What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
Need to look at all local candidates carefully
Des Plaines residents need to consider the slate of candidates for alderman, mayor and city clerk carefully. This is a good time to break with the past of electing people to posts they are completely unqualified for. With the current disgraces in Springfield should we really elect an alderman that is suing the city? Do we want a mayor that as former alderman needlessly stirred up the council instead of looking to build consensus?
Seems like city manager wants Moylan to win
The only reason Marty Moylan is going for mayor is that Jason Bajor needs a wingman. It's true; Dick Sayad is going to stuff Bajor if he does not puppet for him and his agenda. Bajor won't take the risk and is praying for Moylan to win.
Need mayor who cares about the people
We need a mayor who cares for the people. I have seen Dick Sayad out with the people. I don't know him personally but he seems like one who cares. I don't know the other candidates, but I am scared by someone who is controlled by unions. I want someone that is for the people and will get Des Plaines working for the people.
Chelsea's job has certain connections
Chelsea Clinton works for the same company that the female cabinet member of Obama is in charge of. Funny how this all works, huh? The cabinet member who believes in outsourcing. Keep an eye out for the shenanigans and keep in touch with your rep or senator.
Seems like they'll put anyone on the ticket
The Democratic machine in Des Plaines is getting more comic-like by the day. Gee these people love what they do. It seems to be an obsession in many ways as they don't seem to care who they put on a ticket as long as the person has the money and the time. As usual they all lack experience and have no clue of what they are doing and only know what they are told. We the people of Des Plaines are not dummies. We know just what's going on.
Today ends partisan letters, Speak Outs
(Ed. Note: This is the last week the Journal & Topics will print partisan Speak Outs and letters prior to the Apr. 7 election.)
Carla was correct in her interpretation
I agree with the person who wrote about Carla Brookman reading the cleaning company contract correctly. It should have been Jason Bajor pointing out the terms of the contract in bullet points, which would include the terms of termination of a contract. You go girl.
Happy with park district service, programs
I would like to speak out about the Des Plaines Park District. I am shocked how no one has written anything about how great they are. They offer great programs for children and adults of all ages. I am glad to be a part of the Des Plaines Park Dist. All staff---yes, even the high school staff---are respectful, trustworthy, helpful and what you would want in a person. The middle school drop-in's and Late Night In The Park are one of the many things the park district has to offer for middle schoolers and high schoolers. If you have a child and would like them to get more active, I would suggest the Des Plaines Park Dist. Also, during the winter months, they have day off trips and ski trips.
With casino, let's reduce tax burden
Enough is enough. No more taxes. I want the revenue by Des Plaines taxation reduced exactly by the sum of the casino proceeds. No more pork in Des Plaines sausage. We need a break here folks. If you won't ask, then I will. I want property tax reductions, sales tax removals, fuel transfer tax removals, vehicle city sticker abandonment, etc. Let's pay to play. Good old fashioned Des Plaines city politics.
Should publish salaries of foremen
Since the rank and file have been forced to do double of the amount of work for pay, why shouldn't the amount paid to foreman through the city manager be publicized?
Refutes claim that he has financial expertise
Expertise in the field of finances? Mark Thompson? Is he kidding? This is the same guy who ran the local Republican organization into the red and kept it there for the past seven + years. He's never operated in the black. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself. With this kind of financial "expertise", Des Plaines taxpayers better hold onto their wallets.
Is that the same amount as in his lawsuit?
In his recent letter Mr. Brookman mentioned $533,000 for 68 employees for 4 years. I am curious but is that close to the amount in his lawsuit against the city?
City manager should not accept salary increase
City Manager Bajor should forgo salary increase. During these stressful financial times, the city had to lay off personnel just to balance their current budget.
City needs to be very careful with its money
Frankly I can't see giving Des Plaines employees a 3.5 percent pay raise when businesses are cutting salaries, reducing hours and laying off employees. You know the city of Vallejo, California, filed Chapter 9 bankruptcy for passing out higher salaries and the city of San Diego is said to be on the brink of financial ruin. Two San Diego mayoral candidates have said the city might have to file for bankruptcy. Better to accept the wrath of our city employees than the whole city of Des Plaines for not being financially responsible.
Some candidates already planning to spend
Some of the Des Plaines mayoral candidates are already telling how they will spend the casino money. It seems their budget design plans on the casino money before they have it. Is this an example of the fiscal policies they will follow?
I know I won't be supporting him
Dick Sayad's boys put a campaign sign on my yard without my permission. I still don't know who I will support, but I know I'm not going to vote for him.
Sorry, but you guys don't deserve raise
To the person on the public works contract, don't take this wrong, but as a taxpayer, I don't think you should get a raise. For the 18 days in the year that you really have to work hard, thanks, but what about the rest of the year? Drive through Glenview and see how their public works operation works. Their trees and streets look a lot better than ours and you want a 3-1/2% raise? For what? There is no entitlement in the U.S. and if public works was run like a business, most people would lose their jobs for not getting enough work done on a daily basis.
Real concerns about him suing city
As a long time Des Plaines resident and someone who lives in the 5th ward I am interested in the candidates and what they can offer to better our ward and city. I do have a question/concern about one of them, Jim Brookman. If I remember correctly at one time he was suing the city over his fireman's job. Whatever happened with that? As I have real concerns over someone who would sue the city and then want to go back and work for them.
Wants to know more about political group
I noticed an article regarding a "Meet and Greet." It was not an ad. I hope you can do an in depth article about this group so we know all the members and the group's income sources. I would also like to know what campaigns they have provided income and paid advertising on behalf of candidates to your newspaper in the past.
People of Des Plaines are too liberal
Maine Township GOP Committeeman Mark Thompson has no chance of being elected mayor of Des Plaines. The people of this city are too liberal and will not vote for a Republican.
Sounds like a fantasy to me
Saw a flyer for the Maine Township "Taxpayer Advocate" team. They ask us to follow a yellow brick road to their version of "good government." But only when you look behind the curtain and squint at the small print do they reveal they're the local Democrats. They expect us to believe their wizard-like hocus pocus that they'll watch our tax $$$, end pay to play and cut wasteful spending. Sounds like a fantasy to me. So as you head out through your own enchanted forest to go vote, do yourself a favor and keep repeating, "Stroger and Blago and Burris. Oh, my!"
Gives opinions about Fairview School
Over the past week there has been a great deal said about an unconfirmed 4 to3 vote to not renew April Jordan's contract at Fairview Elementary. A 4 to 3 vote, meaning that the majority of a well educated highly accomplished group of Mt. Prospect residents, heard and made a decision (if that even really happened). Along with those rumors, people have cited inaccurate facts in supporting their position to keep April Jordan, which frankly leaves one thing: a person's opinion based on whether they like the person or not. In my opinion, we need to make sure we have the best person in the place to make the district successful. Being likable is only one part of the job. There are plenty of staff and residents that are not fans of April Jordan's. So, why do you think they aren't coming forward? Well, in my opinion they are afraid of being targeted while knowing that in the end, their interests have already been met. So what facts have people been used to support that April Jordan is a good principal, short of liking her because she was nice to them or their child? 1) April Jordan was responsible for the Blue Ribbon Award for Dist. 57, which is in no way true! The Blue Ribbon Award was based on the accomplishments of Kerry Swalwell and the interim principals. 2) April Jordan was responsible for our national award for academic accomplishments in the previous school year (07/08), which is true but you will be very sad to hear that the award, although very nice, is not at nice as the award Fairview received the year prior. We used to be in the top 5%, but we have slipped from that prestigious rating.
Improperly placed signs all over city
Vole is costing Prospect Hts. plenty. Have you seen the display of Vote Vole signs plastered all over our city? The law clearly states campaign signs cannot be affixed to utility poles, but that doesn't stop her. Our Public Works people will have to go all over the city with ladders to remove them when they should be doing city work. I think she should be billed for the time wasted.
90% of staff supported keeping her
After reading the article, "Why Was Fairview Principal Let Go?" I just wanted to add that it was not mentioned in the article that 90 percent of the Fairview staff was also in support of keeping Ms. Jordan as the Fairview principal. At the meeting last week at least half of the staff was there to support her and spoke to the board asking to let us keep her. She has done a tremendous job for our kids, the school and the community and has brought many accolades to us in the past two years. How is that "inadequate performance?''
Seems like schools here have many issues
Re: April Jordan: Doesn't anyone think it is interesting that the school board and Dr. Brown himself keep on saying things like "We keep employee issues confidential", "We cannot talk about employee issues." "The issues must remain confidential.", "inadequate performance." Haven't the radicals in Mt. Prospect gotten the hint that there are issues? Maybe the school can't talk about the issues, but it sure seems to me that they have made it clear that there are issues.
Former official's comments are astonishing
The hypocrisy exhibited by a former director of the tollway when commenting about a Fairview principal is astonishing. The comment, "I don't think Joann's performance is beneficial to the community" by someone who said he couldn't afford a taxpayer paid state salary of $189,000.
Says it's time for change in Niles
The status quo in Niles is changing. It's time for new blood in Niles, someone that can continue economic prosperity and develop new and innovative ways to bring Niles into the 21st century. We must remember the old, but never underestimate the power of change. I support Kim Biederman for mayor of Niles.
It's time for Blase to retire
Nick Blase needs to retire, and when I say retire I mean get out of the business of politics in Niles. He still feels that he is the top dog? How is that possible? Do we really want a repeat of the embarrassment that Blase brought to our town?
Law clear when it says he cannot serve
I think everyone is getting tired of the back and forth about trustee candidate George Alpogianis. He may be the nicest person in the world, and from what we have read; he has truly turned his life around in a commendable way. However, all of this misses the point. He cannot under Illinois law be an elected official in this state. Just like a candidate who is not a citizen of the United States, he is incapable of serving in any elective office. So voting for him is voting for someone you do not know because the Niles Village Board will appoint someone to the vacant seat. A vote for George will not be a vote for his character, it will be a vote for a trustee who no one in Niles ever had a chance to vote for.
No reason to change park district leadership
Do you want this type of change in the park district board? The Niles parks are currently safe, clean, run very successfully and economically. Dennis O'Donovan has been president of the Niles Public Library Board and now wants to be a park district commissioner. Mr. O'Donovan carries out his presidential duties by routinely being absent from the library's monthly board meeting or showing up late.
He's one of the kindest, sweetest men around
I would like to speak out on behalf of George Alpogianis. No matter what he did when he was a young teenager that was long ago. Do you know who he is today? I do. He is one of the kindest, sweetest, most generous men on earth. He has dedicated his life to our community and our church. He has donated lots of time and money on our church and our community. To know George the way everyone at our church knows him is something everyone should look at. He is devoted to his community like no one else that I know. When I write these words I know that there are thousands who back me up. Do not judge anyone from years ago. We all have skeletons in our closets. Let he without sin cast the first stone. All I know is that George is a wonderful man. God bless him. My family and I are behind him 1,000 percent and everyone that has been touched by George's kindness and generosity feels the same way.
Says slates' yard signs hard to read
It's about time that Niles had an open election where its people were given a real choice. Yard signs for the Continuing Economic Stability Party are pathetic. While either walking or driving through the village, these signs are wordy and illegible. You can barely tell whom they're supporting.
Appreciates publishing of that story
I'm glad your paper found out what was in George Alpogianis' past. He has done many good things for the community and seems to have turned his life around, but he cannot hold office under the law and it is telling that either he was not properly vetted as a candidate or Mayor Callero just doesn't care about the law. As for being insensitive to the man, I would agree that it would be bad to run this kind of story if he were just a restaurant owner, but he's not. He was the one who chose to run for office and as our former mayor shows us, elected officials and candidates deserve extra scrutiny especially now.
Important what state law says about serving
I can't believe all the people speaking out in support of George Alpogianis. He was convicted of a felony, which should preclude him from holding an elected office. Why do people apparently not care about that little stipulation? Just because he claims to think it was not part of his public record does not mean the crime was any less serious.
Park Ridge doesn't need a casino
To the person who thinks the casino will bring job opportunities to Des Plaines and therefore should be supported: wake up. A casino brings crime, drunk drivers and prostitutes to a community. And if that's the price you are willing to pay for a job bussing tables or sweeping floors, then put it in Des Plaines, not on the doorstep of Park Ridge. The people of Park Ridge are happy to let you have the casino, so long as it's well within your city and far away from ours.
Get to see Hawkettes during football games
That's fantastic. A big shout out to both teams for all of their hard work. My husband and I are Maine South alums and we only get to see the Hawkettes perform at football games, which is always a highlight of the afternoon. Keep up the hard work, great job.
Money could be used for more important things
This is why spending $16 million dollars for a new police station is a dumb idea. Those funds should be used to repair important things like these flooding issues. Why don't these politicians understand this? If they are going to tax me to death, at least let me sit in my dry basement during a rainstorm.
Voters should reject candidate Schmidt
Mayor Frimark did a great job in his debate with Schmidt. It is clear that Schmidt, who is from Evanston, was planted in Park Ridge by the Democrats and immediately set his sights on the mayor's office. Those former aldermen who were later ousted from office by the people via the referendum eliminating their jobs support him. And Aurora Austriaco, who was soundly rejected by the voters of the entire district, also supports Schmidt. The voters should soundly reject Dave Schmidt as well. Howard Frimark, a loyal person and longtime resident who knows our needs, is the best choice.
So surprised with Arlington Hts., we stayed
I was born and raised in Arlington Hts. When I graduated from Rolling Meadows High School in 1990, I left Arlington Hts. swearing I would never be back. At the time I felt the town held little for me. In 2000, I came back to visit my parents and they convinced me to check out the downtown. It had gone from a ghost town to an urban-like setting buzzing with potential. At the time, my husband and I had planned to purchase a condo in Chicago. But we were both so impressed by the changes in Arlington Hts. that we changed our plans, bought a house in Arlington and are now raising our own family here. I cannot get over the changes in the town, which continues to prosper. And I credit this long-term planning and vision to our mayor, Arlene Mulder, and her team of trustees, village officials and commissioners who carefully monitor the village's growth plans to ensure we continue in the right direction.
Our police do nothing about homeless problem
There seems to be a poorer attitude in local police departments than most people realize. In fact our own Arlington Hts. police seem to do nothing about the homeless who hang around the Arlington Hts. Library. In fact some of the police seem to be buddies with some of the homeless. I too used to be homeless. I worked very hard to get a place to live. The problem is most of the homeless in Arlington Hts. actually like being homeless.
Concerns about safety at local library
As an Arlington Hts. resident who likes to go to the library, I'm concerned about the safety of men, women and children at the Arlington Hts. Library.
Where's common sense on road issue?
Run the road down Busse and pay hundreds of millions of dollars to uproot businesses, which would then close and possibly leave the state. Have thousands or people lose their jobs and join the rolls of welfare and loose millions of tax dollars or run the road on airport property which would cost nothing in tear downs, business closures, unemployment and save Illinois taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. What's the debate?
Mulder has worked hard on airport noise issue
With the local election coming up, I'd like to point out the leadership role Village President Arlene Mulder has taken in reducing airport noise in Arlington Hts. Her commitment to this issue began many years ago, and every long-time resident of the south part of Arlington Hts. can attest to her success. In 1997, the village joined other communities to form the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, which represents 43 school districts and municipalities. Mayor Mulder was named its first chairman, a position she still holds. Through the years, Arlene has worked diligently on the issue of aircraft noise for the residents of Arlington Hts. She started by opening lines of communication between area communities, the City of Chicago, the FAA, airlines, controllers, and pilots. As a result, we've been able to soundproof our schools, reduce most of the noisiest aircraft, and work with aircraft and engine manufacturers to make quieter planes.
Happy PADS did not get village funding
I am so glad PADS did not get funding from Arlington Hts. Praise God. What do you think, Arlington Hts.?
Today ends partisan letters, Speak Outs
(Ed. Note: This is the last week the Journal & Topics will print partisan Speak Outs and letters prior to the Apr. 7 election.)
Need to be more sensitive to deaf peoples' dilemma
I am quite deaf and wear two hearing aids. I often attend the Palatine Library lectures, sit in the first row but have trouble hearing because of lighting system. I spoke to the program director but she seemed quite uninterested in my suggestions, which are quite simple: a speaker should stand under the light so we can also lip read. Most of those who sit up front have the same problem. Seems most handicapped people get attention except for the deaf.
Most of city council favored billboard deal
Dick Sayad did not bring the billboards to the city, city staff did. And he was one of five other aldermen who voted for it. If it was a bad deal, why didn't our city attorneys stop this project? Or, why did city staff bring it up in the first place? It's always easy to point the blame on him because he was the chairman, but let's get the story correct.
Only bagged sand to make himself look good
Some mentioned that Marty Moylan helped make sandbags. Where was Marty all the other times we needed help? Definitely not bagging sand. Marty did this for one reason only: to try to make himself look good.
Letters, Speak Out policy in effect
(Ed. Note: After today, the Journal & Topics Newspapers will not publish any partisan political letters to the editor or Speak Outs prior to the Apr. 7 election. This is a longstanding policy of ours to ensure fairness in the days leading up to the election.)
Local businesses closing and he's having a fundraiser
Des Plaines residents should take a good look at the mayoral candidates. If Marty Moylan cared at all about the City of Des Plaines he would have had his fundraiser in Des Plaines. Has Marty ever heard about shopping locally and supporting your community? There are plenty of businesses in Des Plaines that are closing and Marty is having a fundraiser in Elmwood Park.
This candidate will speak up for the people
We need someone to stand up and be our protector. The solution to our problems is Mary Rhode for Maine Township collector. She stands for the people, speaks her mind and will not let our citizens be bullied around while other politicians are speaking half-truths.
Argus attacking Moylan is unfair
It's a shame that Ald. Argus is using her office to attack Marty Moylan's background in fighting for working families. Saying he shouldn't vote on particular issues because of his union employment is like saying she shouldn't vote on senior issues because of her age. Ridiculous. She should focus on her constituents, not helping Dick "Billboards" Sayad.
Des Plaines got little from billboard deal
Dick Sayad helped felon-Dvorak make millions from those billboards. The billboards continue to make millions for the owners while the people of Des Plaines gets nothing but an ongoing eyesore.
Almost everyone said they favor referendum
At the forum held by the League of Women Voters for the District 57 school board, each candidate was asked the question: do you support a referendum to raise taxes? The scary part was the answers that were provided. Every person except Joann Harms was supportive of a referendum and several of them basically said they were going to spend the reserves and then ask for more money when it is gone or low.
Looks like father, daughter running as a team
Does anyone realize that every sign that is on the front lawns for Jim Brookman also has a Jennifer Tsalapatanis sign? Just a heads up for those who may not know. It's a father and daughter team. We need new blood in our ward.
Fresh political line-up is exciting
The closer it gets to the election, the more exciting it gets. I hope the young people will pay attention and get out to vote. We really have an opportunity for change. Just think, if Fregetto, Bogusz, Brookman, and Kozenczak get in, we will no longer have to worry about people voting 7 to 1 for billboards and irresponsible bankrupt TIFs, new multimillion-dollar fire stations and police stations. At least we will have people who first-hand know the priorities and real needs and can make this town live within its means. The fresh lineup is really exciting. I hope people really read the campaign literature to determine and vote for qualified and experienced candidates. Please vote.
Need some fresh blood in city clerk spot
The city clerk's job is very important. It really can become another check and balance for Des Plaines since the city clerk is the one who sends out and receives bids. The city clerk is the one who co-signs contracts and agreements. We need someone in that office who is not just a "rubber stamp." Jennifer Tsalapatanis is a bright young businesswoman who has built a track record in this town. Single-handedly she has built first-class homes, improved neighborhoods and brought in more tax revenues. This city needs young blood to inspire other young professionals to serve and bring us fresh new ideas and technology. You go girl.
Dick Daley impersonation was cute at first
Mr. Sayad, if you want to be an effective leader I suggest you take speech lessons. Your Dick Daley impersonation was cute the first few times around but it wears thin quickly.
Says candidate is building coalitions
Marty Moylan will be a great mayor! He has worked hard to build coalitions in his ‘big tent" approach. Moylan has reached out to women, minorities and small businesses. He is committed to making Des Plaines a family friendly community with involvement by all.
He is only candidate to visit my house
Matt Bogusz is the only candidate in the 3rd ward race to come to my door. I respect him for the work he is putting into this race. He has earned my vote.
Believes he would be a liability for city
During the Des Plaines mayoral candidate debate Mark Thompson brought up two interesting points that should disqualify him for the role. First, how will he attend to our city should a flood occur during the workday? He states he can only tend to city needs on weekends and evenings. Second, he states he will be our city's lobbyist. When? On weekends and evenings? As Maine Township GOP committeeman, how effective is he really going to be with Democrat State Senator Kotowski, Democrat State Rep. Elaine Nekritz and the Democrat leadership in Springfield? GOP Committeeman Thompson as our mayor may actually be a liability for Des Plaines. There is a reason why this office should be non-partisan and partisan committeemen should not assume the voters don't realize this.
Not sure about slate's name
I got my second piece of mail from the Maine Township Republicans, or Maine Township Officials or excuse me…the Maine Township Incumbents. I have no clue who these people are---three names---can they not think of who they are either? Just asking because I want to know who not to vote for.
They really can't lower my taxes
I am sick and tired of these Republicans. I had Mary Rohde come to my door this weekend and was appalled at the claims they were touting like lowering our taxes while my property taxes have jumped tremendously. How do you explain that? You can't because this claim of lowering taxes is not truthful.
May be other reasons why campaign signs are missing
That figures that Dick Sayad would file a report about his signs being taken. Maybe the homeowners took them down and threw them out because they were being put up without their permission. Maybe the homeowners took them down because they didn't like feeling pressured to have them up.
Constant controversy involving local family
Have we not had enough of the Brookman dynasty? There was constant controversy surrounding all of the Brookman clan the entire time Carla has been on the council. There was the land ordinance surprise with Carla's daughter. Then there was the residence matter with the hide and seek addresses. And let's not forget about Carla's lawsuit against the city for her failed bid for mayor. And of course there is Jim's lawsuit against the city after leaving the fire department.
Our local officials should be non-partisan
Mark Thompson may be a nice man, but he is employed full-time and that is not to be held against him. But there are many times that the mayor of the city needs to be accessible and available for meetings and lobbying for the city. We need someone in the mayor's office who can have a flexible schedule and be ready to run when needed. Also, aren't aldermen supposed to be non-partisan? I don't like the fact that Laura Murphy is a committeeman, and so I don't think I want to replace her with another committeeman as mayor. Sorry Mark, maybe some other time.
Likes Lake because he can talk well
Well, I was at the first debate of our mayoral contenders. I find it interesting that two of our candidates struggle with the English language. We need someone that can talk, not read answers, and also be brief and to the point. Though Moylan and Sayad may be good gentlemen, they do not belong in the big chair. I have to go with Lake on this vote.
Unions will gain advantage if Moylan elected
Marty Moylan and unions. Union contracts are driving the City of Des Plaines budget, and now we have a candidate that is a union rep and all his workers (paid workers I should say) and almost all donations are from union people. How much stronger will the unions in Des Plaines get with a very pro union mayor? Not who I will be voting for.
He didn't handle benefits issue very well
Dick Sayad for mayor? You have got to be kidding me. Dick says financial oversight. Yeah, well Dick where were you when the $2 million fiasco on employee benefits came along? Oh, that's right, you were the financial chair. You did not handle that well, and now you want to be in charge of the city and the budget? Not in my lifetime.
You were the least prepared for recent debate
Come on, Mike, you were the least prepared for the debate.
Fundraisers should stay in Des Plaines
If mayoral candidate Marty Moylan really cared about the people and City of Des Plaines he should be generating revenue within the city limits. Going and hosting a fundraiser in Elmwood Park has nothing to do with the city that he wants to be mayor of. Granted he did hold another fundraiser at Romano's, Dick Sayad held his at Manzo's and Thompson at the Elks Club. Money needs to stay in the city if we want to grow and make our city a better place. Hey Marty, if you need to go outside the city limits for support than you are not the right person to be mayor of Des Plaines.
They need to open township books
The pay to play in Maine Township needs to end. The fact that officials will not show the books to a tax-paying citizen of Maine Township is just not right or legal. Wake up folks. This needs to end. Our elected officials need to be public servants, not public enemies. Those budgets come from our tax dollars.
Says 3d ward contender doesn't have a clue
Hello Des Plaines, I would like to comment on Matt Bogusz. The kid lives at home with his mom and dad. He has no real experience in the real world. All he has is a lot of facts, which are fed to him by State Rep. Elaine Nekritz and 3d ward Ald. Murphy. Don't we need someone who has lived here for at least 30 years? This kid has no idea what's going on in Des Plaines. I've lived in DP myself for 50 years. The kid doesn't have a clue. Do you want someone like that running our city?
No reason to change Maine Township government
Who cares that Wozny or Ryan went to someone's house? That is what candidates do at this time of year. How about using good reasons for supporting a candidate? The Democrats are swarming like flies to take over the last area of government they don't already control---the townships. Their tax and spend attitude will screw up townships the way they have done in Cook County under Todd Stroger and the State of Illinois under Governor Blago. Current township officials especially in Maine Township have held the line wonderfully on spending, kept tax rates going down not up, and have money in reserve. What government under the Dems control can say that? The Dems want to get their hands on those reserves and start spending and padding payrolls like Cook County does.
Why are his signs on parkway along Touhy?
I was wondering why Marty Moylan signs are all down Touhy on the parkway. I thought that was city property. Why would he be able to post mayor signs on a main road on city property?
How can he think about running?
How can Jim Brookman be so audacious as to run for alderman of the 5th ward when he is presently suing Des Plaines so that he and his wife, Carla, will have health insurance for the rest of their lives? How about that 5th ward residents. Isn't that your tax money?
Give Obama some time to succeed
Obama has been in office only four weeks and people are complaining. Give the guy a break. I am a Republican and I am ashamed that I voted for Bush. He messed up this country and our relationship with other countries something fierce. I support Obama.
People in Illinois need jobs
People in Illinois need jobs. Let Indiana and out of staters create their own jobs.
Bush did great job...are you joking?
This is in response to the two people who wrote in about how great President Bush was, and how he did a great job protecting our country for the last eight years. Are you joking? Who was president on Sept. 11, 2001? Ya-great job. JD.
Some ideas for July 4th parade
July 4th parade: Thanks for the effort but you need some serious help. 1.) Parades are about bands, a lot of bands, not people with four-wheel carts.) 2.) Need Cavaliers drum and bugle corps. 3.) Needs to be timely, everyone must be in sync, no waiting people get bored. 4.) Too many public works vehicles. 5.) Need a lot of young pretty girls. I give you points for trying but you need help.
Vote wisely---you only get one shot
The man will "find the money" just in the nick of time to be the hero. "Mark my words" he will please all when all hope is gone. Santa will return all that has been taken by the Grinch, maverick "Bajor" and winged man "Moylan" will ride yet once again giving lonely old ladies "rides" and "candy" to find their ways home. Voters elect representatives and representatives appoint managers. Vote wisely, for you will only get one shot at democracy for the next eight years in Des Plaines.
People all the time fail to come to complete stop
In recent weeks, there have been comments made in Speak Out about whether cars are stopping properly at the Stop signs in the neighborhood west of Lee between Thacker and Algonquin. I happen to live at the corner of one of the four way stops in that neighbor and having the luxury of retirement. I spend a lot of time outdoors. A good 30% of the cars do not come to a complete stop and some barely even make an effort. I have even seen cars go through a Stop sign without their break lights coming on. Many, many cars far exceed the speed limit along Oakwood, Walnut and Second, all cut-through streets. Please, slow down, stop at those signs and maybe you'll be preventing an unnecessary tragedy.
Miss Des Plaines' heart in a terrible way
We've lived in Des Plaines for 44 years and feel the city has lost its heart somehow. When we first moved here, we shopped downtown, went to the Des Plaines Theater on a regular basis, and truly enjoyed the "old town" atmosphere. The 4th of July parade, which stepped off proudly at Lee and Oakton streets and went up Lee to Miner, was the best in the Northwest suburbs. The fireworks display over at Lake Opeka was magical. There was a friendly atmosphere in this town back then, but it seems to have declined over the years as downtown restructuring took place and charm was replaced by cold, utilitarian structures. The parade on July 4th was rerouted to Center and has never been the same. The beautiful Des Plaines Theater has become dark and dismal and the new shopping center, unidentifiable from main streets, is already experiencing bailouts. We know we can't go back to the past and are optimistic that Des Plaines will thrive despite all the changes. We just miss its heart.
Businesses should not dump snow on sidewalks
This information is intended to help pedestrians in Des Plaines who are denied access to the Oakton/Lee street sidewalks. The city has been unable or is not interested in resolving the lack of snow shoveling by the businesses in this area. Des Plaines Police and city hall have provided the following number to call to report when sidewalks are impassable (847-39l-5400). The Des Plaines Police Dept. informed me that they will check out the situation when they are notified of the problem. Why do we have to go to such lengths to receive cooperation from the city? Businesses that plow their parking lots and dump the snow on the sidewalks should be prevented from doing so. No one should have to walk on a busy street because of the lack of cooperation by all parties involved.
Not the time to give city manager a raise
Why does Mr. Arredia want to give the city manager a raise? Was this part of an agreement? Anyway, he's making enough money and in this economy there's no raises. Please Mr. Mayor and city council, no raises, even if a contract says so. We can use that money for something else.
Henry now has wheel to help him lose pounds
Henry the rooster gets fit: I just purchased a spinning wheel for Henry to run around on. He actually gets in this wheel and runs. He gained a few extra pounds over the winter. But when he runs, he makes a lot of noise, crowing. Who knows, maybe he thinks he's Tarzan. He crows like him, too.
Please help with traffic congestion at Touhy, River
Can the City of Des Plaines do something about traffic congestion at Touhy Avenue and River Road? Construction signs warn drivers eastbound that the right lane is closed. The traffic blocks access to Rusty and Scott Street. We can't get into our neighborhood and for that matter we can't get out because of the traffic blocking the streets. We have to go back through our neighborhood and circle around to Maple up to Touhy where the stoplight is in order to get out of our neighborhood. Give us a break. Police could hand out a lot of tickets on Touhy for cars blocking the intersection. Tonight, a semi truck was kind enough to stop. He was on the inside lane, I was westbound and wanted to turn left onto Scott. I knew to go slowly because of course a SUV comes barreling down the outside lane and I would have gotten hit. Does a tragic accident need to occur before something is done about the traffic situation on Touhy?
Language comes directly form Klan
To the person who complained about others speaking in their native language, the quote "One nation, One flag, One language" is directly from the Ku Klux Klan. Do your homework.
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