sites in Arlington Hts. have to go. As a neighbor of St. James Parish it is a nightmare. There is drinking and lots of foul mouth people out on their property. I will be asking for this PADS site to close after this year. Enough is enough, Mayor Arlene Mulder. Do your job or leave.
Too many inconsistencies regarding Rte. 53 extension
Nice article in a Chicago newspaper recently. Too bad there were no opposing opinions other than a self-declared supporter and attorney who stands to benefit from fees from his clients on an extension which would not run through his own village. Buffalo Grove has many of its own problems and extending 53 is not what this guy should be working on. The amount of disinformation in this article is staggering. Who on the Lake County Board thinks the road could be built in two years? That is nuts. Even IDOT says 10 years is optimistic as the environmental impact statement and almost all engineering would need to be re-done. With all the wetlands in the path this will not happen any time soon. What a stupid waste of time and money.
Have a prayer breakfast at Rolling Meadows church
Why no prayer breakfast at Community Church of Rolling Meadows? Let me guess the members of the church can't get along.
Prefers a new face as Arlington Hts. mayor
Arlington Hts. needs someone else for mayor. I will be voting for Mr. John Glueckert as a write-in candidate for mayor. John is a very good and honest man.
Please help straighten U.S. flag
The U.S. flag on display at the corner of Center Street and Prairie Avenue in Des Plaines is in shreds and hanging upside down by one grommet. Although it hangs 24 hours a day, it is not illuminated. Can you help? A concerned American citizen.
They managed to find the money
Des Plaines City Manager Jason Bajor told city council there was no money for the senior center. They believed him. Whoa. He found $40,000, not $40 or $400, but $40,000. Bajor told city council there was no money and 12 employees had to go. City council believed him. Alderman Beauvais asked the unions to come up with money saving ideas so the employees didn't have to lose their livelihoods. Non-union employees submitted ideas, union employees gave their suggestions. At the next council meeting Bajor said he had received the ideas but hadn't had enough time to really look at them to determine if any were feasible. Besides, there wasn't enough time this year to implement them. In the 2009 budget that was passed, all the department heads got raises. Wonder where Bajor found the money. In the 2009 budget that all aldermen saw before it was finally passed, job titles were changed and positions added with very nice salaries. Basically, the same work, same job, just a new title and more money. Wonder where the money was found.
Brookman was right
I watched a recent city council discussion about a cleaning contract the city was awarding. Part of that discussion centered on the terms to terminate the contract if necessary. There was contract language that said that the firm being considered would "consider" hiring city of Des Plaines janitors who were fired to make way for privatization of some of the building cleaning work in the city. Alderman Brookman accurately pointed out that the word "consider" didn't have any real teeth in it and there was a risk that the new private firm would not actually hire some or all of these people. She also pointed out that the prospective private firm was very large and could easily absorb the few city workers involved. The part of the discussion that I enjoyed the most was the debate over the terms of termination. Ald. Brookman stated that the new firm could be terminated with a simple notice given. City Manager Jason Bajor shot back that Ald. Brookman was incorrect and that the contract could only be terminated for cause. The discussion continued as I watched Brookman begin searching the contract document and Mr. Bajor continued sitting smugly from his exalted position next to the mayor and city attorney at a level elevated above the assembled aldermen. All other city managers sat at the same table as the department heads at a physical level actually below the aldermanic seats. Bajor quickly changed that arrangement and put himself physically above the aldermen as he apparently feels he is in terms of stature and status. As I watched this interesting scene I began to wonder who was going to be proven right, clearly only Brookman or Bajor was correct about the contract terms. I considered the fact that Jason Bajor is the city manager, whose sole job is to run the day to day operation of the city and recommend policy courses to the elected officials. He had written the memo about the cleaning contract and was certainly familiar with its terms. After all, that's his job and he is paid well over $130,000 a year to give his full-time attention to his duties. We get Alderman Brookman for about $300 a month and her position is clearly a part-time public service role. The smart money had to be on Bajor. But Ald. Brookman has built a strong reputation for doing her homework and has pointed out so many flaws in contract language in the past that she sometimes irritates her council colleagues with her careful analysis. Sure enough, it was during alderman comments at the very end of the meeting that Brookman delivered the verdict. She had found the relevant language and read word for word from the contract language that the cleaning contract could be terminated with a simple notice and without cause. Carla Bookman was right. Jason Bajor should have been correct, especially since he announced his opinion with such self-assured certainly. Thank you Alderman Brookman for your fine public service during your time in office. I, for one, will miss you when you leave this coming April due to term limits. You are one of the very best aldermen this city has ever had during my 25 years of following city business and I want to thank you for your service.
Should lighten up crossing fines
I'm fine with issuing citations to pedestrians who cross in front of oncoming trains. I'm not at all in favor of citations for crossing while protected by a stopped train. Metra no longer runs trains through stations where other trains are stopped, so the police should lighten up on that.
How can they pass when they miss so much?
How are kids passing their classes when they miss 90 days of school?
Offers suggestions about Stop signs
In today's Journal & Topics there is another complaint, probably from the same person, about people failing to stop at the Stop signs between Lee and Third on Walnut Avenue in Des Plaines. I also live on Walnut, and I agree there is a problem, but the approach this person has taken by writing into Speak Out is not going to get anything done. I think if a Stop sign was added at Webster and Walnut along with Margaret and Walnut then it would discourage some of the cut-through traffic. If you are that concerned you should start by contacting the alderman. He is a good guy and actually cares about this ward. As for the comments asking where are the police, last time I checked they aren't out saving the theater as you suggested. I have seen an officer parked on Margaret taking radar on Walnut many times and have seen him stop frequent speeders. Also I have lived here for many years and have never seen a car go through a Stop sign at 30 mph as you suggest. They mostly just roll through, and you probably do the same thing yourself. Filming it and putting it on "Youtube" would not be a wise decision, it will just make you look ignorant.
Can see why they need more money
This is about Nick Helmer in a letter to Lake Claire residents of Prospect Hts.: He laid out details of the tax referendum and why they should vote "yes". What happened to the rest of Prospect Hts.? After reading the package they gave the fire chief I can see why they need more money. He had two years left on his contract and they signed him to another three-year contract at about $150,000 a year with benefits. And if he leaves he gets full pay for the rest of the contract.
Not all seems fair with Maine West basketball
Maine West basketball, here's how it works: If your mom does not pay for all the extras (camps, etc.) your kid does not get to play. They are unfair on how the teams are chosen. Maybe we should replace the coaches.
Makes no sense to fund parade, Taste
The city council has joined the State of Illinois by passing another unfunded mandate. The vote to hold the 4th of July Parade, Taste of Des Plaines and fireworks despite cutting the funding from the budget for these events makes no sense at all. Mr. Bajor, here is another little thing for you to do. Find some money so we don't have to tell anyone that complains in mass at the council meetings: "No".
Park district should purchase Des Plaines Theater
A recent mentioning of the "eyesore of a theater that no one goes to anyway," has brought me to make a suggestion as to the future of the Des Plaines Theater. It would not be wise for Des Plaines to purchase it, as there are too many budget problems already. In fact I don't think the city has ever made an effort to purchase it and I think that was a wise move on their part. However, I would like to suggest that the park district looks into purchasing it. The park district should have the available funds thanks to Mystic Waters and the Golf Center. The park district would also have the available maintenance staff to fix it up and make repairs, and there are plenty of high school and college students employed by the park district that could work there. Take a look at the other "value cinemas" around the Northwest suburbs. The movies have been in theaters for a few weeks, but it saves people a lot of money only having to pay $2 to see a film. The real money is made by the concession stand. When you don't have to pay much to get in you can afford to buy food and drinks. With the way the economy is right now, many people would go there and it would be a year-round source of income for the park district. There is also plenty of parking in the new parking garage behind the theater, and bringing business to the theater would also bring the "after theater business" to Metropolitan Square.
Road deteriorating already
I saw last summer that River Road was repaved, south of Oakton Street. Just recently, driving on our "new road" I couldn't help notice that it is already starting to buckle. Is there some kind of warranty for this work? It's not even been one year and the road is already starting to deteriorate.
Candidate still has lawsuit against city
I am wondering how many residents of the City of Des Plaines remember that one of the candidates in the race for 5th ward alderman is currently suing the city for benefits? How can you sue the city and expect to be elected as an alderman?
Sure, feeder program is great...
This is in response to the basketball team not reaching potential. Sure the feeder program is great, but how can it yield quality players when it is totally fixed from one year to the next?
Asphalt flies all over place
I noticed we are having potholes filled with asphalt dumped in the holes. Good, but shouldn't the guys use a tapper to help keep it down or is this too much to ask? It flies all over half of it is lost. Do the job right the first time.
We need mayor who will help
Des Plaines mayoral race: We need a mayor who puts Des Plaines first, not a yahoo that likes to start trouble and step back and watch the drama.
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