What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
"W" surrounded himself with others, too
To the reader who says that Obama has surrounded himself with Clinton people: GW Bush surrounded himself with people from former cabinet members as well. Dick Cheney, Rummy, Ashcroft, Rice. Powell. But Obama has a brain. President Clinton left office with a surplus, peace and good/steady economy. Wake up.
GW made a mess out of the situation
President Bush was a disgrace. He didn't save or protect us from terror attacks. In fact, he sent us to the wrong country. Look at the mess that this economy is in? GW could never figure out on how to multi task. He was more concerned about visiting his ranch to ride his bike.
Some thoughts about gay rights issue
Why are gay rights a controversial issue? I have a friend that is gay and he is intelligent and very nice. (Just to answer questions, I am female.) Besides, it's not like they chose to be gay. And you protest that the population will go down? Just an FYI: there is an immense amount of children who are up for adoption and who have lived their lives without a parent. Basically, would you let someone with lung cancer suffer, even if there was a risk-free cure? I sure hope not. It's the exact same thing with gay rights. Would you let your friend live miserably because they could never find the "one", even when it is possible to let them marry whoever they want and be happy? I sure hope not.
Knows what his dog means when he barks
I used to live in Des Plaines but it got too loud and crowded for me, so I now live way back in the woods of the Missouri Ozarks. I have three Great Pyrenees dogs, Wolfie, Pooh Bear, and Stubby. Today is their birthday celebration. People in the city may not know that when a Great Pyrenees barks he is saying, "I am a Great Pyrenees, so don't come around here if you plan to mess with this chicken!" Then he might say, "don't even think about comin' around here if you plan to push around that duck, because I am a Great Pyrenees!" They are also good at protecting turkeys, sheep and goats. Just thought people in the city might be interested in what a Great Pyrenees dog has to say.
Concerned about where real music has gone
Have you people heard the music today? It's horrible. People have lost the will to write meaningful songs. Coldplay and Fallout Boy, etc., like their songs mean anything? They're not trying to make a difference or tell us their ideas about the world around them. They just sing another dried out song about how the girl they knew for a week left them. What happened to rock? They don't care about the music. Just how much money do they get? What happened to the soul? What happened to The Beatles, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Credence Clearwater Revival, and most of all Elvis? And as you read you will most likely think I'm some old guy yelling at the new music because I have nothing to do but rot in a old folks home but really I'm a 17-year-old who goes to Maine West High School. Maybe I'm just a young guy with the mind of a 60-year-old or maybe "the times they are a-changin" in the great words of old Bob Dylan.
Why did legislature take action against Blago?
Why did the legislators feel the need to ban Blagojevich from running for public office? Don't they trust the voters? Don't they believe in democracy? It seems that what they do is perform coup d'etats against elected officials they have personal issues with.
Here's another way of taxing people
Yeah, let's tax the television screens. Good idea. Lots of luck.
They miscalculated and they still work here
A majority of the Glenview Finance Department is new, serving for less than one year. This caused problems earlier this year when finance employees miscalculated the Glenview Library's expected revenues when assisting in calculating their tax levy. Guess what? Those employees who made the calculation still work in Glenview.
Was salary changed to reflect change?
If you look up the Glenview village website, the previous capital project director now becomes his assistant director. That is a new position added to the department. Did they lower his salary and compensation to reflect his new position?
Do others see problem with this?
So Village Manager Todd Hileman went golfing with an outside consultant? Am I the only one who sees a problem with this?
Questions various village spending projects
It's an absolute outrage that Glenview Village President Terry Cummings is in Washington, D.C., (on taxpayers money) asking for money from the stimulus bill. Without voters consent, our village trustees spent $90,000 up front to hire a lobbying firm and $10,000 a month to go to Washington and ask for money. If they can't run this city with the large amount of property taxes we pay then every one of these trustees should be fired. If we can't afford the "Taj Mahal" of police stations then maybe we never should have built it. Does the small village of Glenview really need 40-50 police cars? If we can't afford a new library then maybe we should not be building a new multi-million dollar one. And what about the $2 million dollar swimming pools? Did we really need two of them (used for three months out of the year)? This type of spending is exactly what got this country in trouble. If you don't have the money upfront, then don't pay for it on your children's credit.
Silly to say that Ginsburg is a good jurist
John Crawford's ridiculous attacks on conservative members of the Supreme Court are the exact reason why I no longer spend money on the print media. He claims Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an excellent jurist? Wow John, you have exposed your true radical liberal neo-Marxist belief system with that silly statement.
(Ed. Note: Mr. Crawford's statement was his opinion. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. No one is obligated to support an opinion. That's the American way. Wouldn't you agree?)
Are village officials sharing the concern?
To add to the tirade over village employees being "cut at knees": It's a shame that no one is running against current village officials. Did the village really think they'd see The Glen make its sales numbers? Why did they hire an out of state village manager and give him such a great deal on home financing/loan? We couldn't find any other qualified individuals within even our state? Why did they outsource so many knowledgeable and friendly village employees? The streets are not maintained with the same high level of quality that we were used to. It takes longer for our streets to get plowed, salted and cleaned. Please do not lay off any more village workers. What will happen in the event of a crisis? Why do village officials think Glenview should operate like a "big business"? While I understand some of the cut backs, what have village leaders done to share in this economic downturn? What have they given up?
Watch out for Obama raising taxes
If Obama keeps his word and raises taxes on large corporations, the economy will get a lot worse, not better. Let's take Coca-Cola for example. Their taxes go up, the CEO can't pay all his employees, he has to fire people, then the price for a can of Coca-Cola goes up to $2 within a few years. Just watch. You'll see.
People would be appalled at knowing his pay raise
I agree with the writer who said the Journal is Tony Arredia's "lap dog". I have stronger words for you but this is family oriented. I have written many pointed criticisms of Arredia, Jason Bajor and most importantly the Des Plaines Police Dept., which allowed a gang fight to escalate into murder. What did Chief Prandini get? A 5% cost of living raise all the while the cost of living only increased 0.1%. Hmmm, where is the investigative reporting. I think many people in Des Plaines would be sick to their stomach to know Chief Prandini made $130,000 last year. But we are in the era that objective journalism died, replaced by propaganda pieces meant to soothe the masses. I have not heard one hard question about the increase in drug dealing and prostitution that is guaranteed to increase with the casino. This post has a 1 in 10 chance of making it even though it meets all criteria laid out, oh, other than being highly critical of the people the Journal protects with every last word.
Saddened to hear about her passing
I was very affected when I learned that Guillermina Gonzalez had passed, I knew her only from the times I visited her store. She always projected such optimism. My deepest and most sincere condolences to her family.
We got billboards and money for fireworks
There were three interesting stories you reported on with a common tie in a recent issue. On page one you address the ongoing billboard saga that the residents have always opposed. On the same page, you announce the candidate's forum in Des Plaines. Finally, on page 3, you gave us an update on convicted felon James Dvorak being banned from Illinois casinos. What is the common tie? Well, it's Dick Sayad. It's been quiet in Des Plaines (he obviously hasn't been around), but now he is prepping to make a run to become our mayor. People shouldn't forget that he led the push for the billboards in the first place. Their friends made millions while the people of Des Plaines received fireworks. With a casino coming into town, we must be very careful.
Time to do something to help Earth
This year's Earth Hour will be on Mar. 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Let's do something positive, Des Plaines, and turn off our lights for an hour. Last year we turned off our lights, took a walk around the block, and then lit some candles, listened to the radio and talked. It was very pleasant. Check out the website at www.EarthHourUS.org. I will be doing this, this year and I hope many of you will too.
Candidates need to reach out to businesses, too
All you alderman looking for votes, don't forget about local business owners in Des Plaines. Some business owners live in Des Plaines but many employ residents of Des Plaines. Only one aldermanic candidate is reaching out to business for our thoughts and concerns. Thanks Matt B.
Recent events don't reflect well on Democrats
The woes of Roland Burris don't reflect well on the Democratic Party in Illinois or Cook County. First, the scandal and embarrassment of a governor who set a new low in public life with a level of distaste for the welfare of common people like we have never seen before. Now, the Dems are reversing course on their latest prize pick, Mr. Burris, too. Stop trying to un-do your mistakes and do the right thing from the start. Elect good people, not party hacks. Let's see if Todd Stroger can be talked into resigning as well. Now that would be very nice to see him take a hike. All those who would vote a straight Democratic ticket in the April election should think long and hard about blindly taking the party line in the voting booth. What nonsense. Wake up people.
What would happen if Henry went away?
Beware of people who say bad things about my little buddy Henry the Rooster. He is such a great pet. I don't know what I would do if I would loose my little buddy. I talk to him all the time in the house, and he does react to my words. He flaps one wing. Pretty cool, hey?
(Ed. Note: Maybe you better get a life.)
Need to put things in proper perspective
Why do some of the people of Niles not understand Nick Blase committed a serious crime. Even after all his years of service for the community he decided to go on the wrong side of the law. We do live in a great community but we need some major ethics reform. Bob Callero is a personal friend of the mayor and is endorsed by the mayor. Please people of Niles let's open up our minds and start looking at the right candidate.
Help someone to brighten your life
Seems to be some tough times upon us. Let us use this time to get to know our neighbors again. We are all in this together. Maybe use this time to do some service work. It doesn't cost anything and it makes you feel so much better. One can forget his or her own problems while helping someone else. That is true wealth.
He was responsible for billboard deal
Dick Sayad does not have my support. He is the one who was responsible for the billboards that our city was against.
Education No. 1 priority of this school board
In a recent article about Prospect Hts. School Dist. 23 class sizes someone told the reporter "the board is motivated solely on short-term financial reasons and are willing to pass the ramifications of their decisions and the long-term responsibility of education on to future boards." I can't believe that someone actually believes that. The Dist. 23 Board of Education has been very responsible to both the parents and the other taxpayers in the district. Their fiscal responsibility over the last decade has led to increased services to the students and families in the form of all day kindergarten for at risk students, low class sizes, the SOAR program for higher achieving students, new textbooks and support personnel in the classroom. How can somebody think that education is not the number one priority of this school board? Ridiculous. The person who is quoted should also remember that the board represents all the taxpayers in the district. Some of those think 23 children in a class is also ridiculous and wonder why there aren't 25-30. Let's be realistic, people. We have tough times ahead. If we have to give a little to keep most of what we have, we should be willing to do that.
School board refused to explain actions
Mt. Prospect School Dist. 57 Supt. Dr. Bruce Brown highly recommended to the school board to grant a multi year contract to a highly respected and much loved principal at Fairview Elementary, April Jordan. The school board denied it, called for her resignation and refused to comment on why. Parents, faculty, staff and students tried to rally at the board meeting Thursday night to no avail. The board did not poll any teachers, staff or parents and no formal evaluation was done. The board's mind was already made up. "I can't believe they sat there stone faced and smug," said one parent. "We loved our principal so much," said another. The community is outraged, saddened and deeply disturbed that the board, yet again, has decided to make decisions based on what seems like personal gain. It has been noted that one board member, Joann Harms had a disagreement with the principal. Their disregard for the superintendent's recommendation is a slap in the face. There is an election coming up in April.
School board practicing back room politics
Something is wrong with the Dist. 57 school board. They do not listen to the people. They disregard the superintendent's recommendations. They do not listen to their own teachers or administration. They have been duly noted on more than one occasion about voting behind closed doors. That is back door politics and only our children suffer.
Entire city is flipping the water bill
Too bad the residents of Lake Claire (Prospect Hts.) haven't been hit with a real estate bill that reflects the cost of the Lake Michigan water they are receiving. It's the entire city that is flipping the bill for their water because the bond issue that will take care of the initial construction won't be paid until 2012. That's how Prospect Hts. works.
School board no place to grind axes
I am writing this letter to urge everyone to vote for the four candidates running for the Dist. 57 Board of Education in the Apr. 7 election. If you value transparency in your board of education, you should support them with your vote. A school board is not a place to neither grind axes nor carry out personal vendettas against school administrators. Unfortunately, certain members of the Dist. 57 board seem to have forgotten that their mission is to act in the best interests of our children and have instead acted based on a personal agenda they do not seem to feel is necessary to share with the Dist. 57 community. They recently made a decision that will have a significant impact on one of our elementary schools yet the rationale behind that decision has been hidden from the parents of that school, as well as from the person most affected by their decision. In fact, they claim that they did not even make a decision, that they took no action, yet their "inaction" has consequences that will be felt by our elementary schools. Quite an "inaction". We need a board that will make their decisions openly and fairly and as the voice of the Dist. 57 community, we have a right to be fully informed about their decisions regarding our schools and our children. Back office politics may be an unpleasant fact of life down in Springfield or in the political machine of Chicago. Let's make sure it does not infect our community as well. On April 7th, vote for Sann Knipple, Karen Nejdl, Marty Malone and Mike Berry. Rachel Leiner, Mt. Prospect.
Need to put things in proper perspective
Why do some of the people of Niles not understand Nick Blase committed a serious crime. Even after all his years of service for the community he decided to go on the wrong side of the law. We do live in a great community but we need some major ethics reform. Bob Callero is a personal friend of the mayor and is endorsed by the mayor. Please people of Niles let's open up our minds and start looking at the right candidate.
She was never asked to leave senior center
A comment was made in Speak Out about Kim Biederman being asked to leave the Niles Senior Center. I work at the center and that situation never happened. I think the person who wrote those comments should get some ethics.
Callero is no Mayor Nicholas Blase
I have lived in Niles for over 35 years and I supported Mayor Blase in every election. I will not be voting for Bob Callero. One thing is clear, Bob Callero is no Mayor Blase.
So will you refuse help from village employees?
In the article "Candidates Focus on Fundraisers", Bierderman said she was the only candidate to voluntarily refuse any contributions from Niles village employees or business vendors. So Kim, I guess this means, that, if any of the village employees are supporting you, they are not welcome at any of your fundraisers because you would be taking their money. Are you refusing checks? I highly doubt it.
Muckraking journalism does you no credit
I read your article about George Alpogianis' youthful indiscretions. I feel that this type of "muckraking journalism" does no credit to your newspaper nor, in my opinion, of George's ability to represent Niles as a trustee. He is a good family man and a kind and compassionate businessman. He has earned the right to be on the ballot and definitely will receive my vote.
He's a great guy; article was nasty
This letter is regarding the article that Tom Robb wrote about George Alpogianis, the "17 year old". I want you to know about George Alpogianis, the man. He is one of the kindest, gentlest, caring, understanding and considerate people I know. He is a wonderful family man both with his biological family and his restaurant family. I am honored to be his friend. Mr. Robb wrote a very nasty article. Shame on him.
All of us have made bad decisions
How many times, as a youth would you find yourself socializing with people of the same age group when someone uses poor judgment and does something inappropriate in the eyes of the law? While some actions may only result in a scolding by officials, other actions can be thought of as offenses and may be stretched to meet possible convictions. My point is, we have all made bad choices growing up, and have learned to make better decisions now as adults. Vince S.
Outrageous he keeps supporting candidate
Why is it that acting Niles Mayor Bob Callero continues to defend Mr. Alpogianis? As the Journal reported, one of the trustee candidates on his slate has a criminal record that includes a gang-related bombing and six counts of battery. Callero continues to support him. That is outrageous! This is not the ethical leadership we need in Niles.
Why does he continue to support him?
I am so embarrassed for Niles. Why does acting mayor Bob Callero continue to support a convicted felon for village trustee when Illinois law clearly states that felons cannot hold public office.
Your article showed insensitivity
I am a bit surprised that you chose to write an article about George Alpogianis and his teen years. Is that really how you measure someone's accomplishments? By what they did in their teen years. If so, I think you need to return to school and learn about good journalism. Maybe you should have focused more on his adult life and his contributions he has made to his community. That is what a good journalist would do, get the full story. I am a regular at his restaurant and a citizen in Niles. I have known George for many years and find him to be an upstanding citizen, generous, caring and an asset to our society. Your reporting is nothing more than bad journalism at its best. You seem to be missing a sensitivity chip. I fully support George and his run for trustee in the town of Niles.
What he did occurred 20 years ago
We all make mistakes---this was 20 years ago. I know this man and he certainly has turned his life around---very active in community and volunteering.
What happened 25 years ago not that important
I'm not sure how your paper is distributed, whether you need to sell papers or just to generate more circulation through negative headlines but the motivation behind the article seems negative, one sided and an attack on ones character. George Alpogianis is a guy who made mistakes, thanks for at least printing that. What seems to be more important is recent behavior or at least the past 25 years of it, not something that happened 25 years ago. It's the actions of an adult that show the character of a person, not that of a teenager. Yet your article seems to dismiss that by only giving a three-line last minute effort to say what he's done in the past 20 years. How about the adult life of George. He has been a lot more then just an active member of his church. He served as treasurer and then president of the parish council and led a fiscally sound budget, grew the membership and oversaw the greatest fundraising effort in the church to build a gymnasium for the children. He took over his family's business, got involved in the chamber of commerce for both Morton Grove and Niles, active in his children's school Culver Elementary. The majority of his customers know him, all the regulars most certainly do. It's pretty well known how George will bring food to a customer's house when they are ill, attend family celebrations and be a good, active, supportive member of the community. Your article could have taken two roads: One to celebrate someone like him who can bring a wealth of experience to Niles and report everything, then and now, but instead resorted to the low, sleazy sided reporting. You should be embarrassed of your efforts to try to harm what is an outstanding person. A concerned citizen and Niles voter.
Bet you don't know first thing about him
I cannot believe that you would write such an obscene article about George Alpogianis. I would bet that you don't know the first thing about him or his family. George and his family are icons of our community and have been so as long as we can remember. So he made a mistake or two when he was younger, who hasn't? What I think is more important is what he's been doing ever since, but then again why would a newspaper care to write anything nice about someone when they can go back 25 years and dig up a little dirt. Do you know that he offers seniors a discounted breakfast and dinner menu to help them because they're on a fixed income. The price he charges is less than anyone's and it comes with a smile or hug. He has never said no to helping any house of worship, the local park districts, libraries and schools. He helped coached my son's baseball team in Niles and would take them out for lunch or ice cream. He also just recently started a scout troop of which my son joined. Shame on you for trying to tarnish his image in the name of what you think is news - it's a bunch of garbage. There should be more people like him in this village. Didn't he already pay for what he did? You even said he hasn't been in trouble since. George and his party have my vote. Way to go George and keep your chin up, I'll be there for you on April 7th. A Niles parent.
What is going on in Niles?
Just how entrenched is the culture of crime in Niles politics? Mayor Blase steps down just before he pleads guilty to federal corruption charges and his replacement picks another convicted felon to run with him on his ticket? Bombing a restaurant and beating people with pipes and boards with nails? Are you serious, according to your article, the law says he can't even hold office. People joke about Rosemont but they got nothing on Niles.
Job of EPA is to protect peoples' health
Well, well well. Is this no surprise to anyone? Below is a paragraph pulled from the article in the Journal & Topics "Runway Health Bill Grounded": Also in attendance opposing the bill were representatives from the city of Chicago, the Chicago Dept. of Aviation, and the O'Hare Modernization Program, according to a press release issued by Mulligan's office. Does this not leave all three of them wide open to the fact that they are damaging people's houses, harming the health of people with the noise, threatening our lives, past and present, with the low flying planes. I am sure that if Rosemary Mulligan, along with Lisa Madigan, pushes this to the limit, they will find corruption. Is it not the job of the EPA to make sure that the lives and health of people are not in jeopardy? Why did this have to even get this far? The EPA should have investigated this a long time ago.
Don't just complain about stolen sandwiches...
Watched homeless take sandwiches out of cooler? Why are you complaining and not doing anything? If you saw it either pay for it so the homeless person can eat (which would be the nice thing) or do something while it happens! But don't just sit back and complain!
Do they realize jobs are being lost?
I wonder if all the politicians that pushed through the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway deal realize Canadian National is laying people off in Chicago. Forty I know of in the Markham district.
O'Hare expansion comes down to greed
I was reading your Business Briefs (March 4-9, 2009) regarding Apollo Burgers in Bensenville. Their lease for the building expired. The building is owned by Chicago and Chicago "is refusing to extend it" and told Apollo "it's not an option". Apollo was told to hand over the keys "to someone with the O'Hare Modernization Project". It's that project again! Apollo was "forced to sell his building to Chicago to facilitate the expansion". However, "The expansion is currently stalled due to lack of funding and disagreements about the design." We all know these decision take lots of time. Why can't Apollo have an extension on the lease and keep his business open for at least another year if not much longer? Why is this happening in the middle of a recession? And Apollo is not the only one in trouble! This expansion is costing lots and lots of $$$$ and disrupting the lives of homeowners, businesses and villages. Chicago wants to be the biggest, busiest and get the most $$$$ from O'Hare and doesn't seem to care who is in their way or refuses to share with another airport. The final word here is greed.
Homeless shouldn't be allowed library cards
Arlington Hts. Library trustee Richard Frisbie must go. He has done nothing about the homeless. The time has come folks we must put our foot down and demand these people not get library cards on the good taxpayers of Arlington Hts.
Staff should tell them to hang out somewhere else
I am glad to see that I am not the only one who is annoyed seeing the homeless camping out in the Arlington Hts. Library. It is true that staff gets all righteous when it is mentioned to them. They need to tell these people to hang out somewhere else. Of course staff doesn't have the courage to confront this issue. I have complained and all I am told is that the library is a public building and as long as they abide by the rules they stay. I think they should have a bus that picks up these people every morning and take them to a work site instead sitting all day in the library.
Thank you for Rusty article
Thank you so much Denise, for writing such a wonderful article about me and my dog Rusty. The article was very well written and showed such emotion about my rescued mutt. It was more than I expected, and I appreciate you sharing with the world his status as a finalist in the Cutest Mutt Contest. I look forward to him winning and telling the world that mutts are worth saving. Debbie Lamlech and Rusty.
Not at all thrilled with Obama
People, people, people, you need to write your senators and congresswoman about what Obama is doing. Change? What change? Everyone he's putting in his cabinet is against the American people. They are all big believers in outsourcing our jobs out of the country. The only redeeming thing is we can vote him out. The stimulus package was 850,000,000,000 and now it's over $1-1/2 trillion. What is going to happen to our great great, great grandchildren? The unions are selling their members down the river. What can you believe in anymore?
Why are people driving on muddy grass?
I was just wondering about the people who pick up their kids from Forest School and tear up the grass on Forest Avenue where they seem to like to park no matter how muddy it is. Who pays to repair that grass and fill in the ruts they so nicely put in?
The people gave the city manager the power
Des Plaines City Manager Mr. Bajor is functioning under the powers given to him by the State of Illinois. Remember you voters voted "yes" in giving powers to the city manager like they should have. Aldermen are just mommies and daddies meaning well. Let the pros do their job and keep the moms and dads out of the work. Our aldermen have a history of screwing things up real bad.
My buddy, Henry, is a sensitive rooster
Like Henry, get rid of pacifier: Journal& Topics readers, beware of people using Henry the Rooster as their tool to get your attention. This guy made real bad comments about my little buddy, Henry. You will know when I write in to the good friends at the Journal. We are not rude and do not use Henry for sarcastic comments about others. To the guy who wrote in about Henry, please don't hurt my little buddy's feeling anymore. That was not nice. Thank you. Rooster man, as folks call me.
Des Plaines seems like Back to the Future II
Anyone ever see "Back to The Future 2" where Marty ends up in a different 1985 and there is crime and gangs and casinos instead of his real time when there were families walking, peace and quiet and beauty. Hmmm, sounds like Des Plaines is turning into that bad 1985.
Can still get bonus if run company into the ground
So much for change. The Wall Street types will still get their bonuses if they signed their contract before February 11, 2009. You see you can run a company into the ground and still get a bonus because of contracts. All our lives we've been taught "do a good job and you'll be rewarded." Do a bad job and there'll be no raises, except when you contribute heavily to the Washington politicians campaign funds. The little guy gets the bill for Wall Street's greed. You need to be contacting Durbin, Burris and Schakowsky. If you keep up with the stimulus package, the middle class will not be getting the jobs created by the stimulus, and I don't know how we could pay for the package, and pay our mortgage payments and not have jobs.
Free market will determine baseball's future
Regarding the recent submittal to Speak Out, "Empty ballparks on opening day?": While I agree that many pro athletes make an absurd amount of money and it is expensive to take a family to a game, you must still understand something. This is a free market system in this country. The owners don't have to pay these salaries but do because they feel they must in order to compete. In order to solve this problem, management, players unions and the players themselves must come to understand that it won't be too long before people do stop paying to see them compete. Things like players' strikes, free agency and the steroid issue may speed this process up. Many jobs will be lost if people stop going to the games. These sports teams generate millions and millions of dollars into our local economy and keep people employed working jobs like concessions, vendors, transit workers, local restaurants, bars, stores, etc. Don't wish for something before you think about it.
Section of Touhy Avenue in horrible condition
Is Des Plaines part of Cook County or the State of Illinois, and if we are, why should we pay them taxes when neither one of them can repair a road? Touhy Avenue looks like the streets of Baghdad along with the rest of the streets in this town.
Stop putting in comments made by The Rock
Please just stop posting comments made by the Rock and the Rooster. Who really cares. It makes our city look like a bunch of idiots.
Urges voters to pay close attention
This is a quote from Mr. Wessell's Off the Record (Feb. 18): "Benefits such as pay increases and retirement considerations, are evaporating. The last thing on many people's minds is local politics." Yet on page one of the same issue there's a piece about the city council reviewing Mr. Bajor's performance and considering a pay raise? This is the same Bajor who felt it was necessary to fire 12 people to help balance the budget, correct? Mr. Wessell is correct, fellow Des Plaines residents. Please take a very close look at the candidates for office. There will be politics involved, or at least some political motivation behind each candidacy. That's the nature of the beast. But at least be comfortable and assured that the primary focus of the people you vote for are anxious to serve your needs and your community and not themselves. Oh...and do vote.
Thinks mobile home living is very comfortable
Dear Speak Out: I live in a trailer, a mobile or manufactured home if you like. It isn't important to me what people call it. I call it home. I have been fortunate to have lived in a variety of places from city apartments, suburban houses to farms in the country. All of these places I also called home had qualities that endeared them to me. But, a definite standout is my current home in a mobile home community in Des Plaines. What was once a temporary stop while planning the next step has become a permanent arrangement. I have great neighbors that are not only friendly but also quick to lend a hand (kind of like my rural neighbors). I also have a beautiful garden as do many of my neighbors. My neighborhood is quiet, peaceful, convenient to shopping and to my work and is economical. Pretty much the ideal situation I have been searching for. Even though I can afford to buy a "house" I am staying right here and loving it! Thanks for letting me share this! Tina.
Drivers here don't even try to stop
The people of Des Plaines must have had a different Rules of the Road book than I had. Why is it OK for people not to stop for Stop signs in this town? They don't even try. People look around to see if there is a cop around and they don't even bother to try to stop. The police department could make a fortune on Forest Avenue and in the Villas writing tickets. Unmarked squads could really make a fortune.
Sure someone will bring up mob ties
We have elections coming up in April. We have a casino being built soon. What lame person will bring up that one of the mayor candidates for Des Plaines has ties to the mob? It has to come out as this is politics. Of course the feds have checked out former alderman, etc, so whom can they bring up? Don't you love politics?
We should be able to resolve flooding problems
We need to fix the river and flooding. We can fix banks and the economy but why can't we fix the flooding? Put up a wall along the Des Plaines River to keep it from overflowing? No, we built a Riverwalk so the homeless have a place to sleep. I don't want my girl friend walking it alone. Why can't we use our brains and find a way to stop water from going over the banks? I know a wall is not the answer but we should find a way to keep it in the banks...hmmmm dig down and get all the garbage out of it? Don't know. But it is a thought.
No basis for criticizing 5th ward candidate
Someone is terribly worried or threatened about Jim Brookman winning the 5th ward aldermanic seat. Whoever it is keeps writing about Bookman suing the city. I'm not sure, but if I recall, the issue was concerning forced retirement. It's been fairly obvious to many followers of the council meetings and the Journal reporting that many people in Des Plaines government dislike Carla Brookman and therefore her husband Jim. No one should criticize someone for filing petitions in court to correct a wrong they feel was done to them. Give Jim his day in court. It is a little naive to believe that there hasn't been bias against the Brookmans in the past. Not all issues are treated fairly in this town. You only need to ask for a FOIA request to see how many complaints and settlements have been issued against the city in the past. Has everyone forgotten Tom Becker's sexual harassment lawsuit? Jim Brookman has a fine record of service to the City of Des Plaines and the Des Plaines Park Dist., years as a fireman, paramedic and volunteer and park commissioner.
Mayoral candidate has served our city well
Marty Moylan has proven that he is a capable leader for our city. When flooding occurred, he was on the front lines helping with other volunteers bagging sand, piling up bags and working with other community volunteers to minimize damage and assist in clean up. Where were Dick Sayad and Mark Thompson? When citizens asked questions on the gaming license, Marty Moylan planned a town hall meeting so that residents heard answers direct from the developers, our police and our city manager. Moylan has always been mayoral and will make a difference for all residents.
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