What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
Remember lessons of Benjamin Franklin
At 70 years old Benjamin Franklin was appointed a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence and was dispatched to France as commissioner for the United States securing a critical military alliance in 1778 and negotiating the Treaty of Paris (1783). When Benjamin Franklin was 79-years-old he occupied a position only second to that of George Washington as the champion of American independence. At 79-years-old he also was unanimously elected the sixth president of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. The office of president of Pennsylvania was analogous to the modern position of governor. Thank goodness we did not ignorantly decry someone too old for a job.
Our July 4th parade scaled down enough
I could not believe the comments of the director of Special Events in Des Plaines regarding scaling down on the 4th of July parade. The parade is already scaled down enough. What are you talking about?
Wants townhome area cleaned up
Please clean up the Mannheim/Prospect townhome area in Des Plaines.
Downtown area needs shot-in-the-arm
I realize that I need to address something. I know that our family cannot be the only ones who are disappointed in the way Metropolitan Square has not grown. The spaces are great, but the marketing is awful. I don't see anything that's in Metropolitan Square advertised. The area is fantastic. But if we expect to compete with cities like Arlington Hts., we need more restaurants, at least one more watering hole and a few stores to draw people in. I understand with all the residences in downtown Des Plaines, noise is an issue, but ruling out new bars or clubs because we want to reduce noise isn't the answer. A nightlife in Des Plaines is necessary. We don't need a bunch of bars, but one with a 2 a.m. license wouldn't hurt to draw people downtown. I hope new businesses come to Des Plaines. I hope that our citizens will patronize them, and I hope that they stay because our economy in our town needs a little revival and a little make over.
There are reasons for taxes
Privileges of membership: Roosevelt said, "Taxes, after all, are dues we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society." All illegals pay our sales taxes unless they are using someone else's Social Security number. A couple of years back, 2 million illegals were using your Social Security number or mine and neither the IRS nor federal government will give us any information about this. We pay for membership in this society while some with government protection avoid paying.
Why not "tax" people who run red lights?
It seems to me that the only people who are against red light cameras are people who run red lights. Why else would they complain? Stopping red light runners will save many lives and injuries. If the city also makes money from these dangerous lawbreakers, it seems like a win/win situation. Either the streets will become safer or the city will take in enough money to keep our taxes in line. We have exorbitant "sin" taxes on cigarettes and alcohol and they are legal. Why shouldn't people who disregard the safety of others by running red lights be taxed? The solution is simple. Don't run a red light and it won't cost you a dime.
I've tried to get a job without success
In response to the person who worked in a store and stated that they couldn't find anybody who would work at a job such as McDonald's or stocking shelves because of the low salary that was paid to their workers: This letter was written because of a person's claim that when she went into McDonald's she didn't hear English. Due to my experience as a white, middle-aged female worker who has looked for work in any field without any luck, his statement is lacking in being true. I have e-mailed, faxed, and gone in person to fill out applications for stocking shelves, restaurant work, and clerical work (what clerical work unless you live overseas?) to no avail. I will accept any hours and salary that is offered to me. I just hope that the person who wrote the letter loses his job and finds out how easy it is to look for a job. Most people just want a job that is stable and decent especially in this economy.
Will never let Henry be taken again
Remember when Henry the Rooster was taken from his home a few years ago. I will never let this happen ever again. Remember when people would write in saying, "He was spotted in a red convertible with a Bigfoot guy". I lost a lot of sleep back then. Every night driving up and down the side roads calling him by name, "Henry, come home". I keep a good eye on my little buddy now.
(Ed. Note: Maybe you should get a hobby).
Chicago machine has a new face
When are people going to wake up and smell the coffee? The Chicago machine Democrats just don't care about the little guy. It's all about them. Need proof? Stroger, Blago and now Burris. They say they are for the people, but who's getting rich off of our tax dollars? Time for people to wake up. The Chicago machine isn't dead. It just has a new face.
Roosevelt softened the sting
To the person concerned about President Obama turning the country into a socialist state, you write fairly well so I assume you can read. Please go to a library or use the Internet to study the causes and effects of the Great Depression. It was government assistance to the banking system and Roosevelt's public works programs that softened the blow of that depression on millions of Americans.
Some people put trash carts in street
Just another Speak Out about garbage cans. I know, I know, but it is my understanding that refuse and recycling carts are to be set on the parkway on pick-up days and not in the street. Yet many, maybe most people, do put them in the street. Do we need some "No Parking" signs for these carts? Kidding aside, carts in the street make traveling on some of the busier collector streets a regular obstacle course.
Love to read Speak Out before bedtime
Thank you local residents for submitting such great articles for the Journal & Topics Speak Out section. My wife and I thoroughly enjoy reading this right before bedtime. I read it out loud and put my wife to sleep. In fact she might be sleeping as I am reading this to her now. Our friend/neighbor Linda told us about Speak Out years ago and we finally subscribed to the paper and we are very thankful that we did. We are able to keep up on the hot topics around town. Keep up the great work J&T.
Not everyone is squeaky clean here
You want to sell us a bridge? I don't know. While some of this may be a stretch, if you think the politicians in Des Plaines are squeaky clean, I'd like to sell you some swampland in Florida. Maybe Moylan has ties to Daley, maybe not.
Got a chuckle from gaming idea
Mr. Lake suggests an advisory commission to deal with the casino. Well Mr. Lake, my advice to you is to first learn about the business before you set anything up. You must be delusional to even think of such a thing. Just what do you think this commission will be able to do? Override the gaming commission? Believe me when I tell you that whoever is elected mayor will be following Mr. Bluhm around and not giving any orders. That's the gaming business. I must say that I did get a chuckle from that one.
Thanks manager for not taking pay raise
Jason Bajor is a city manager who gets it. Thank you, Mr. Bajor, for voluntarily not taking a pay raise in light of the city's budget concerns.
Humility in public service goes long way
I have a real problem with a guy who thinks he could do the job of mayor after being an alderman for two weeks. Humility is a quality that would serve a mayor well.
Debate convinced me Moylan most qualified
I watched the mayoral debate and Marty Moylan is clearly the best candidate. Even Mayor Arredia thinks so.
If you put up a sign, then take it down
Well, the city election is over. I'm so happy not to be receiving all the candidate literature either in my mail or my door jam or handle and having to pick it up from my lawn when it gets blown out from my door. Now when will all the signs be removed from lawns, windows, poles, etc.? If you put it up take it down. It looks terrible. As far as signs go, garage sale time is right around the corner. I think anyone who puts up a "garage sale" and doesn't remove it at the end of the sale should be fined. (Hint: the address is usually on the sign). This is also annoying and makes our city look dirty.
Glad that we have newspapers
Thank God for newspapers. Bob T.
Would like to see other candidates
I hope the next election brings out a new person, not someone that has been an alderman before. Concerned citizen.
Every day means another day of freedom
Yet again, the American judicial system lets down its people. With each delay of his sentencing, former Mayor Blase gets another day of freedom. Not unlike what George Ryan attempted, Blase will squeeze out every single day of freedom that he can. Department of Justice, please don't let us down anymore. The people of Niles are entitled to justice.
No more trash talking to win election
Now that the election is over the people have spoken. We Niles residents do not want to have politicians like Kim Biederman trash talking to win an election. Will the Journal look into the reported intimidation involving one or more local candidates?
Can't understand why Niles voters voted the way they did
I can't believe the stupidity of Niles' voters. Bob Callero was Nick Blase's hand picked candidate. How dumb can you get?
Niles is proud of his hard work
Great job Joe Mahoney, Niles is proud of you and your hard work.
Hard to understand how Niles residents voted
How can the residents of Niles (or at least 2,870 of them) be stupid enough to vote a convicted felon into office? Someone please do something about the Alpogianis situation or my family and others will be house hunting in greener pastures. Hasn't our good town been disgraced enough this past year?
People will get the government they deserve
Why am I not surprised the state's attorney is not going to take action against George A. Isn't Andy Przybylo also a big shot in Cook County? I think the Journal ran a story about that a while back. The voters are going to get what they deserve if they don't smarten up.
Will former mayor ever be sentenced?
Blase Sentencing Delayed Again. Is Blase ever going to be sentenced?
Doesn't any one care in Niles?
Niles just voted into office a village trustee, George Alpogianis, who has seven felony convictions on his record. No one knew this? No one cared. Is this the kind of person you want running your city? Pay attention voters.
Majority does not always win
Looks like the 634 residents of Ward 4 who did not wish to be represented by Gerald T. Anderson were the real losers in Tuesday's election. The majority doesn't always win. My condolences to all of them.
Anderson never served with Vole
The Prospect Hts. resident who is glad to see Dolly Vole and Gerry Anderson working together again wasn't paying attention. Vole stepped down in 1996 and returned in 2007; Anderson was first elected in 1997 and never served with Vole.
Couldn't wait to cast my vote against him
So Mt. Prospect's perennial also-ran for the office of mayor thinks there's "voter apathy and that's pathetic"? Let me assure him that when I read that he was once again running for office, I couldn't wait to get to the polls and cast my vote for the incumbent. No apathy here.
Fortunate to have people who want to serve
We are so fortunate to have good people who wish to serve on the Mt. Prospect Board of Trustees. This, added to strong leadership in the past from Gerald Farley and currently from Irvana Wilks, makes this a great community in which to live and work. Congratulations to all of us for the re-election of the serving board members and our great mayor.
Voters made a big mistake
To the voting citizens of Park Ridge, the (small) majority of you who voted. You asked for it and you got it. Good luck with your new "mayor". He has very little experience in government and some seriously flawed ideas. You've made a big mistake. And it's a real shame you don't understand the drastic need for a new police facility. The current station is grossly inadequate, pathetic and an embarrassing reflection on all of the citizens of Park Ridge.
Hope for the best with new mayor
Wish you the best with the new mayor. You'll need it.
He should distance himself from bloggers
Congratulations to Mayor Elect Dave Schmidt! But for goodness sake, what the heck is with these blog people? Get a life already. You're not that witty or all knowing, you're just contrary and nasty. Dave Schmidt would do well to distance himself from this "crew".
Shame on Des Plaines for new casino
The casino is a giant trash can with filth spilling out onto Park Ridge's doorstep. If the people of Des Plaines think a casino is such a great thing, why not put it in your residential area? Put it near your schools. Let the traffic flow through your own town. One can understand why Des Plaines might want the revenue from a casino, but who can understand the selfishness and hypocrisy of saying it's OK to raise the value of your town at the expense of a your neighbors. Shame on Des Plaines.
All he has to do is look in the mirror
Frimark is shocked that he lost. He blames Schmidt's method of campaigning. If you want to know who to blame for your loss, look in the mirror Frimark. You painted yourself that way, nobody else to blame.
Put pressure on state, county
Congrats to the winners in Palatine. It is nice to see in writing what the new mayor wants to do. Not to put a damper on his "dreams", but I just purchased a condo 19 months ago in Palatine and since Cook County has raised the taxes, I travel up Route 12 to Lake County to shop for items at Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot that would be taxed at 10% in Palatine (I get good gas mileage so I can do it). Since Menards moved out of Palatine to Long Grove, I also shop there, and since I am remodeling I go where it is a lot cheaper. I have watched shops go out of business in Palatine since the tax increase and I have heard many people say business is really down, I have even noticed it in restaurants. Yes a lot of this has to do with the economy, but that extra tax burden is not helping Palatine. We need everyone in Palatine to put pressure on the legislators in Springfield and the Cook County Board to do something and do it long before the 2010 election.
Doesn't make sense
Since when does someone asking her village board if she can keep one extra tiny dog over the four pet limit equate to animal hoarding? It doesn't make sense to associate the two together.
What if eight kids moved next door?
Since when is five dogs hoarding? I hardly think five dogs is the same as the other resident cited for 70+ dogs in a home. Argiris states he wouldn't want someone with eight dogs living next to him. If they were quiet and well-behaved, he wouldn't even know he had eight dogs living next to him. Why do we legislate the number of pets a person has if they're taking care of them, yet someone could move next door to me with eight obnoxious children, and I have no recourse!
Elk Grove cops need to learn
Elk Grove police need to start concentrating on real police work instead of hiding behind taxpaying EGV businesses looking for cars to stop and harass. I have lived in the great suburb for nine years now and the new, young police need to learn to fight crime. Here's an idea, find out who is stealing all the GPS systems, or bust the houses that are known for criminal activity. Wasting a tax paying, law obeying village resident's time just to see if you have insurance wastes taxpayer money. Oh wait, here's a thought, after the third time you pull the same car over in a week, use your handy dandy computer and input the insurance information so that the next rookie can save his breath.
Why is it considered ‘hoarding'?
Five dogs is hardly hoarding. I agree the Wheeling resident is over the legal limit, but why pull in a "hoarding" reference if there's no indication of masses of dogs being kept in poor conditions?
Casino will bring many jobs
There will be many new jobs with the new casino coming to Des Plaines such as maintenance, security and groundskeepers. If anybody is worried about the casino being too close so that their family would spend their hard-earned money, the fact is that anyone who is hooked is already going to other casinos. We were worried about all the problems the Rosemont Horizon (Allstate Arena) was going to bring to Des Plaines. Rosemont knew it had a money-maker. We have the problems, but no money coming in. We had Sears and other stores that would have been anchor stores, but they must have decided there was no future for them here. I have lived in Des Plaines close to 60 years and it is not the economy that is closing business. It is because of the choice town elders make. The casino site is more for industrial and businesses on River Road. What are people worrying about? Let's get behind the casino and make it work for us. We own our home free and clear but the taxes are so high we are forced to sell. We will not get what our real estate is worth.
The entire area depends on labor
This is about a Des Plaines City Council member questioning Marty Moylan possibly becoming mayor and possible conflicts of interest: Do you not know that the entire northern third of Illinois is union labor and there are signed agreements to exclusively work in these areas. Simple fact. Plumbing, electrical, carpentry, masonry, heavy equipment, roofing, elevators, concrete, glazing, painting, trucking, and last but by far not least, all labor. I would like to name all union trades in Northern Illinois, but hopefully you get the idea. Cook County is one of the top union counties in the nation that has agreements with all local unions. The very building you are sitting in making these ridiculous comments was built by all union labor. As are all substantial improvements in Des Plaines. Where have you been for the past 50 years? It is sad to hear/read the remarks of the Moylan detractor. Go away girl.
Says it's about safety, then talks money
Hey police chief, are we talking out of both sides of our mouth? Reading in the Journal & Topics, the Des Plaines chief defends an argument raised by aldermen that red light cameras are primarily a way to make cash. "Safety" is his defense. Then in his very next statement, he talks about how much cash the city could generate. Hmmm.
Wonders about his real life experiences
I am a 3d ward citizen in the City of Des Plaines and find myself questioning the logic of who or whatever is responsible for placing a 22-year-old on the aldermanic ballot. The candidate in question is recent college graduate, Matt Bogusz. It is my understanding that Mr. Bogusz lives at home with his parents and is an experienced golf caddy. He seems to have become campaign-savvy from having done volunteer work for other politicians and he can certainly talk-the-talk. But are these qualifications sufficient to be considered a viable candidate for office? Is it me or does anyone else wonder what life-experiences this 22-year-old brings to the table? Did he study economics or law? Does he have an understanding of engineering?
(Ed. Note: While your questions are valid, the fact is that Mr. Bogusz was elected 3d ward alderman on Apr. 7 by a wide margin.)
He says spend, but we're all broke
The nerve. Dick Sayad said that the problem with Metro Square is that consumers aren't spending. What are we going to spend? We are in a recession in case he hasn't heard. We are all broke. I spent in Metro Square and I tried to spread the word, but I don't know how to save a shopping center that was built inside out. Sayad thinks that the casino is an enchilada. Well I am not really hungry.
Be a good neighbor, pick up after your dog
Since I recently got a puppy, I am noticing that other dog owners are not picking up after their dogs on my block. In fact, someone allowed his or her dog to poop on the sidewalk directly in front of my house and on down the sidewalk for about a half a block. There are many dogs in the neighborhood as well as dog walkers, kids playing, and my puppy. Not picking up after your dog could make my dog and others sick. Plus, it's just disgusting. Imagine if everyone treated the neighborhood the same way and did not pick up after their dog. Please, be a good neighbor and be diligent about this.
Wants information about candidates
While I feel sympathy for the Willson family and the plight of James Willson, the frequent updates are becoming repetitive and tiresome. What I really want from my local newspaper is local news that affects my community and me. How about a little more information on the candidates in the election? If I can't get reliable information on the candidates and issues from my local paper, where can I get it?
Failed to hear any visionary talk
Mayoral candidates? I just attended the so-called debate at Maine West. I didn't hear any visionaries. The main issue seems to be flooding. None of the candidates have a grasp on the problem or how to coordinate the other agencies involved. No action is expected until 2012. I doubt if any of them understands the watershed of a river valley. Keep on building and paving everything over and you will have floods.
Even Henry says people should stop complaining
Not sure why so many people are complaining: Henry the Rooster says, "Quit your whining". Have some cheese with that "whine".
High time we get caring officials
A recent Speak Out suggested that the so-called city officials should care more about businesses that are here and doing what they can to keep them. They will never care about them just as long as there are residents that the "officials" can continue to screw over. Increasing telecommunication taxes, property taxes, gas taxes and sales taxes is all they care about. As long as Bajor and Moylan are running things, they will continue to manipulate. It is high time to get caring officials back into Des Plaines.
Postman walks by whether he has mail or not
The cost of mailing a letter will rise because fewer pieces sent means less revenue, expenses stay fixed. A postman doesn't come to your door when 10 pieces of mail are ready to be delivered. He walks by your door when he has no mail for your address. It costs the same for a daily mail service but revenue goes down at 0.42 cents then the only alternative is to raise stamps costs.
Include salaries of our elected officials
When printing the vital information of the towns how about also printing the salaries of our public officials.
City should allow more dogs to be owned
I would like to see Des Plaines change its city code to allow residents to own more than three dogs. Des Plaines is a great location for dog owners especially for individuals who show their dogs. It is a safe community with large back yards. Des Plaines is located near Beck Lake where there is a large dog park available. Also, the city has a local dog-training club, Rand Park Dog Obedience Club, that holds training at the park district, and Des Plaines is in close proximity to other dog training facilities. Furthermore, Des Plaines is near two large annual dog shows held in Rosemont at the convention center and in Chicago at McCormick Place. Unfortunately, Des Plaines has a three dog limit, like the majority of the surrounding suburbs, which leaves people like myself and many of my friends unable to legally own multiple dogs for showing and training. It is not feasible to move to the country, and Des Plaines offers a lot to dog owners. I find it unfair that an individual can irresponsibly own one dog, yet I am prohibited from responsibly owning and caring for four or five dogs. It's not like the laws would disappear. Nuisance barkers and poor animal ownership would still be fined. My proposition to the city council is: $50 to license and own up to six dogs, with the same rules applying as the current animal ownership laws. It would allow responsible pet owners to come into the city and take advantage of the great resources available to them.
We've tackled tough problems before
America has had bad times before. We got through the Great Depression. We can get thru this problem. Buckle down America. We can beat this. Press onward and press forward.
Our troops are protecting you
Remember our troops. Don't forget them. They are still protecting you.
Dogs could provide security for Henry
Our Great Pyreneese dogs, "Wolfie", "Pooh Bear" and "Stubby" would be honored to act as security for Henry the Rooster in his campaign for mayor of Des Plaines. After what I have seen, Des Plaines could do a lot worse than electing a rooster mayor. Great Pyreneese dogs often work in teams while protecting livestock, their owners, or mayoral candidates. One dog will stay behind as a "last defense" while the others intercept and deal with the attacker. They are very brave. It is said that a single Great Pyreneese dog can hold off a bear long enough for a shepherd to move his entire flock to safety. Therefore, three of them should keep one chicken quite safe. We have a rooster here on our Missouri farm; his name is "David Bowie", (no relation to the singer). David says, "Good Luck, Henry, you may use my bodyguards, I'll be fine until after the election."
Deer have been around for long time
This is for the people who would like sharp shooters to murder deer in our area. The deer have been here forever and have been put on this earth for a reason. Their land has been taken away from them. Why should they pay the price with their lives for your house being on their property? Don't like the landlords? Then move.
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