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Monitoring airport pollution will open many eyes
This is regarding O'Hare airport air pollution monitors. I wonder what the real game is for the feds, city and state wanting the air pollution monitors installed. They know, even by scientific protocol, that it cannot accurately measure airport and airport operation related pollution. It will significantly undercount it and not define airport pollution from any other source. The only accurate way to measure it is to model it. I guess that they are trying to hide the true impact from the people. Eight states and the USEPA have already monitored aircraft operations pollution and the results are mind-boggling. For example, just the aircraft alone at Logan Airport emit twice as much Benzene, a known human carcinogen, than all of the major ground stationary sources (e.g, factories power plants, etc.) in three states combined. (12 tons vs. 6 tons, annually). That is just the aircraft. Combined airport operations can double to triple that amount. Of most concern is the fact that O'Hare has 2 to 3 times the amount of flights than Boston's Logan. They need to hide it from the people but those hiding it must be held accountable.
People need to be sensitive about using labels
This is regarding a recent letter from someone who feels it is his/her right to use words that are currently used as a slur. I can only hope it comes back to bite you in the rear. I am sick and tired of hearing people use words they know will cause pain and then say they didn't mean it that way. I want to see a white person use the "n" word to a black person and then say he didn't mean it that way. Presently the word "gay" refers to a homosexual person---whether you like it or not. Using the phrase "that's so gay" is not meant to be a nice comment, whether the person saying it means it to be offensive or not. It is. And I am damn tired of it. I am a senior gay woman and have been hearing comments like this for most of my life. Enough already. If a similar word or phrase were used for a member of a different minority group---Jews, Muslims, Asians, Blacks, fat people, disabled people---it would not be tolerated. Enough is enough. Gay people have enough to deal with your ignorance. Let's stop the racial slurs and try behaving as rational human beings.
Whole idea is to get new blood
I live in the 4th ward in Des Plaines and I admit that I voted for the former alderman from here. He could have done a better job at the debate. I think he lost votes there. The new mayor now has to fill his remaining term with someone from the 2d ward. Well, after watching those debates it seems pretty clear that Mike Lake is the ideal candidate for the job. I read that former Mayor Mike Albrecht was also considered. Please, I thought the whole point of term limits was to get new people and fresh ideas on city council. Not another retread like Higgason, Elsner and Brookman. And don't tell me that Carla isn't the alderman from the 5th ward. Let's hope Mayor Moylan makes his first decision the right one.
Why taking so long to get Willson home?
I would like to know, what is taking so long getting Jim Willson back to the U.S.A.? He is not the kind of man who would get mixed up in anything like this. I have known him, and his family for 35+ years. Lets get a move on. Roni, Beverly Hills, Fla.
Community needs other kinds of businesses
Just what we need in Des Plaines, another restaurant, especially another pancake house. How about a little entertainment or stores that might attract people willing to spend a little money.
Casinos nothing more than fair compensation
Chief Thundersky will speak now. Not all Indians like the idea of having a casino on the reservation. It is what our white brothers call "fair compensation" for stealing our land. (Like the deer, we were here first.) We have seen first hand the destruction casino gambling can bring to the family unit. You know I speak the truth. The casino offers "help" with 800 numbers for gambling problems, don't they? Why? The casinos are "sold" to us with the promise of jobs for the community. What sort of job could your family get there? Finally, yes it is true, there are many casinos to choose from and that is further proof of what I say. We have all seen what happens when we give into greed (one of the seven deadly sins). Babies die in hot cars while the mother is inside a casino playing slots. This is a true story and you know it. Remember the deer, remember the fox, remember the hawk, and keep away from the casino. Take your children for a walk in the woods instead. You will find peace there in nature, not in some man made gambling hall.
Look into what developer has done before
Inviting Forest City into your redevelopment plans is opening up the city coffers and yelling, "Take as much as you want as long as you like." The Journal would do the community a service to dig into their background and ask some questions about who in local government is backing this plan.
Libraries not intended to be community centers
The Mt. Prospect Library used to be a gorgeous place when it first opened a few years ago. It was relaxing, clean, nicely organized, and quiet. It was a haven for those who love books, need to work, or do research. No more. On any day of the week now, the place is hopping, much like Grand Central Station. Hard to find a place to sit or work, impossible to use a computer since most are being used for personal entertainment reasons, invaded by the homeless some of whom shower and shave in its restrooms or sleep on its sofas. It's a playground for young children. Libraries should certainly serve the community, but they are not intended to take the place of community social centers.
Nice to see Dems passing out literature
It was so nice to see all the fine members of the Cook County Democratic machine working at the polls and passing out campaign literature for the Maine Township Democrats and our new Democratic machine Des Plaines Mayor Marty Moylan.
Why don't you print something nice?
Enough is enough. Why does your newspaper continually batter Mr. Alpogianis of Niles? Leave him alone already. I didn't vote for him because of what you wrote, but it's time to start thinking about what's best for the Village of Niles, and his family. The people came out and voted knowing about his background and he did very well. As a matter of fact his whole slate and he did great. We live in a democracy where soldiers put their lives at stake for such rights as voting and they have spoken. Why don't you ask him what he would like to do for the village? You guys at the Journal are starting to act like the "neighborhood bully". Start printing some better things and help our village out not dragging they same old garbage around in a different bag. A lifelong Niles resident.
(Ed. Note: If you want to read only nice things about the village, then make sure you get a copy of the village-financed newsletter. If you want to read news---real news---read the Journal.)
It promises to be a fun couple of years
With the fall of Laura Murphy, watch out for the rise of the Dan Kotowski. With the Dems taking a major hit, watch for Mayor Tony Arredia to lead the GOP as the State Senate candidate. This will be a fun couple years.
Only 29.6% of Niles voters bother to go to polls
The apathy of Niles' voters is incredible. The first time in 47 years they can vote for someone other than Nick Blase and only 29.6% of voters turn out. I'm proud to say I was one of them, but embarrassed to say I live in Niles.
A big difference in the kind of donations
While I applaud the owner of Park Ridge Taxi & Livery supporting philanthropic efforts in our community, I am offended by his attempt in the Apr. 15 issue of the Journal to portray his contribution to former Mayor Frimark's reelection fund as nothing more or less than the funds he donated to the "Smile Train". There is a big difference between giving money selflessly to starving orphans in another country who have no way to repay you, and throwing money around to attempt to influence political outcomes that could have a direct impact on your very own government-provided monopoly. I hope our town council will take a serious look at whether the citizens of Park Ridge are really benefiting from the current taxi arrangement. And if the current council won't, I look forward to the next council, which I suspect will.
Concerns about funeral home plan
Funeral home at Waterman & Euclid? Get outta here! What's so bad about Lauterberg's location on Northwest Highway? What will happen there?
Thought on election results
The moral of the story in this election, don't split the reform vote!
Route 53 figures seem off
Lake County Board member Stollman's numbers about the Route 53 extension do not add up. The Illinois Toll Highway Authority estimated the cost of extending 53 was $1.9 billion in 2001. That did not include the land acquisition costs. Hard to believe the cost has fallen 42% in eight years. It is likely the opposite and the cost would be closer to $3 billion plus land. Also he states the road could be built in two years. Well, if you ignore the environmental impact statement and engineering and land acquisition, and figuring out how to pay for it. A more honest estimate would be 10-14 years. Extending 53 is a 19th century solution to a 20th century problem. There are better ways to solve rush hour congestion. Ones that will not leave our children the legacy of environmental, health, and fiscal mismanagement. We must do better.
'Hoarding is a symptom'
Hoarding? Five dogs is hoarding? How can the writer even think about comparing five dogs to 72 dogs? If the dogs are well cared-for, no matter how many a person owns, it's not "hoarding." Hoarding is a symptom, from what I've read, of an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Is the writer ready to back up her use of the word "hoarding" with facts? As for animal number limits, the township needs to review its rule and demolish it. Animal limits have proven to be one of the causes of pets ending up in shelters, with their owner having to make terrible emotional choices; and animal limit laws do worse: they limit the adoption options for animals in shelters and rescues, denying them potential homes. J. Bernstein.
Likes new blood
Schwantz' victory is like a breath of fresh air for Palatine.
Thanks for flood damage waivers
As repairs to my flood damaged home are about complete, I want to express my thanks to the City of Wood Dale and the assessor of Addison Township for the waivers issued to those of us recovering from Ike's visit last September. Wood Dale waived over $1,200 in permit fees for repairs to my house and Addison Township has granted a one time reduction of almost 60% in assessment value for 2008 real estate taxes. I believe these enlightened measures made it possible for more than a few of our residents to rebuild and remain in place as good citizens, an investment that will pay high dividends for all in those communities.
We'll miss you, Bart
Bart Dill represented Elk Grove the right way. We definitely will miss him dearly.
Story, photo about horse gave me a smile
That picture and story of the horseback rider raised a smile. Perhaps the rider was trying to save on gas whilst commuting. It's nice to see and read such an amusing story. Thank you for lightening up my day.
Daughter really enjoyed Easter egg hunt
Kudos to the park district for organizing such a fun Easter egg hunt at Prairie Lakes. My daughter really enjoyed seeing the Easter bunny and seeing all the kids. What a wonderful event. Thank you.
Need both day and nighttime traffic
I see the comments about why downtown businesses are failing. Obviously, it is from a lack of sales, but where are customers coming from? All the new living spaces in the tight-knit area supply evening and weekend shoppers, but there is little being done to grow the daytime population in that area. Who is calling on corporations to invite them to open an office in downtown Des Plaines? Is there Class AAA office space available? Is it affordable? A successful downtown needs both daytime and evening customer demand.
Need to pay attention to real important issues
Now maybe there is some hope for a more serious government in Des Plaines. Let's get back to the basics and stop all the extra nonsense that we have been seeing from the past administration. Most don't care about the events in town, but are very concerned about how are taxes are being used. We care about our streets, sidewalks, flooding, our schools and a host of problems, not what the events commission is up to. That's one thing that should be done away with during these hard economic times. Get rid of the waste in town and let the government of Des Plaines be a serious government that we all can respect.
Amazing how people are easily swayed
So, despite the article in the Chicago Tribune about Moylan having Chicago ties and being Daley's lackey, the residents still voted him into office. If you have ever talked o Marty Moylan, you can tell he is nothing more then a politician, and politicians have strings attached to their arms and legs. The Des Plaines Journal and the Herald both endorsed Moylan. Apparently these two papers lack journalistic skills. Why did Moylan have the backing of the unions, what stake does the union have in Des Plaines? It's amazing how easily people can be swayed in one direction or another. But, none of this surprises me. Look who is currently in the White House now. Good luck Des Plaines, you will need it.
Raises concerns about people illegally driving
I just finished reading the Mt. Prospect Police Blotter published in the Friday, Apr. 17, 2009 edition of the Journal and noticed that under the heading "Driving Charges" there appeared nine names of drivers that were cited by the police for various reasons. I know that what I have to say now may sound prejudicial but the fact is that every one of those individual bears an unmistakably Spanish name. All nine of them allegedly drove without a valid driver's license, all have been residents in this country from three to nine years and not a one had a valid driver's license. I have to wonder how such a thing is possible. I, myself, would not dare to drive a car without a proper license on my person, an insurance card in the glove compartment, a proper license plate and a city sticker and yet here are nine drivers flaunting all these rules and regulations. It is unfortunate that this is all we shall ever know, the fact that the police issued them tickets. However, we will never know whether the fines were paid, if even a fine was involved, and whether steps were taken to force these men to apply for a proper driver's license and take the required tests. In the days of having to press "1" just to speak English to someone on the phone, where everything is geared to not offending Spanish speaking immigrants, be they legal or illegal, it is particularly galling and offensive to me to read about these nine instances of non-compliance with the law. I also wonder what the police's actions would have been had these nine individuals been white, natural born American citizens. Would they have arrested them and/or worked them over at the police station? In any case we can only hope that some action will be initiated by the Mt. Prospect Police Dept. to make sure these nine men get proper driver's licenses and insurance for their vehicles.
Excited about returning to Maine West stage
Grease at Maine West: Hey there, choir alums; I'm a 2007 Maine West grad and former E-winger. I'm coming back to be onstage at West as part of the Rydell Alumni choir in this year's musical, Grease. I hope there will be lots of alums up there with me. It'll be a blast to sing with Mr. Hanes again. Contact Mrs. Skiba if you want to be in it, too. I hope so. Grease is the word, you know.
City hall now being called "union hall"
For the past 12 years I've had flooding problems in the 2dd ward, Mayor Arredia has done nothing but talk. My taxes have increased and city services are the same. Now we are going to have a union mayor and city hall is now called "union hall". We are in for a long ride. God help us.
Chief has powerful message about casino
Those who attack Chief Thundersky and the truth he speaks about the new casino do so for one reason: fear. They fear the casino will not be as profitable as their greedy minds hope. The people of The Plaines know that the casino's only fear is that the people will be strong and stay away. Do not bring the casino your money. This is not the way the great father intended us to live, by gambling and greed. Our earth mother has better plans for her children, all of us (not just a few) to live with plenty and in peace. Good people, we still have the upper hand, the power is ours, the plan is simple, just stay away. Hoka hey!
Happy this city clerk candidate did not win
Now that the elections are over, there are many of us that are happy that Jennifer T. didn't win for city clerk.
Using food stamps, they help up line at store
Today (Tuesday) I had to wait excessively long in line at the Jewel on Lee Street while a family of four, mom, dad and two children under age five, using food stamps feigned ignorance of the rules for what brands they were allowed to purchase even though they clearly were not new to using them. This caused the line to be held up as dad ran back to get allowed items. Once they completed their purchases, the dad of this family that "needs" food stamps moved right on over to the instant lotto ticket machine and started shoving dollars into it while the family stood there blocking the exit of others they already held up. Wonder what is wrong with America? Need I say more? It was disgusting to think how hard I work for my money and how much I pay in taxes to support this behavior.
(Ed. Note: It might also tell you that people who are in need of help gravitate toward easy money things like the lottery and gambling).
Potholes are ruining tires
Potholes! Potholes! Potholes! Come mess your tires in Des Plaines. How can we collect the money we pay for fixing our tires?
Believes redevelopment does not help people
Another TIF for Des Plaines? Please, we do not need more apartments, condos or townhouses. Neither do we need more store space. There's plenty around and empty. Nobody can afford, so stop the redevelopment. It does not help us. It helps the developer.
We need to realize Henry is not involved in politics
The folks who want him to run for election charm Henry my rooster, but you know that can never happen. Once again he does no political participations, nor movies, etc. So we wish all the best of luck. Maybe I'll have some hats or t-shirts made just for friends of Henry, and remember no politics.
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