What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
Like to know their political affiliations
Would the Journal be able to provide us with the political affiliations of those running for mayor and the city council?
He made a bad deal on local billboards
So, Dick "Billboard" Sayad wants to be our next mayor. Isn't he the reason we voted in favor of term limits in the first place? He claims to be a successful businessman, however, he sure did give the billboards away for nothing to convicted felons.
City officials need to get real
I read the stimulus wish list from Des Plaines, and they have no clue as to what is necessary and what should be last on the list. One million for ornamental lighting is a joke. Who needs ornamental lighting? $500,000 for a traffic signal at Lee and Perry streets. Two months ago, the budget called for $400,000 which is still frivolous. Put a "right turn only" sign from Metropolitan Square for about $200 and that will solve the problem. People can exit at the signal at Perry and River or exit south onto Miner and go around the block. It takes 5 minutes and will stop accidents at Lee and Perry. Take that $500,000 and put sewer backflow valves in the homes with underground sewers in the Orchard Place area that flooded last fall and other times over the years. The systems cost about $5,000 each, which most residents cannot afford. I don't see anything on the wish list about a new sanitation plant to alleviate the problem, and what happens when the new casino, hotels, etc. start dumping their waste? If the plant cannot handle sewage now, what then? The city council needs to come down to earth. You had the nerve to say at the budget meetings that Des Plaines is a small portion of the property tax bill, but all your TIFs undermine the tax base for all others whose funding is frozen from the TIFs for 20 years. Get real.
Everyone seems to win but voters
If you're a Des Plaines voter or a Maine Township voter, the Republicans have made a deal to take away your choices as a voter. They are so sure you'll go along with whatever they want that the Mark Thompson faction and the Carol Teschky/Bob Provenzano faction agreed to bury the hatchet at your expense. Thompson, the powerless committeeman, gets to be mayor of Des Plaines and gets to keep his committeeman job. He gives the other group the Republican slating for Maine Township offices. Everybody wins. Except the voters. It's time for us to stand up to the people who think they own our elections. Vote for anyone but Mark Thompson for mayor. Vote for the Democrats for Maine Township office. Stop the deal making, and thrown them all out.
Metropolitan Square is a missed opportunity
It is such a shame that WineStyles in Metro Square is closing. Let's add it to the long list of failed retail stores on the list: Coldstone, Froots, Frugal Nuts and Candy, the dry cleaners. What is the city doing to give small businesses a chance? Nothing, they are pushing for casinos, hotels and chain restaurants. Metropolitan Square is such a missed opportunity, and I am disappointed in our planning board for letting this happen.
A salary increase for manager?
Are you kidding me? A salary increase for Bajor? Are you kidding me?
Shift of runway has lessened noise
The issue of airplane noise depends on what part of Des Plaines you live on. My area has lost a lot of the noise. We are loving the quiet. With the shift of the runway I no longer stand on my back deck and hear the engines revving up.
Referendum demands he act with more authority
Didn't a city referendum approve "city manager by state statute?" That position now has more authority and responsibility than the previous manager by city ordinance. It seems unfair to compare Jason Bajor and his management style to previous managers since they were performing two distinctly different jobs. The referendum demands he act with more authority. Respectfully submitted.
Has strong belief in high school feeder system
I have kids that are in the Maine West feeder program and also participate in other sports. Camps are a great way for the coaches to see what your kids can do and also a great way for the coaches to give your kid pointers for improvement. Off-season is when kids work to improve their skills. High school sports are competitive and you and your children need to make commitments. The camps are not that expensive. My kids and I give up a lot so they can get the opportunity to participate in sports. Again commitment. I have been exposed to all the basketball coaches on all levels and they have been great. I don't always agree with their decisions, but they really care about these boys and have made commitments to them also.
He's young and has some good ideas
Matt Bogusz, candidate for 3rd ward alderman, came to my door this weekend. Sure, he's young, but he has solid ideas and real experience in local city government. I've had enough of do-nothing city politicians. Matt's got my vote.
He had an incredible happy personality
As a long time friend of Pete and Barbara Walczak, I'd like to thank all friends, neighbors, business associates and all other wonderful people for voicing their sympathy to Barbara and family. Pete was genuinely a good and loving person. He had an incredibly happy personality that made you feel good to be around him. We will always remember him and we'll always carry a piece of his character with us. Memorial visitation and celebration in Pete's honor will be held on Saturday, Mar. 7, from 4-9 p.m. at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St., Des Plaines. All wishing to pay last respects and celebrate Pete's life are invited. Let's share our favorite memories, pictures and stories that will bring Pete closer to us.
More ideas for better traffic flow
Alderpeople Beauvais and Walsten: I read in the Journal today that both of you are interested in allowing a "right turn on red" westbound on Prairie Avenue, turning north on Lee St., when no pedestrians are present. Great idea. While you're at it, how about also considering the intersection right at city hall, westbound on Jefferson Street, a one way street, turning south on Graceland, another one way street. That would normally be the only legal situation where a left turn is allowed on red, but Des Plaines officials decided that shouldn't be allowed and posted the sign "No Turn on Red". Why can't that also be modified to allow a left turn on red "when no pedestrians are present". Many times cars sit for "no reason" when no one is driving south on Graceland, and no people are in the vicinity. Thanks in advance for considering this idea.
Agrees government needs more transparency
It is hard to believe that we have another election coming up but I know that I am going to vote for change in Maine Township on Apr. 7. Peter Ryan was at my door today talking about making things more transparent. This is exactly what we need.
Says this particular candidate a real fighter
President Obama did endorse the Maine Township Democrats in 2005, I was in attendance. I am sure that four years ago President Obama did not think he would be president but look what change brought. What better person to give an endorsement? I was able to meet Gail Vierneisel that day and what a pleasure it was talking to her. She was aware of the problems with Maine Township in 2005 and I am sure she is still aware or she would not be running again. She is a fighter and doesn't give up. Out with the old and in with the new. As President Obama said "our time for change has come."
Should Blagojevich party be allowed in?
Should the political party that brought us Rod Blagojevich, Todd Stroger, and Roland Burris be voted into office to now control Maine Township? OMG, we can hope not for the sake of taxpayers in this community.
Employees should not be allowed to circulate petitions
Using employees to collect petitions? Are you kidding me? The current officials over at the Maine Township office should be ashamed of themselves. I don't want my money going toward their political ambitions.
Everyone has right to promote their candidates
What nonsense from Maine Township candidate Peter Ryan in trying to make a case out of township employees exercising their First Amendment rights. Don't employees of Maine Township have rights like every other citizen in supporting any candidate for any office they choose? He is a lawyer so he knows all too well working for any candidate on their own time is their right. Stop preaching Mr. Ryan and come up with what you can do better than those currently holding the offices you and your cronies covet. I guess Mr. Ryan has rights, too. In this case, it is his right to appear the fool.
Questions why employees allowed to collect signatures
How can the Republicans of Maine Township use township employees to get signatures to place their candidates on the ballot? Is that legal? That reeks to me of if you want your job go get me elected. Whatever happened to an honest day's work? I thought things like this only happened in Chicago.
(Ed. Note: We asked a local Republican leader about this and the response was that those who obtained signatures did so on their own time. As Americans they have a right to do that, we were told.)
Has questions about Callero
"Acting Mayor" Callero: When will we some action on repairing our roads? Harlem and Touhy are horrible. When will patching take place? Also, what are you doing about flooding? This last rain caused more flooding. We haven't heard what your plan is since September flooding. What is the game plan?
They had their fundraiser in Niles
So ethics has been the major campaign cry in the Niles mayoral campaign of Kim Biederman. Guess what, she was just asked to leave the Niles Senior Center, by their management, for campaigning there. Shame on her. As a trustee, she should know that she cannot campaign on government property. Either way, its seems unethical that she would do something like that. Why not be like Mayor Bob Callero, trustees Preston, Pryzbylo and Commissioner Alpogianis.They've been out there at different Niles functions talking to our residents and hearing their concerns. I attended their fundraiser at the White Eagle Friday night, and they had over 300 people there. The ethical difference again, they had their fundraiser in town so we can benefit from sales tax dollars while others are having fundraisers in Chicago which is no benefit to anyone in Niles.
What's this about meeting via speakerphone?
In last week's Speak Out there was a lot of bad writing, I thought, against Mr. O'Donovan. A writer wrote that O'Donovan made comments regarding the current trustees for being too old and not having kids in the park district. I am sure the person who wrote this is only hearing what he is told to write. What he should be writing about is, do we, current Niles residents, want to keep a trustee who can't even stay in the village when it gets cold? Why do we need five trustees then if only four are overseeing it for six months? And, since when are monthly meetings conducted via speakerphone? I am for change and Niles needs someone who will be available 12 months out of the year and proud to be part of the park district. Another writer wrote that O'Donovan didn't even know how to enter an election. His paperwork arrived one day early. With the holidays I am sure he wanted to be sure the paperwork arrived in time. In reading previous newspaper articles and Niles literature it shows that O'Donovan has been the president of the Niles Library for 10 years. That must show for something.
She's really not for openness
Kim Biederman keeps talking about openness. At the same she tries to keep secrets. And, she keeps talking about the need to improve our Niles business environment while spending her campaign money elsewhere. She claims to be a small business owner. What business?
He never said other candidates too old
I am a regular at reading Speak Out and look forward to it every week, especially the election articles. I can say that O'Donovan, Niles Park District candidate, never said anyone was too old. He actually complemented the current board for a job well done. All he said was "there is time for a change." Even President Obama said that. Was he calling McCain and Bush old? No! I voted for OB and now I will write in O'D.
People in Niles are eager for a change
I just want to say thank you to Acting Mayor Callero for agreeing to participate in the debate. It is important that we get to know who we are electing. As it stands, I find him to be a great businessman, however, electing him mayor is a little too "Mr. Potter" for me as he owns several businesses in our community which in my mind causes a great conflict of interest. Conducting a "secret" ethics committee is an oxymoron. And as acting mayor, when will he notice that the roads in Niles are in great need of patching? We need a major change here in Niles. Status quo won't work going forward. I agree with the other candidates, we need to put a limit on the number of years a person can be king (oh I meant mayor). Candidates be warned, "The people of Niles have been ignored for too long. We want things to change (improvements) and things to be fair for all people, not a select group of cronies.
Not many communities doing better than Niles
Here's a bulletin for Chris Hanusiak. Niles isn't the only town with declining property values. It's happening all over America and in all our neighboring suburbs. Park Ridge homeowners are seeing a greater drop than we are getting here in Niles. To suggest that Niles didn't enjoy a boom is silly. Of course we did. What communities is he suggesting are doing better? We have the lowest taxes and the best services, because we have knowledgeable elected officials. In case he hasn't noticed, Mayor Callero is making positive changes by listening to the needs of our residents, and using his planning skills. All the other mayoral candidates criticize, but don't offer any plans. Continued Economic Stability is what we need, and that's why I am voting for Callero, Przybylo, Preston and Alpoganis.
Comprehensive plan gets us state, federal money
Chris Hanusiak's letter shows a total lack of understanding of being an elected official. It is the elected mayor and trustees who are responsible for establishing ordinances, and for spending our money. It is our elected officials who will approve and implement plans to stop basement flooding, and beautify our streets. Without a comprehensive plan, we have patchwork. With a comprehensive plan we get state and federal dollars to get things done.
Candidate should have known better
Thanks to Kim Biederman for wasting the time of our village attorney and the State of Illinois' attorney general with her ridiculous open meetings act allegation. Biederman knows, and the Journal should know, that among the exceptions to the Open Meetings Act are, (1) ethics commissions and (2), pending legal actions. Way to go Kim. Keep bringing up things you know are wrong.
He's always had it in for Blase
Journal Editor Todd Wessell has an admitted vendetta against Nick Blase. A week ago, I sent the following to Speak Out, which you chose not to publish. Todd Wessell's "Off the Record" in the Niles Journal for Feb. 18 showed a complete lack of understanding of present day Niles. While Mr. Wessell has a long-standing dislike of former Mayor Blase, he fails to understand some basic facts. See The Journal for June 21, 2006 for documentation on the personal vendetta. First, both Mayor Callero and Trustee Biederman served under Blase, and it was Biederman who praised him lavishly at the retirement dinner. Second, the residents of our village understand that Mayor Blase did wrong, and is paying for his wrongdoing. They also understand that the charges against him had nothing to do with his official duties, and his contributions to the village were considerable. Even Judge Andersen acknowledged the tremendous contributions Blase made to the Village, and the positive legacy Blase had created. So, to answer Wessell's question, Mayor Blase is not on the April ballot. Other candidates are. And it is their view of how to move the village into the future that matters, not Mr. Wessell's obsession with the past, or his attempt to show just one candidate as a Blase associate.
(Ed. Note: It has been said before and will be said again. The Journal & Topics editor has never had a vendetta against Mr. Blase. If fact, he's always liked Mayor Blase and for many years they worked together very well. If you choose to believe otherwise, so be it. There's no question that local politics at times can become very biting and very personal---Todd Wessell).
Sure hopes Callero is another Blase
Todd Wessell asks is Callero another Nick Blase? I sure hope so. Blase was really wrong to take that money and violated our trust and his duty. He also created a village that is friendly, has great services and very low taxes. Forty-seven years did us a lot of good. For 30,000 people we are still a friendly village and a great place to raise a family and enjoy old age.
(Ed. Note: Mr. Callero told us that he is "his own man.")
Candidate is a good man; he should stay
Terpinas is a good man. I cannot speak about the others. It might be a time for change, but keep Terpinas. I wonder about O'Donovan. I do not know him personally, but the library is really great. There is no gum on the chairs, the programs are fun and they have any book or cassette you are looking for. He is president of the library board and that counts for something. I might vote for him, but I don't know right now. I want to keep taxes low and services good.
Time for a change in Niles Park Dist.
Eventually the lettuce wilts. It is true Jim Hynes, Chuck Barbaglia and Bill Terpinas have served the Niles Park District well. They made a good salad. But Joe LoVerde is leaving the position of director and without him to keep them on track who knows what will happen? It is time for some fresh blood and new vision for the park district. We should honor them for watching the bottom line and not raising taxes, but Joe and his staff do the programming. The board just rubber-stamps it.
Says Park Ridge slept while many homes flooded
"Overtime pay totaled more than $45,000." The cost to restore my basement was nearly that amount. "The total cost to the city was more than $270,000 also including $130,000 for garbage pickup, and repairs to the lift stations and the sewer at Western and Touhy avenues." It wouldn't surprise me if the cost to the homeowners on my block alone exceeded that amount. Nice job Park Ridge government. Sleep in on a Saturday morning while everyone's basement floods and then complain about a few thousand dollars while the tax paying residents are forced to deal with your ineptitude and lack of action. It's interesting how everyone's basement drain was backing up one minute, but then a minute later it was all draining out. I wonder if someone finally made it into work and decide to open up a valve?
Says he should be ashamed of his letter
Alderman Ryan should be ashamed of this letter. He should be ashamed he accused Schmidt of illegal activity when he knows for a fact that is not true.
Favors four candidates in Mt. Prospect School Dist. 57
I am writing to express my support for Sann Knipple, Karen Nejdl, Martin Malone, and Mike Berry in the upcoming race for Mt. Prospect School District 57's Board of Education. These four candidates embody a spirit of cooperation that is sorely lacking from our current board. With these four new members, I am confident our board can resolve the problems facing our district. This district can no longer afford to have obstructionist board members who are not focused on what is best for the children of the district as a whole. Eileen M.
Watched homeless take sandwiches out of cooler
Homeless at Northwest Community Hospital every Thursday from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. There is a homeless man and women who go to the cafeteria and take coffee and soda and don't pay and make tons of noise. This past Thursday I watched them take sandwiches out of the cooler. How much does a resident have to take? Come on Bruce do your job as president get something done about this.
Why so many loitering outside library?
Why are there so many men loitering inside and outside the Arlington Hts. library? Are they just killing time until they can spend the night at a PADS center?
Says he needs to stop distortion
I think people should question Vito Manola about his knowledge of about how government works. To say Todd Stroger and his administration make money from the village is untrue and irresponsible for him to say that. Also he cannot stop it if they want to do it nor would he try. But please stop distorting the facts of county government.
Everyone invited to office opening
You and your readers in Palatine are cordially invited to the grand opening of Vito Manola's campaign office as he ramps up his candidacy for mayor of Palatine. Please join us to meet Vito and enjoy morning refreshments, from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Mar. 7. The office is located at 843 N. Quentin, at the corner of Northwest Highway.
Speech was one of the finest ever given
Craig Johnson is one of the finest mayors in the United States of America. I've seen Mayor Johnson at one of the last meetings of the SOC. Congressman Henry Hyde was at the meeting. Mayor Johnson gave a speech that is worthy to be in a book of great speeches of current US mayors (if there is such a book). I did not see this great speech of Johnson's appear in part or whole in either television or print media. It is a shame that political interests and the manipulation of the Chicago media overshadowed this great speech of Mayor Johnson. I wish the best for Mayor Johnson and hope the road will go in Johnson's favor. The residents and business people of Elk Grove Village are fighters for the good. Ben K. of Franklin Park.
Mulder has done a great job, town great to live in
Arlene Mulder has done a great job as president for the Village of Arlington Hts. It is a great place to live.
Some suggestions for improvement
Nice job on Metro Square. Now we need people to come out and enjoy the shops and vendors. We need to make our city work. Start having car shows in the summer. Get people to come to Des Plaines and buy, buy, buy. We need Sugar Bowl back. We need people to get involved and have fun. The beer trucks made a mint at the Taste. Let's do more with less. Why wasn't the Taste in Metro Square?
What's going on at old union hall?
The old carpenters union hall at White and Oakton. What is going on there? They always look closed. There are for sale or lease signs in the windows.
Government should take over road maintenance
How about the village of Mt. Prospect taking over Wimbolton Drive? I believe the city, county and or the state should repair our street immediately.
Candidate shows he's really interested
Wow, I was amazed last night when I already had someone knock on my door for Maine Township office. Mr. Jim Wozny is already out in force talking to me and neighbors alike about their concerns. Now that is someone I can support when they care enough to be out in freezing temperatures to talk to me.
Appreciates all Brookman has done for city
I would like to publicly thank Ald. Carla Brookman for all of her contributions to the City of Des Plaines. Carla, you will be missed. You distinguished yourself as a true champion of common sense and have inspired many people who had lost confidence in politicians, specifically in Des Plaines. You would have made a great mayor. Hopefully you will continue to help our fine city in the future.
Has a catchy ring to it
Welcome to Bajorville. Kind of catchy?
Communication reason to learn English
Yes, there is a reason to learn English in the U.S. It is for communication. My parents taught me it was rude to speak another language in public. It is apparent that we have a lot of new rude people living here.
Sad to see local store closed
It's sad that WineStyles is closing due to lack of patrons. It would be great if the Des Plaines community could support local businesses. In concept, Metropolitan Square is wonderful---a local spot where area commuters can quickly jog over, fetch a bottle of wine, do a little grocery shopping, and retire to their local condos or nearby single-family homes. Or maybe they could venture out to a little family-run restaurant for a quaint dinner, or hit a vintage movie at the Des Plaines Theater. Sadly, that isn't the reality.
Now people can be caught
Great day to all. Life is what you make it. Des Plaines likes fast pace, so be it. Cameras on every corner. You can catch everyone for everything. You know, people jaywalking. Thank God for government's watchful eye. Of, course, being born in Des Plaines, I wish y'all well. Bob.
Police need to always be professional
This reminds me of the Des Plaines police officer who shot and killed the guy on his own property because he had a stick in his hand. It also reminds me of the Des Plaines female cop that slammed into a couple of waitresses who got off work while the cop was speeding down Oakton. My wife was also hit by a police officer responding to a call in a squad car with no lights or siren, on River Road. Police need to realize what their job is really about and try to remain professional.
Yes, cameras need to catch violators
Cameras at stoplights: Yes, it is time to ticket offenders. They should also be at Stop signs like at Second and Walnut.
Another way for people to get into trouble
A casino is just what we need. Struggling families in and around Des Plaines can now spend whatever money they have left in a matter of minutes. Hopefully there will be ATMs on site with unlimited withdraw limits. Let's see what other avenues can get people into further financial trouble.
Think long, hard about pay raise
As I sit here and read today's article in the Journal regarding a possible pay raise for Jason Bajor, I am stunned. In these economic hard times, Mr. Bajor and others who have such a high salary should be willing to take a freeze on their salary or cut in pay as many others in the business world have had to do. Be thankful that you hold such a well paying job and use that money toward programs or projects that are in need. The aldermen need to think long and hard regarding this pay raise, in today's climate it is not a good idea to spend money needlessly.
(Ed. Note: Mr. Bajor recently informed city officials that he does not feel he should get a pay raise this year because of the tough economic times.)
Moylan and Lake both serving not a bad idea
The Journal and its editor/writer Todd are certainly entitled to their opinion, just like everyone else. That said I take serious issue with certain statements made by Mr. Wessell in the Feb. 18 edition of his paper. He intimated that a deal had been struck between Des Plaines mayoral candidates Marty Moylan and Mike Lake that if Lake dropped out and supported Moylan that Marty in turn would appoint Lake 2d ward alderman should he win. As expected the parties involved denied this, but I ask you, would that be such a bad thing? Both of these men have proven their ability and willingness to work for the people of the city, so I would have no problem in having both of them in government. Journalists are our only conduit to elected officials and I ask that Todd hold Tony Arredia's feet to the fire regarding his successor. Now is not the time for Arredia to play politics and make nice with everybody. I deem that it is his responsibility to the people of this community to offer an opinion on who should or more importantly should not hold the office of Mayor. I have faith that Mr. Wessell is experienced enough to ask the proper question without encouraging an endorsement from Arredia. One last thing. Please, please, please restructure the candidate forum so that the citizens of this town can really learn something about the candidates other than the fact that they all believe that flooding and infrastructure are priorities and that casino money will be used to improve the quality of life here. Let's rethink the format so we can make an informed choice for mayor.
Here's accurate spelling of local band
Article on Feb. 20th about the 2009 Taste of Des Plaines listed a band by the wrong name (High Infidelity) is actually (Hi Infidelity). www.hiinfidelity.com.
Henry the Rooster is my best friend
He's a star and he's not coming back: Journal readers, once again there is a guy who makes up stories that are not true about my rooster, Henry. We did not leave or go on TV or Hollywood. He is my little buddy and best friend "Henry the Rooster". Also we do not drive a Mercedes. Henry and I would like to say "hi" to the Journal readers in wonderful Florida. Hi, Floridians.
(Ed. Note: So a rooster is your best friend?)
Whatever happened to city department head?
So what happened to Matt Dusckett, Des Plaines' former director of public works?
Need a better public place to display photos
We arrived home after being out of town to find that Maine West had a photography show featuring the best of Maine West's photography students. So we missed it. Why is there not a more public place where their pictures could be displayed longer? There could be City Hall or Oakton Community College with its gallery to host the exhibit.
I'm willing to take a job flipping burgers
In response to the Speak Out from Friday, Feb. 27 Journal, "How many of them are willing to flip burgers, etc. for $7 per hour." I am one of those willing people. I currently work full-time for a business and have been looking a long time for a part-time job. I've applied to Jewel, Target, Menards, Home Depot, Family Video, and many other "chain" businesses with either no response, or that I'm not qualified. I have a college degree, and a long history of working with employers. How am I not qualified for the position? The reason is that they don't want an educated person like me. They don't want someone that in the future, may want a raise, or health benefits. What they want is someone right out of high school, or an immigrant to work the same position that won't want any of the things someone like me may desire. It's terrible going to restaurants, stores or customer service reps, who treat the customer like dirt. As the unemployment figures show, I'm sure there are a lot of willing people who are unemployed who would take the job just so they have some source of income.
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