What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
Henry thinking about moving to Park Ridge
Henry and I are thinking of moving to Park Ridge. I would like to have a more private yard for Henry to roam around in. But first I would have to check out the laws in Park Ridge in regards to owning wildlife. We would still be close to home, Des Plaines.
They could have declined to run insert
The Journal & Topics Newspapers has a big egg on its face regarding the Democrats failing to win offices in the Maine Township election. There was an insert in a late March edition that was a big fluff piece about the Maine Township government. The Journal could have easily declined to run that insert so close to the election.
He should have been working on deficit
Why was Senator Dan Kotowski passing out palm cards in front of Park Ridge City Hall on Election Day for the Maine Township Democratic slate? He should have been at his Senate office trying to work out a solution to the $10 billion deficit in the state budget. If I am not mistaken, you senator were elected to represent all the people of Maine Township, whether Democrat or Republican.
Another 12 million want U.S. citizenship
About 10 years ago about 12 million illegal entries were given citizenship. Now about another 12 million want citizenship, again without having to go through the loops many others do because they value being citizens of this country. What a system politicians have set up.
Kotowski should share blame for poor showing
All the blame cannot be put on Committeeman Laura Murphy for the Democrats defeat in the township election. Senator Dan Kotowski has to share in the blame for the horrible job that was done. He was very instrumental in raising thousands of dollars from out of the township's area. Also he brought in people to work precincts in Maine Township.
Noticed landscapers sneezing on coffee cups
I recently was at a local convenient store. While walking around the corner, I noticed landscapers coughing and sneezing on coffee cups. What was really upsetting was they thought their sneezing and coughing on cups was funny.
(Ed. Note: Some people sometimes sneeze and cough. Is there some other point you wish to make?)
Thanks park district for our new park
The Villa Association would like to say thank you to our park district and their staff for our spectacular new park. The park is a testimony to their efforts and the residents who supported such a venture, and turned a wasted piece of land, with not even a name, into something beautiful. We truly are a proud community.
Money came form all over Illinois
It is obvious that Chicago Democrats are trying to invade the suburbs, when you check out the money that was given to the Democratic slate in the Maine Township election. Thousands and thousands of dollars came from all over the State of Illinois to defeat the Republican incumbents.
80% of the people don't know how to drive
Are you serious? Have you people run out of things to complain about? Now you go after how high a tree should be? Good grief. Go live in the desert. And as for the one complaining about getting a $100 ticket for not stopping at a red light, well that's just too bad. Maybe you should learn how to drive. It's not a right but a privilege to drive. Eighty percent of people behind the wheel should lose their license because they don't know how to drive.
What to do about people who toss trash?
What can be done about people who just throw garbage out the window of their car along the street? Where I walk my dog there is always broken glass somewhere along the way. It's usually booze bottles that are broken. There are all kinds of junk along the street. I don't know what the answer is - maybe somebody else will have an idea - I hope so.
Suburbs got their clocks cleaned over O'Hare
Elk Grove Village declares victory in the O'Hare Airport expansion battle? Give me a break. We got our clocks cleaned. This is like having a no-hitter thrown against your team through eight innings, but then you squeak out a base hit in the top of the 9th. The losing manager then leaves the ballpark declaring, "All we wanted to prove was that somebody could get a hit off of this pitcher."
Sees no benefit with casino
I keep seeing comments here that state that Des Plaines wants this casino. I live in Des Plaines and I assure you I do not want this casino. I agree that it will bring a whole new dimension of seediness and crime to the entire area. I bought a house about one year ago in a lovely neighborhood in Des Plaines. I feel like this casino will be just right down the street from me. I read constantly in the police blotter of the petty thefts that occur in cars and homes. This will only increase, as people who gamble will need to make money somehow to keep gambling. Easy access to the area via public transportation will encourage those from all over Chicagoland looking to "hit the jackpot" to flock to the area. This casino is not the answer to our woes. I resent the politicians who have completely disregarded the needs and wants of citizens. I would love easy money too. But what a shallow achievement. I am happier at the end of the day when I work hard, laugh harder and care much. I love my home and it is back breaking to bring it back to life from the state of neglect it was in when I bought it. I feel this casino is a threat to me, my property. It will benefit only the business people and politicians who seem to me to be about as principled as an addicted gambler. Why can't we really improve our downtown? Save the Choo Choo, reinvigorate the movie theatre, attract independent store operators. I was crushed to see the old hardware store get torn down and another bank built on the spot. Also, I agree that unions have far out lived their purpose and have a destructive effect on our economy. I also agree that Des Plaines should secede from the county. And yes, clean up those townhouses on Mannheim. I believe if we get this casino all of Des Plaines will one day look like those town houses.
Casino sight is very close to Maine South
In response to the Ed. Note: "The proposed casino's location is nowhere near a school": Try using Google map, the distance is .03 miles from Maine South. Is that not close in your opinion? I might add that, the only thing separating these two locations is a forest preserve, already riddled with crime. Additionally, several elementary and middle schools are within a mile of this location. I guess this is all of no consequence to the town of Des Plaines because in fact, it's nowhere near Des Plaines residents. It would also appear that the editors of the Journal have little or no regard for the safety and well being of the children of Park Ridge, so long as there is a possibility of profit for Des Plaines.
Hope you're happy play area will be taken away
For the person or persons on Kenilworth and/or Warrington, I hope that you are happy that a" clubhouse/ play area is going to be taken away. It was never a dump of construction materials, just stuff the girls found to make a play area. I hope that you are happy now.
Even Deadheads need to clean up after themselves
It was such a great thrill to drive by the Allstate Arena the morning of May 6 to see all the garbage all over the parking area left by fans of "The Dead". I love to party but pick up after yourself. Give a hoot, don't make an Indian cry.
Hopes Rosemont officer has speedy recovery
Prayers for a safe return to duty for the Rosemont Public Safety Auxiliary officer who was struck and hit. The driver should be kept off the streets.
Kotowski should replace Murphy as committeeman
Laura Murphy should step down. In a Democrat-leaning township, she brought a losing slate to the table. Was it the candidates or was it the township party strategy. She has led and has lost. We need someone like State Senator Dan Kotowski to take the reigns and lead the party. He is well-liked and has a winning track record. He should be the Democrat Party committeeman.
Congressmen should wear uniforms
I have come up with an idea for all of our congressmen, you know, senators and representative and all of that. I think maybe they should wear uniforms while they are on the job similar to what NASCAR drivers wear when they are on the track in that way. That way we can tell who their corporate sponsors are. Thank you.
Wants better service from carpet company
I get the Journal twice a week and I enjoy it very much. I am calling for several reasons and one is about an area carpet company. They have all of these commercials about how they want to help people and when it comes down to it, they don't. I had a rug put in and it is so cold, without padding on the first floor. I have talked to the president and everything. They should really help out their customers, especially those with disabilities and the elderly.
Keep unions out
Unions are not what Des Plaines needs now or ever.
Need device to measure depth of river
There should be a monitoring device along the Des Plaines River which measures its depth.
No need for Henry to "cluck" over to my house
This is about Henry the Rooster. I don't want him clucking over to my house.
Says Dick Sayad is the man
Dick Sayad is the man. Todd, put this in the Journal.
Why did mayoral candidates spend so much?
Why did candidates spend so much just to win the mayor seat? People should have voted for Michael Lake.
Thinks everyone in public works deserves a pay raise
I think everyone who works for the city's public works should have a raise.
(Ed. Note: Are you a member of public works?)
School employee is scaring kids with his appearance
I would like to know the dress code for Des Plaines School District 62. They have a guy who is really scaring the kids. He is unshaven, dirty and un-kept. I am not the only parent who thinks so. The school district needs to tell this guy to clean up and look presentable so he doesn't scare the kids.
Unions offer some benefits to the community
Unions are best for the people. Argus, you should be ashamed of yourself. Moylan will do some good for the people and it won't be all payoffs either.
People should just have to push door open
Why are the handles on the inside of a door, like on the outside? It is more sanitary after people have washed their hands to just push the door open, not put their dirty hands all over the handle.
Will consider voting Republican before voting for Quinn
I have never voted for a Republican in my life. But before I vote for Quinn, I will vote for anything.
Wants statues in downtown area
Recently in the Journal there was a very sad article about how many of the long time Des Plaines residents feel about Des Plaines losing its edge. It used to be such a beautiful community. Those wonderful policemen, who do so much for the community. Many of them volunteer, without being paid, at the Taste of the Des Plaines event. How wonderful. They deserve the attention and appreciation. How about erecting a couple of statues like what Arlington has for their police and firemen in their downtown area?
Need to stop drug abuse of local teen
I read in the April 1st police blotter about an 18-year-old boy who received his third drug charge. If the police do not stop this, it will be a total waste.
Has no problem reducing number of days mail delivered
If they limit receiving the mail to five times a week it wouldn't bother me. Even if they did it only two days a week, it wouldn't be a problem. All I really get is junk mail, fliers and magazines. Even one day a week would be fine with me. I am all for it. Let's cut down this mail delivery.
People should stick to the facts
If you write to Speak Out or any other publication, please make sure that your comments are factual. There should be an editorial for those who are writing untrue things to clarify this for other people. Thank you.
Wants to see more beautification downtown
Congratulations to whoever is responsible for the wonderful enhancement/improvements to the Des Plaines Library. Perhaps we can extend this to the rest of downtown Des Plaines. We also noticed the new banner. How wonderful. Time to get on a very overdue project.
Use red light cameras to film parades
A message for residents: these red light cameras – this would be a great way to film the parades and fireworks.
Anyone ever seen these two guys in same room?
I've asked this once and I'll ask it again – Has anyone ever seen Todd Wessell and Roy Williams, head coach of North Carolina basketball, in the same room at the same time?
Yes, we should get downtown theater going
Downtown Des Plaines needs all the help it can get. The theatre needs to be desperately re-opened.
Very concerned about Moylan being mayor
I am extremely concerned that Marty Moylan is the new mayor of Des Plaines. This is not good for the economy.
Appreciates restaurants giving special deals
I want to thank all of the restaurants who are giving deals or half off on their menu items. You have no idea how much this is helping many people. Thank you so much, it is really helping out.
This restaurant really helps bring people in
Regarding Mt. Prospect's Ye Olde Town Inn – this is one of the few restaurants that brings people in. There has to be a way to redevelop the town. The village board needs to come up with a better plan. Leave Ye Olde Town where it is.
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