What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
Claims government has big surplus
Politicians being politicians. We have come to expect that. But to have over a half million dollars in surplus for township government? Give me a break. How about you give me back my fair share of that money. I know that many of my neighbors could use that extra few dollars.
Bad economy helps with weight
OK so the economy tanks. Suddenly, you can't afford as much McDonalds and fast food and pop and stuff. You exercise here and there---try to regularly---and after about a year you've dropped like 20 pounds. A good start to solving America's obesity epidemic, right?
Must be willing to print both sides
This paper is so to the right it hurts my neck to read. Level the playing field and print fairly. You do the community no good as a source of news if you are not fair to both sides. Print the readers/citizens comments, not the elected officials. Again, they are one-sided.
(Ed. Note: We are. Give it a try and open your mind).
Wants to express opposition to casino
How come you don't print anything that opposes the casino? I thought this is about free speech. Everyone needs to contact Dan Kotowski, Dick Durbin, Roland Burris and Quinn. We can't have a casino in a residential community.
Looking for campaign slogan
The Mar. 11 Speak Out was a real lifesaver for Henry and me and hopefully the whole community. Henry has been thinking of tossing his "comb" into the ring for Des Plaines mayor, but is worried about the security aspect of running a campaign. You provided us with a great answer to our problems...Great Pyrenees dogs! We would love to contact Wolfie, Pooh Bear and Stubby, et al, in hopes that they will join our campaign as bodyguards. We also need a slogan that would help us in these tough economic times, so any help from anyone would be of great assistance to us. Some smart alec neighbor of ours suggested "a chicken in every pot". We failed to see the humor in that.
(Ed. Note: How about "Henry the Rooster. He's no dumb cluck").
Some interesting insight in car weight
During adverse conditions it will often be noticed that it is the rear of a vehicle that loses traction first. What the average person and some experts are not aware of is that there can be as high as 950 pounds or more weight on the front axle of their vehicle than the back. So a car that feels like a limousine on the front holds like a golf cart on the back A 3,000-lb. car with a weight ratio of 65% front weight and 35% rear weight will weigh 1,950-lbs. on the front and 1050 on the rear. After you use 10 gallon of fuel from the rear tank one of the front wheels has as much traction as both rear combined. If you analyze single vehicle accidents you will find most of them had better tires on the front than the back or a very large weight difference. In fact the worst balanced cars have 4 times as many fatalities as cars designed with better balance. How are you going to tell how fast is too fast under these conditions when it is possible for a balanced car to handle fine on a slippery surface at 50.
You are only in favor of pro casino viewpoints
Exercise free speech not here. You print only the things that support your viewpoints or should I say Des Plaines casino support only.
(Ed. Note: We are? Maybe you should ask some casino opponents what they think.)
Senate acted because Blago ignored them
Why did the legislature take action against Blago? Well, why did Blago ignore his Senate? His Senate just followed the law, hello, provided to them by the Constitution, hello?
Back yard flooding only a minor problem
This letter is directed to the anonymous persons who put a letter in my mailbox regarding backyard flooding. They really should have taken the time to ring the doorbell and talk to us. I do have a letter from the civil engineers of Des Plaines and have followed their directions exactly. I have lived here many years and backyard flooding is only a minor concern which happens infrequently and the alternative would be homes flooding which is a much more serious problem. I have not seen any lasting damage from the backyard water. As a matter of fact I believe just the opposite is true as I do have a lovely yard.
I'd like to have my bailout money
Wow! A.I.G. Was given $85 billion in bailout money. By the way that's our money. It was great to hear that millions of that is going toward their bonuses. They did such a great job they deserve it. Meanwhile, I along with a lot of other people sit in unemployment lines. Where's our bailout? Personally I want my money back from them with interest. It's time to stop the stupidity. I could lose my home just like a lot of other people.
I feel stupid for not being greedy
I am really disgusted with these home foreclosure proceedings. For families that have lost their jobs or fell on hard times because of health problems and can't keep up with their mortgage payments, I am all for helping these people out. For those greedy ones who bought fancy high priced homes with little or no down payments, why should they be bailed out, or the lenders who helped them into homes they couldn't afford. Where is the stimulus check or help for those of us who purchased homes that we could afford even though we wanted better. Makes me feel stupid for not being so greedy, especially when my taxes will go towards bailing out those who did. Bah, only in America.
Dog owners need to clean up after their canines
Dog owners need to clean after their dogs. I really feel that some dog owners do not really care. I was walking around and found a sign on the corner of Stratford and Princeton. It is aimed at dog owners. Homeowners who wind up picking up the mess should place a sign like the one I saw. Good job homeowner. Hopefully things change.
Street sweeper a sign spring has arrived
Spring is here, yep it is here. I saw the first sign, the street sweeper, and a happy site it was. Is there a way we can get back on a schedule? Everyone has cars parked in the street. Let's get on a schedule and let everyone know when. Let's make our resources work properly. We need more organization. Thank you.
Next time I get flat tire, city will pay
The city really needs to fix the huge amount of potholes over where Lee/Mannheim splits. It's awful. The next time I go there and get yet another flat I'm sending my bill to the City of Des Plaines! Damn straight.
He said certain workers should not be hired
Robert Reich former secretary of Labor for the Clinton Administration testified before Congress that white male construction workers and professionals should not be hired for the stimulus jobs. I think he suffers from small man syndrome so this would be his pay back.
We're too easy on criminals
Hey Des Plaines and other cities for that matter, when are we going to see the light? Murders, illegal drugs, gang violence, illegal aliens. For the greatest country in the free world, our leaders are wussies. They don't want to make anyone mad or upset. Murderers on Death Row get TV, food, some computers, and exercise. These people get better treatment in jail then the poor or homeless. This is wrong. Enough with being politically correct. Lets get tough.
Get money first because deciding how to spend
Political promises of how the casino money will be spent. All I hear is a $9 million figure. How was this number arrived at? They haven't even broken ground and already we know how to spend money that hasn't been seen. Nine million, nine thousand, wait until we start seeing the money before we start spending it. Hey, it might not even happen.
Square is out of sight, therefore, out of mind
Why don't they move Metro Square over by the Metra station downtown? It's out of sight, therefore, out of mind. Wake up.
They have a way of tracking violators
For the record, Des Plaines law enforcement does use a device known as "Mobile Plate Hunter 900" in tracking license-suspended drivers.
More important stories than plight of horses
It's hard to feel sorry for people with enough disposable income to have horses on their property. The horse probably has a breathing disorder due to living near a diesel fume-belching highway for it's entire life. I can't believe you put this dribble on the front page. How about reporting on when the construction company is going to finish the work on Dempster and the river. The jobsite looks abandoned. It would be nice to have all the lanes open again. How about putting some pressure on city hall to get this done instead of some lame crap about local horse owners. They should take their horses out to Barrington where they belong.
(Ed. Note: We had hoped that our readers would enjoy that story. We bet you some did.)
Strongly appreciates Journal & Topics hockey coverage
I would like to thank the Journal & Topics for the great coverage they gave to the Maine Township hockey club this past season. As a parent of a player, it's heart wrenching when the high schools won't recognize the great season that the team had. So thanks to your paper. People will now know that there is a hockey club...a very good hockey club...in the area. Sincerely, Jeanne Rice.
What else could Democrat senator do?
Oh my, oh my. Hold the presses. Big time Democrat Dan Kotowski, a Maine Township senator, makes headlines by, guess what? He is endorsing the Democrat slate for township office. Big wup-di-do, Dan. Did you stay up all night thinking up that one? Was there a doubt in your mind to actually endorse someone with real experience including those with 20 years and more not some newbies who, if they get really lucky, will have to learn on-the-job at the expense of taxpayers?
Candidate says much has been accomplished
My name is Chuck Barbaglia and I am running for my fourth term as a Niles Park commissioner. In my previous three terms, my fellow commissioners and myself have been responsible for not raising park taxes, built Pioneer Park, bought the building that now is Tam Tennis Club with total remodeling of the entire facility, bought the adjacent property and built the new Golf View gym and health facility. Last year we re-did Oasis Pool and built a new bathhouse and building to be used for various functions. We also closed a losing restaurant and brought in the right people to operate a restaurant and banquet facility to end our losing and turn it into a profitable ongoing operation. I noticed in a past Speak Out article that our Director Joseph LoVerde was leaving the park district. The writer didn't say how he knew this and the entire Board of Commissioners is unaware of any such movement. For your information Mr. LoVerde was hired by the board right after Terpinas, Hynes and Barbaglia were elected. I was a senior vice president at the Bank of Niles for over 40 years. Now that I am retired you will find me at the park offices almost daily checking up on finances and programs. I do spend three months of the winter at my second residence in California. After working since I was 12, it is luxury I have earned. During my time away I attend monthly meetings via conference calls a procedure done by many major business all the time. Also for your information I only missed two meetings last year. In closing I would like to suggest that the many writers to Speak Out attend the parks meetings and make themselves heard. If you have any more questions please address them at the park district web site to my attention. I hope my turn at Speak Out answers questions about my continuing to serve my friends and neighbors as a Niles park commissioner.
Candidate should drop out of race
George Alpogianis needs to remove himself from the race because of his conviction.
Time for new thinking in Niles
This town needs new blood. The old Blase way must go including his old, old friends and ways.
A good guy who made some mistakes
George Alpogianis is a good guy who made some mistakes as a kid but the law is the law and he needs to drop out of the race. Bob Callero, Nick Blase, Andy Przybylo or who ever is actually running the show should know that, unless they are planning to appoint someone else no one voted for after the election. The bottom line is Callero and his crew are embarrassing Niles and turning us into a laughing stock. If nothing else, Nick Blase should realize this and put a stop to it.
Do you believe Blase did nothing wrong?
To the person who wrote that Callero is no former Niles Mayor Blasé, if you feel Blase did nothing wrong then Ryan should be let out of jail, Blagojevich should be governor again and Maddoff should walk.
His law breaking days are behind him
It is a shame the political party didn't check out Mr. Alpogianis' eligibility before they put him on the ticket. Having said that, his past is just his past. Some people make mistakes early in their life, and turn it around to help others learn from it, and learn from it themselves. Others, as many in the news, break the law after elected. At least I know Mr. Alpogianis' law breaking days are behind him, in a place I know he won't want to visit again. Good Luck to a good guy who did his time, and is trying to use his second chance to do a lot of good.
Voters need to weigh candidates very closely
Why do I feel that my intelligence is being insulted when I am continuously bombarded with literature that claims George Alpogianis should get my vote even though he has seven felony convictions? Let's face it, we're not talking about speeding tickets or a shoplifting charge. We're talking about violent crimes--violent crimes in which property was destroyed and people injured. In "life outside of Niles," if a background check revealed such convictions, Mr. Alpogianis would not even be considered for a job such as policeman, teacher, fireman, and he definitely would not be on the "short list" for many other employers. Yes, his offenses occurred over 20 years ago, but how many others who have had similar "lapses in judgment" have been given a second chance? Not many, I would guess. I am also appalled at Mr. Alpogianis's arrogance in assuming that Gov. Quinn will grant him clemency if he is elected. And where will that leave the citizens of Niles? If Mr. Alpogianis is elected and if he is not granted clemency by Gov. Quinn, whom will the mayor appoint? Depending on who wins the Apr. 7 mayoral election, Niles residents might not see ethical reform in local government for many years. And so, my fellow citizens, I urge you to evaluate all the candidates and their qualifications carefully before casting your vote on Apr. 7. Remember, the chance to clean up politics--whether it is at the federal, state, or local level--is in the hands of the voters. Let's get it right before it's too late.
Concerned about candidate's comment about ex-mayor
It is reprehensible that Mayor Callero continues to bask in the backing of ex-Mayor Nick Blase. While Mr. Blase did some wonderful things for the Village of Niles, let's not forget what he is people---a convicted felon. Mr. Callero is a CPA in addition to being our mayor, yet he views someone who steals money as having made a "mistake"? Where are his ethics? I am an accountant also, and like Mr. Callero, a product of the University of Notre Dame, and I can tell you I can't fathom making such a statement. He should also be highly embarrassed to have George Alpogianis on his ticket. I don't care what anyone says about Mr. Alpogianis' current life, he was involved in some pretty serious crimes in the past.
Agrees country going down the dumper
Giovannelli Central March 18 response: Ray you are absolutely right in your assessment of the Obama administration. The left wing bomb-throwing liberals have infected the landscape of the United States. I seriously would advise all people to "arm yourselves". Our great country is going down the dumper.
Says Frimark did a great job at debate
Mayor Frimark did a great job at the debate. Those former aldermen who were later ousted from office by the people via the referendum eliminating their jobs support Schmidt. And Aurora Austriaco, who was soundly rejected by the voters of the entire district, also supports Schmidt.
She cares deeply for high school students
I strongly encourage residents of Maine Township to vote for Marijo Bustos for the Maine High School Dist. 207 high school board on Apr. 7. Marijo is a competent, committed, and independent member of the board who cares deeply about our children and community.
What else could Democrat senator do?
Oh my, oh my. Hold the presses. Big time Democrat Dan Kotowski, a Maine Township senator, makes headlines by, guess what? He is endorsing the Democrat slate for township office. Big wup-di-do, Dan. Did you stay up all night thinking up that one? Was there a doubt in your mind to actually endorse someone with real experience including those with 20 years and more not some newbies who, if they get really lucky, will have to learn on-the-job at the expense of taxpayers?
Mueller deserves voter support on Election Day
Edward B. Mueller for Maine Township High School Dist. 207 school board. Dist. 207 is a well-run, financially solvent public body. Ed Mueller is former president of the board and has advocated for our schools including Maine West. Remember to vote Apr. 7.
Schmidt should try some community service first
Howard Frimark has been an excellent mayor, and he truly knows what Park Ridge residents want and need. He, like Betty Henneman, is a long time member of the community and has served in a number of community and civic organizations. He and Mrs. Henneman have earned the respect of the community, and are the best choices to lead Park Ridge. With all due respect to Mr. Schmidt and his newcomer/upstart supporters, they should try doing some community service and thinking about someone other than themselves and their desire for power before trying to force their own views on the entire city population. Schmidt has not demonstrated that his heart is in Park Ridge. Perhaps some community service might help him in that respect before he aspires to lead the rest of us.
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 Rohde 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.
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 Rhode 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.
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.
Appreciated coverage of Falcon Park
Thank you for publishing the great article about the construction of our new Falcon Park. And on the front page, too! Linda Freitag, Palatine Park District.
Elk Grove's Mitch Gora will serve well
From the national level, the state and now our local government, it seems voters are looking for a change. It was quite evident in our presidential election and the action taken with our governor. Mitch Gora is running for the position of Elk Grove Village trustee with all of the qualifications to step in and be effective. He is involved in our community, is presently third vice president of the Elk Grove Lions Club and has volunteered many hours of his time to various committees. Mitch was responsible for providing eyeglasses and other assistance to our residents in need. He is his own man and will voice his opinion when necessary. Mitch is a person who has the best interest of our village and residents. This election will be the first step for change.
Some of us are residents; would like library card
I just read your article about some people being upset that some of the so-called homeless people at the Arlington Hts. library supposedly camping out. We are not camping out there. Some of us are trying to change the situation that we are in and about the library not giving us library cards. Some us are Arlington Hts. residents so we have a right to have library cards. About having to leave and go to a work site, please tell us where the jobs are and we would be happy to try and work.
Fremd reunion website set up
A web site has been set up by the Fremd Multi Year Reunion for their September event at: http://www.fremdmultiyearreunion.com.
Aren't they just a bunch of pests?
Homeless shouldn't be allowed library cards. Right? They can't read, right? Wait, maybe they are going to the library to have someone read to them? Because you know they don't need any place to stay warm. Aren't they just a bunch of pests? Buy a $500,000 home like the rest of us hard working Americans. What's this world coming to anyway?
Independents purged from Palatine Township government
Since the formation of township government in 1850, the Republican Party has dominated Palatine Township government. Committeeman Gary Skoien hand picked the 2009 Republican candidates based on party loyalty. Over the years he has purged anyone that did not follow party lines. Public servants like Suzie Bassi and Jack Tatooles just to name two have been pushed out for thinking independently. Palatine Township revenues from 2006-2008 rose by 14%, but the board cut social services funding by 18% (per township annual financial reports). The General Assistance cost is even higher with 68% going to administrative expenses leaving a mere 32% reaching the needy. The $921,763 highway budget is even more appalling costing more than $56,000 per mile for a meager 16.45 miles in the unincorporated areas, more than $56,000 per mile was spent on 16.45 miles in the unincorporated areas (per township annual financial report).
Should take it easy on union workers
Let's take it easy on union workers. I belong to a union and voted for George Bush, as did 39% of union members back in 2000. I pulled a Democratic primary ballot to vote for Forrest Claypool a couple of years ago. Union influence and money fell flat on its face in the 5th Congressional District a week or so ago as Mike Quigley beat two heavily union backed candidates. Union voters are not the bloc voters you all seem to think they are.
Has many questions about sinkhole
Police car trapped in sidewalk, rupturing a gas main, people in a nearby building are evacuated. In so many words, this was the basic gist of the news broadcasts, which covered the story, thus satiating the public's need for one more spectacle among a host of many during the course of any given day. But, why were the more intricate details overlooked, such as: What was the police car doing there? Why did the sidewalk collapse? And, what happened to the 20 some evacuees? I was one of those 20 some evacuees. Since we are of more economically moderate means, we were met with vague answers and shrugs of the shoulder. Eventually, we were told that we could go to a homeless shelter at St. Mary's. That was the city's solution for us. Luckily, I stayed with relatives. Some went to various motels, spending anywhere from $40 to $60 of money that not one of them could afford to waste. Here, I live in one of the highest taxed cities and counties in the country. I live in a town of ever more condos and half empty building projects. What do I get for my money? You can go to a homeless shelter.
Remember, others raised taxes, too
Watch out for Obama raising taxes: I think you forgot George W. and his Congress...they raised taxes, too. You probably forgot that it was just so long ago. Remember, Obama inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit. Spend, spend, spend. Guess you forgot all that.
We can only hope free market will take over
Free market will determine baseball's future? One can only hope.
Des Plaines asleep regarding quiet zones
Recently Berwyn, Riverside and North Riverside have been designated quiet zones. Why has Des Plaines been asleep at the wheel as far as quiet zones are concerned? I do not believe anyone in Des Plaines likes to be awakened at all hours of the night with these loud train horns.
Likes to read Willie and Joe column
I just love your new Willie and Joe column. What a clever way to get your political views across. Your writing is very entertaining, I look forward now to getting the paper to see what those guys are up too. Question, though. Are those the same characters that there were cartoons about in WW2? It sounds like them. Keep up the good work.
Don't understand why we will have to pay more
The post office lost $2.8 billion last year while volume declined 9.5 billion items. The Des Plaines letter volume is down 30%. So please tell me why in this depressed economy we have to pay 5% more on May 11th to mail a letter.
Not sure why so many people are complaining
Why is there so much complaining? I hate people crying over anything and everything. Government is bad, billboards are bad, Henry the Rooster is annoying, businesses can't get going, flood problems here, gangs over there, homeless every place, bad drivers in your face, complain, complain. Why does everyone complain? I never complain. Whoops! Hmmm? Maybe I do.
Wonders if there's one politician
Is there one honest politician in the Journal area? I doubt it.
They should give back some of their salaries
Why don't our elected politicians, meaning every one, give back three weeks salary and fix their spending practices?
Fails to see any conflicts in these instances
How dare anyone on city council question a conflict of interest without knowing the legalities. Ald. Brookman is in real estate. Should she have been banned from voting on any item regarding any property in town? Should Ms. Argus be banned from voting on developments with greenspace because of her ties with the Mt. Prospect Conservatory? This council has lost it.
People have the right to know about their government
Why should you trust the Dist. 57 school board? Who pays Dist. 57 salaries? The taxpayers do. You the taxpayers have a right to know why April Jordan's employment contract was not renewed. With all the garbage being thrust upon school age children in the United States by the government and special interest groups doesn't it make you wonder what is up? It is your right, taxpayers and parents of children being educated by Dist. 57, to know what is going on. You pay their salaries. The latest tactic is we don't have to tell you! And oh boy, do the excuses flow.
We should just be what we are: Des Plaines
Des Plaines demographics. That's the problem with Des Plaines when it comes to economic development. Don't get me wrong, the people of Des Plaines are some of the best people around. They care about each other, and go out of their way to contribute. But when it comes to spending money, they have always chosen not to. Maybe we should stop trying to be an Arlington Hts. or a Park Ridge and just be a Des Plaines. Maybe we should tear down the downtown and build a park. Because that's all we can afford.
Where will the "river" be?
Where is the river that the riverboat casino will be placed in Des Plaines? On that mini-lake in the office plaza west of 294?
(Ed. Note: There will be no river. However, state law says a casino must be built on water. The plan is to build a small, shallow lake where the casino site is planned and build the casino over it.)
We should all pay more attention to the horses
This recent Journal & Topics article exemplifies just another reason the widening of the tollway improves nothing. There have been numerous studies done showing adding lanes to expressways do not decrease traffic long-term. All that happens is more people are convinced that they can commute farther from their home because the expressway has 18 lanes now, so the traffic flow increases, the lanes are filled back up, traffic worsens. People are unhappy because they are commuting 40+ miles a day round trip. Car exhaust pollution worsens because more cars are driving further, there are less trees and more concrete, and horses are having anxiety attacks and stop eating. We should pay attention to the horses. They know living directly behind 8 lanes of traffic spewing noise and exhaust is no good for anyone.
Hire pros to take the deer out
About the deer, the population needs to be controlled. The county needs to hire professionals to go out there and kill them. Every year there are more and more deer. Do you like ticks? Tick populations directly reflect deer populations, and as you know ticks cause disease. Putting food in the forest to keep them out of your neighborhood is not the answer. Hunting usually controls deer populations, but you cannot hunt deer so close to mass populated areas because it is simply not safe. Hire professionals to go in there and take the deer out. It is much more of a problem then you think it is.
90% do not support her
No way 90% support April Jordan. I am a teacher at Fairview and have been for many years. I would have readily signed this letter today, but unfortunately with rumors that a newly-seated school board might overturn the decision; I just can't afford to do that.
Officials need to help downtown businesses
So now the American Mattress store is going out of business in downtown Des Plaines. Although I am not surprised, I find it interesting that Kaffeccino just recently went out of business as well. Des Plaines officials need to quit focusing on the casino and help the businesses that are already here. If not our downtown area will soon be a ghost town.
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