What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
Des Plaines & Rosemont Journal Speak Outs
Horses have been here a long time
This is to the horse hater in Des Plaines. The horses on that road were probably there long before you lived in Des Plaines. Disposable income? How would you know? Did you ever think that it might be their main and only source of income? Could they be horses that help people that have disabilities? Just because you think it's not important news doesn't mean that others don't want to hear about the wonderful people in Des Plaines. There are many people in Des Plaines who are losing property because of eminent domain. Is that what you want? The government to take over everything? It's not the city of Des Plaines that's responsible for the tollway construction either, it's the state. Shame on you for thinking the way that you do. The City of Des Plaines has wonderful people and horses that have been here longer than most.
Start pulling over some rattrap cars
I think it would be a great idea if the police started pulling over some of these rattrap cars driving on our streets and checking them for insurance and valid drivers licenses. I am hearing of way too many accidents in this town where people do not have insurance. Who is going to pay for the injuries if they should hit a pedestrian? You and me, that's who.
Really liked candidates forum
The Des Plaines candidate forum was great. I loved that you could get all the candidates views on the same subject/question. Questions were good. My one concern was that when a direct question was asked, not all candidates answered them directly. They kind of hedged around the issue and then sort of got back to it. This reminds me of the management that I work with and I don't like it and I don't trust them. Of course, I know this is politics and believe me most of them sounded like politicians to me. I hope there are more meetings like this prior to the election. I will attend as many as I can to get to the true candidate, if that's at all possible. Thank you to the Journal for hosting this event.
Not enthralled with city's appearance
We lived in Des Plaines for 10 years. We purchased our first home there. Now the town looks run down and creepy. I now have a home in Mt. Prospect and neighbors and the village keeps up the town. When we have any complaints they are taken care of. Des Plaines needs to wake up.
Deer were here before people
Someone should let Pat Beauvais know the deer were here first.
Thanks so much for mayoral debate
I'd like to thank you for the mayoral debate and giving aldermanic and clerk candidates time to present themselves. Between this event, and the Mar. 19 meet & greet, I learned information about my choices to help my decision-making. (For example, one Xth ward candidate favors expanding the police station in downtown, even to the expense of the Choo-Choo, and the other favors moving it elsewhere.) I feel it is every citizen's duty to vote educated, or not to bother. After learning about the many qualified contenders for the open positions, it affirms the choice for term limits. The outgoing officials (bless them for their efforts and time) can rest assured that the city will be in good hands after they are gone.
Enjoyed watching debate on TV
Thanks to the Journal for hosting the Des Plaines candidates' forum on Mar. 25. I was unable to make it to City Hall so I was excited to see it was broadcast on Channel 17. It was good to listen to all the candidates for the different city wards that will be voting for new alderman. It was also good to hear from the candidates for the city clerk position. I found it very enlightening. I especially enjoyed the views/comments made by the mayoral candidates. The questions asked were good---the ones from the audience were excellent. They seemed to have hit on all the issues that the concerned citizens of Des Plaines are interested in. I was surprised that most mayoral candidates said they would "listen to the people" to get their views and ideas. Wow, now isn't that a new concept, actually listen to us. We've been voicing our opinions on so many issues always to be out voted. This forum made it easier for me to make a more informed decision on who I'll vote for. Again, thank you Todd Wessell for setting up this great informational forum for the citizens of Des Plaines. I really enjoyed it. I hope this is aired again for those who may have missed it.
When is union affiliation an offense?
I would like to ask Des Plaines alderperson Argus when it became an offense to be involved with a union. Does she forget that unions historically have protected the rights and provided fair wages for working class Americans? She is often heard complaining about those people in her ward who have lost their jobs. I can assure you if they were union members their union worked hard to preserve their jobs and benefits. Does she forget that unions represent America's working class, that is "blue collar Americans" struggling to maintain a fair wage and provide benefits like health care for their families? So Ms. Argus, please remember the people you're "union bashing" are not the executives pulling down huge salaries, with mind numbing bonuses. It is America's workers struggling to maintain a "middle class" existence. As a matter of fact it is the same middle class lifestyle many Des Plaines residents have held so dear. Respectfully submitted.
Like to know how to get a job there
Now that the Sugar Bowl restaurant will be opening under a new name, La Mellet Pancake House, can you tell me who to talk to about getting a job there? Is there someone to e-mail or a phone number to call? Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you. An out of work Des Plainesite.
(Ed. Note: Why don't you walk over there and knock on the door.)
There are other places around to save
Why do they call the grocery store in Metropolitan Square "Shop and Save"? If you really want to save on fresh fruits, in most cases, go to Caputo's Market on Oakton near Maine West High School.
These are ones who deserve congrats
I second the congrats to Des Plaines Park District youth program employees. I just read the Speak Out compliment about the youth and camp staff Des Plaines Park District and I think that they definitely need more than one small blurb of recognition. Ron, Mike, Adrian, Fred, Carol, and Teo all should be congratulated on the fine job they do with our youth. They are very responsible and teach our kids responsibility through the programs they run. They all give up their time, their weekends and nights, to go on trips. My kids have experienced things they would have never gotten to do in a city like go to resident camp and canoe, bike, hike, sleep in a cabin in the woods. The staff run weekend teen programs, New Year's slumber bash to name a recent one was awesome.
What about Reagan?
Obama wants to let the tax cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers expire. For this he gets called a socialist. Ronald Reagan hiked taxes for all taxpayers in 1982, 1984 and 1987. What's that make him?
Need someone to spark a turnaround
We need a mayor who's going to take charge of this city. Downtown Des Plaines is not nearly what it should be. All of the stores in Metropolitan Square have suffered and the place has never been fully promoted. Let's get someone in with energy that can really make a difference for the residents of Des Plaines. It's time to step up to the plate.
When donating funds, remember pets
Please remember pets. When taking donations to your local food banks or other places, please remember some pet food. So many people are having to give up their pets because of the cost of their food. Let's help the animals, too, and keep them with their families. Also consider donating food to your local shelters. They need the help now, too.
See what happens when cougars targeted
Darn deer. See what happens when you kill off the cougars and coyotes?
Medical marijuana can be very helpful
Medical marijuana because many otherwise illegal substances, such as Oxycontin and morphine, can legally be prescribed by doctors. The same should be true for marijuana, which is less dangerous and addictive than either of these substances. Many of the legal alternatives proposed by opponents of medical marijuana are too expensive, too addictive, and have too many side effects to be good medicine for all patients. Marijuana has never caused a single medically documented overdose death.
Yes, but he recommended high tax increase
It's amazing to read our city manager will not take his raise this year because of the high unemployment. Where was this though when he proposed a 6.2% budget increase for this year and next? Stating it's recommended our reserves should be at 25% is crazy.
Despite sign, dogs running all over Prairie Lakes
This is about Prairie Lakes dog park proposal. I guess we finally got a dog park in Des Plaines. It's at Prairie Lakes. Every day there are owners with their dogs, some on leash, some off leash, running around all over the soccer field. What a wonderful sight. And guess what else, there are no fences or gates, no park district supervision. No proof of rabies, licenses, nothing. I wonder, though, why there are still signs posted that have the symbol for "no dogs allowed". Spread the word, tell your neighbors and friends. Come to Prairie Lakes and bring your dog, or dogs. I'll meet you there with my dog and we'll have a real good time.
Niles & Park Ridge Journal Speak Out
Claims Biederman a Madigan clone
What pathetic journalism. You fail to mention what just about everybody knows (except you obviously): that Niles mayoral candidate Kim Biederman is a Mike Madigan clone. Don't expect a Pulitzer for this phenomenal endorsement. Where's the "investigative journalism" about campaign contributions? Too busy?
Agrees with Biederman endorsement
Endorsement of Biederman for mayor is right on. I, too, was astonished by Robert Callero's defense of Nick Blase. What a dumb statement about everyone making mistakes. We all know that Carol Harzcak is just in the race - if she's really in it - because she wants to take votes away from Kim Biederman. Hanusiak seems to be a decent candidate, but he lacks experience. He should have run for trustee. Lots of us would have voted for him. I also like your assessment of Rosemary Palicki. We need someone like her in Niles government. Not all of us are happy with the OTB facility at Golf Mill and we sorely need a trustee who won't just go along with the others on the board. I don't agree with your thoughts on Dan Ryan - just because Blago may be a crook doesn't mean that those who initially supported him are also. It's obvious that Dan's "seen the light" on Blago - at least he admitted his mistake in backing the wrong guy. As for the lawsuit against the village, Dan is just asking for what he's entitled to. Who can fault him for looking out for his family and asking for what is due them? It's not like huge parts of Ryan's family are on the Niles' payroll.
Job of mayor should be more
I'll vote for the mayoral candidate in Park Ridge who will actually care about the big issues such as wasting money on a new police station, which we don't need, or fighting the proposed casino in Des Plaines (or at least the location of it). Maybe we should make the job of mayor an actual job---paying a reasonable salary if they will make the city priority one, not just a hobby.
Woman mayor in Park Ridge would be good
"Newcomer/upstart supporters, they should try doing some community service and thinking about someone other than themselves". Gerry Butler, who wrote a letter in support of Schmidt, is hardly a newcomer seeing that her husband was mayor of Park Ridge for many years. Personally, I think we need a good woman to run for mayor in Park Ridge, one who will stand up against the casino, against O'Hare expansion and against wasteful spending that benefits self-interested businesspeople.
Sounds like you have a personal vendetta
Your paper is so biased against the incumbents up for re-election in Niles, it sounds like a personal vendetta. Get over it and get a life.
Can't say enough good things about teen center
I would like to thank the Village of Niles for providing a safe, healthy and positive atmosphere at the Niles Teen Center located in Golf Mill Mall for our young Niles residents. As a parent in these hard economic times it is a comfort to know that there is a place conveniently located where children can go to get help with their homework, play sports and interact with kids their own age all while being supervised. Because of the Teen Center my children as well as other children have had the opportunity to help with activities like the annual haunted house, have a car wash fundraiser where the proceeds went to Habitat For Humanity, plus many more activities that have had a positive impact on both the children as well as the community. Mark Williams, Niles youth coordinator, Sean Miller and the rest of the staff at the Teen Center have done a great job of making the children feel welcome and comfortable as well as the parents. I cannot say enough about the Teen Center and everything it provides. It would be a shame to lose any of the activities that are already offered there.
Casinos are 24/7 business operations
Check out the YouTube videos on the Park Ridge mayoral debate. Frimark is the one making sense. Who thinks casino patrons give a hoot about the artwork in Park Ridge? Schmidt needs to get clued in on the fact that the people going to Oak Park on a Sunday afternoon for the heritage and history are sophisticated art patrons. After spending an afternoon enjoying the quiet peacefulness of Oak Park, they patronize the local restaurants with money still in their pockets to spend. Casinos are a 24/7 operation. The only art casino patrons are interested in is the art of gambling. Many of the people leaving a casino have lost all their money and are not looking for a place to eat.
Mt. Prospect & Prospect Hts. Journal Speak Outs
Really heard no one advocate tax hike
Based on what I have heard at the candidates forums, there is no candidate for Mt.Prospect Elementary School Dist. 57 board that is advocating a tax increase. I heard all five candidates speak about fiscal responsibility.
Not happy with what's going on in Mt. Prospect
It is a travesty that Irvana Wilks is running for reelection as the mayor of Mt. Prospect. Anyone who has lived in the village for any amount of time (20 years and counting for me), can see that the village is in major decline and that various projects initiated or continued in the past four years have had no semblance to reality. Downtown redevelopment has been a disaster and has succeeded mostly in driving small business owners out of town and shoppers to neighboring suburbs. The further construction across from the library was arrogantly continued despite citizen opposition. The "triangle" project is following on their heels and will likely be the final catastrophe for the village. In the meantime, the quality of life for the average resident has declined, the quality and level of services have gone downhill.
Glad to see these two back in saddle
It's a pleasure to see two old friends back in the political ring together again. Back in the early 90's Gerry Anderson and Dolly Vole were teammates against the Rochford administration. They fought hard. With Mr. Anderson's progressive ideas and Mrs. Vole administrative skills we can once again get the one-two punch we sorely need.
Not another four years of Mrs. Wilks
I really hope we don't suffer through another four years of Ms. Wilks.
Journal & Topics Speak Outs
Disagrees with thoughts on Schwantz
I find your comments about Jim's strengths to be more that incorrect. In my opinion you are not basing your facts on anything of true proof. Also, who has Jim voted for mayor of Palatine in all these years? Or better yet did he even vote? I wonder and would love for someone to ask him just that question. Jim needs experience. Sorry he has none. I mean all this talk about him being a Chicago Bear? Have you seen his record while he was playing for Chicago? Geesh I'm sure glad they released him. Jim may have a future but it not now in politics. If for some miracle he does get in, I will assure you I will be saying "told you so".
(Ed. Note: Jim Schwantz defeated three other candidates to become mayor-elect in Palatine Tuesday night.)
Looking forward to new leader
I agree with your Palatine endorsement! In the recent candidate forum Mr. Kostka stressed his years on the village council---more of the same. Mr. Manola has received campaign support from the mayor of Rosemont. We don't need Palatine run like Rosemont! I have known Jim for years and look forward to him being elected as our new mayor! He is devoted to Palatine and its citizens.
Do not allow funeral home there
No way. Lauterberg Oehler must not be allowed to build at Waterman and Euclid. It's a poor spot. Two lanes of traffic on rush hour is a nightmare. Build across the street from where the funeral home is know.
Let Palatine give them library cards
Why should Arlington Hts. taxpayers pay for the homeless to get free library cards? PADS is in Palatine let Palatine give them services. Why do Arlington Hts. taxpayers have to? The time has come folks we have to say no.
Won't listen to others
The only reason the current Arlington Hts. Village Board reduced the levy is because of the election. We need a new village manager and a board that is accountable to the community. Phil Walter's estranged brother was a great plant by the current board and of course with the Daily Herald in her back pocket (the newspaper that reports opinions rather than the news) the outcome is obvious. I will no longer listen to the complaints of those who are not involved.
He got too close
Not only didn't I vote for Vito Manola in Palatine, but I just about decked one of his pudgy electioneers at the Palatine Township polls. Vito, I considered voting for you, and did vote for you last time, but you lost any credibility with today's desperate show of electioneering by "your guy" who came within 20 feet of the door to hand me one of your pamphlets. Inside as we waited in line to vote, people all were talking about your desperation. Shame on him, and you!
Hopefully kids will learn about trains
"Monster train" fears Barrington Village President Karen Darch says: I have this vision of kids walking to school not paying attention as they have not seen a lot of trains. They may be taking risks they shouldn't. I live in Des Plaines and we see 100 trains a day and that educates you very quickly. Hopefully the kids in Barrington will learn some street smarts as our children have.
Glenview Journal Speak Outs
List jobs created in last few years
Glenview's "force reduction" is a paper tiger. Nearly half of the eliminated positions were mid-management jobs, which Todd Hileman created and filled over the past three years. It really isn't a savings if you pad the workforce before you cut it.
Appreciates coverage of local hockey team
Thank you for your coverage of the Glenbrook South JV hockey team's 2d place finish in state in the 2009 Blackhawk Cup Junior Varsity Tournament (Mar. 22 edition). As a club sport at the JV level they receive little (well really not any) recognition from the school or other local newspapers, and this year was a great year for them (41-10-1). They were the only Glenbrook hockey team that made it to the state finals and also won the High School Invitational League Championship. Their coach, Anthony Ebbole, was selected Metro North Division's Coach of the Year, an accomplishment that was omitted from your article. We are very proud that the South JV hockey guys developed into a team that had a lot of fun, learned some valuable life lessons, and gave their parents an enjoyable time in the stands. Go South.
Shame for allowing people to drink water
You annex this subdivision in 1990 and you have been letting residents drink, bathe and wash their clothes in that water. Shame, shame for not doing something about it.
Friday edition Speak Outs
Man, could this guy eat
Saw a man eat a 10 pound steak, one baked potato, one bowl of clam chowder soup, all in 40 minutes. He is 6-5, 305 pounds. Unbelievably disgusting. Everyone's words were "what a pig". How he slept at night, no one knows. Just hope he has good health insurance. Unreal.
That guy was a real whiner
Just read all the Speak Outs. Man there is a major whiner loose. Some crybaby is just a whiner. Wha, wha, wha. This crybaby whines about all the political officials all the time.
Questions need to be asked about flood program
How did your home get put in a flood zone? According to a 2006 Congressional Research Service study, the NFIP operated at a loss in 19 of the 34 years between 1972 and 2005. During the same period the NFIP borrowed over $4 billion from the federal government. They repaid most of that amount and, according to outside sources, had the rest of the debt forgiven. That was before 2005's Katrina, Rita and Wilma. "A flood insurance program is a tool that should be used expertly or not at all. Correctly applied, it could promote wise use of flood plains. Incorrectly applied, it could exacerbate the whole problem of flood losses. For the federal government to subsidize low premium disaster insurance or provide insurance in which premiums are not proportionate to risk would be to invite economic waste of great magnitude." It is time to question our government over NFIP's mismanagement and to challenge the status quo.
Can use word gay whenever I want
What's with all these "that's so gay" ads? Like we really need some celebrity to tell us what is and isn't acceptable to say! If I want to say, "that's so gay", I'll say it. If I don't, I won't. What I don't need is some celebrity telling me that the word "gay" is now a protected word that can't be used to infer happy, or peppy. What if I wanted to say the Fourth of July parade was so gay (i.e. happy, peppy)? Would that be wrong? No. It would actually be using the word as it was intended, to denote festive happiness. Using the word "gay" makes me gay.
So where can I sell my shares?
Since every news channel is telling everyone that because the bailout money came from taxpayers, I now own part of A.I.G. Does anyone know where I can sell my share? I could use a couple of extra bucks myself right now.
Parents have made a mess at school
I would like to send a big shout out to the parents of Forest School who drive over the sidewalk on Forest Avenue and have torn up the grass. The trenches you have dug along with the mud look outstanding, you should all be proud. What an improvement to the look of the school and the neighborhood.
Someone trying to hide casino outrage?
How come any outrage over the stinking casino doesn't get printed? Could it be that someone is trying to sweep the concerns of the people under the carpet?
Too many cars speeding on River Road
Des Plaines Police really need to be on River Road watching for speeders constantly, between Oakton and Touhy. Too many speeding cars.
Henry would get my vote for mayor
Henry the Rooster for mayor of Des Plaines.
Still more areas to cover sports
I enjoy your excellent coverage of high school sports (especially Maine West---go Warriors!). How come the coverage is always limited to varsity only and never freshman, sophomore, or JV? The underclassmen work hard and deserve some recognition, too. Even a one line score and/or season record would be better than nothing. After all you cover the Junior Warriors.
(Ed. Note: We always invite parents, coaches, athletic directors and secretaries to share information on underclass teams with the Journal. E-mail localsports@journal-topics.info or fax 847-298-8549. Call us at 847-299-5511 with any questions).
Seems like a short period to fill job
Why was there such a short deadline to apply for the director of Public Works job for the City of Des Plaines? It doesn't seem like the city would get very many applications for the position with a deadline just 15 days after the job opening is posted?
Cameras at corners all about revenue
Cameras at intersections are not about fighting crime, they are about revenue and that is it.
Just look at their faces during parade
In response to the person who wants to cut back on the parade, why would you put something that rude on here? I don't know about you, but I like to watch people's faces during the parade, in it or not, and they all look happy. Anybody who has been there at least once or twice should love the tradition. My kids love it. Their friends love it. Their friends' parents love it. I love it. So if you don't like the parade, I have the easiest solution for you: don't go. Stop complaining and just don't go.
Happy to see that city rule will be relaxed
I am glad to see that the city council is allowing residents to have pools in the front for those homes where the house is set to the extreme rear of the lot. People pay a lot of money to buy a home and I don't think the city should restrict something based solely on aesthetics. Regulations should be set to ensure safety and well-built structures.
Bad situation fault of Democrats
Responding to "GW made a mess out of the situation": I just read the disparaging remarks made in Speak Out about President George W. Bush. It's a shame when people give their opinions without knowing the facts. First of all, President Bush led this country through years of good economic times and protected the country after 9-11. Second, the current bad economic situation can be laid right at the feet of the Democrats. The Clinton administration forced the banks to give loans to people who could not afford them, actually creating quotas for the banks and punishing those who did not meet their quota. Then, while Barney Frank, Chris Dowd and the rest of the Democrats accepted sweetheart mortgages and huge political contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, they personally prevented the Republicans from placing normal banking requirements on Fannie and Freddie that would have stopped from buying up these bad loans. Now the taxpayers can pick up the tab for the Democrats. Learn your facts before criticizing a fine and moral president.
Plenty of other casinos around
Is this a joke, Chief Thundersky? If this guy is for real, are the reservation casinos afraid of competition from the Des Plaines casino? If you're worried about the casino and your husband, do you know your husband? Are you married to a guy that's going to be stopping in the casino with his paycheck? He doesn't have to wait for the casino to be built, there are a lot of casinos around for him to be stopping at. Also, your children don't have to work at the casino. Possibly, with the economy as it is, it may be the only job in town, but when the economy gets better, and it will, there'll be better jobs. Your description of the casino is laughable, it sounds like a script for a B movie.
What of kind of jobs will be at casino?
This is so funny. Just what position does anyone think they might apply for with the new casino? The cage or slot tech or a cocktail waitress? I know, food and beverage director. Maybe manager on duty or a security guard and then a dealer would be nice. Not sure about director of slots, that would be a conflict of interest. This is Edie who worked in the casinos in Vegas and I find the Speak Outs about the casino very humorous and when all is said and done everyone will be laughing as soon as they know about casinos. As they say, good luck folks.
Even most casual food is now spicy
Is anyone else bothered by the prevalence of hot, spicy food now being featured in most restaurants, not just ethnic restaurants noted for their hot and spicy food. Even the most casual dish includes hot peppers, etc. (macaroni and cheese?). We have had salt and pepper on our tables for years and everyone has been able to add them to any dish they prefer. Servers don't even know if the food they are serving can be labeled "hot". I know, I've asked, and returned dishes I cannot eat. Cooking shows on TV always add pepper to every dish, even desserts. It seems we are shocking our digestive systems.
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