What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
Park Ridge threw in towel, now they're crying
The clock cleaning over O'Hare started with Park Ridge throwing in the towel, and now they're the biggest complainers over the noise.
Are there more important issues in Niles?
All things considered, for a man who ran the Village of Niles for 47 years---and that's the only thing he did in all that time---don't we really have other issues that are way more important?
(Ed. Note Mr. Blase was also a practicing attorney for many years while he was serving as mayor).
Leftover O'Hare money should go back to Bensenville
Leftovers from the O'Hare legal fund should go back to Bensenville. This was a joint fund? Bensenville just sent $250,000 to Elk Grove in April. We'd like the change back please.
Sad when Daley people take over communities
Very sad here when Daley's bootlickers will take over in Bensenville, Des Plaines, Elk Grove and formerly Park Ridge (pro-Daley kiss ups).
Eliminating vehicle stickers is a great idea
Eliminating city stickers a great trail blazing idea. I am all for it.
It's former aldermen's time to be given silent treatment
Just when will past aldermen return to be just like every other resident? Enough already you're done and thank you for your service. Your thoughts are as good as ours but then again most never listened to the residents so now it's your turn, to not be listened to.
Seems like more people are opposed to casino here
It seems that more people are opposed to the casino than support it. How is it that the city is going forward with this? Don't we have a say about what will be put in our community?
Restoring downtown theater not practical
Whoever thought that the downtown theater could be restored or be a plus for the community is delusional.
Poor decision by park district on porta-potty
The Des Plaines Park District has apparently decided that baseball players and spectators at Arndt Park no longer deserve access to the indoor bathrooms in the park field house. The outside entrances have been closed off, and they are only available to groups using the field house. As an alternative, the park district has provided a single porta-potty for the use of the entire park. With no way to control access, however, the facility is also being used by general park visitors---potentially hundreds of people per day using a single porta-potty. As a result, the lone bathroom facility available to the teams using the three baseball fields is in such a disgusting condition and it is completely unusable. These baseball teams are made up of Des Plaines residents whose parents pay taxes to the park district, as well as fees for the use of the baseball fields. They and their supporters have a right to expect adequate, clean, and sanitary bathroom facilities. This deplorable condition needs to be addressed by the park district immediately.
Kotowski more responsible for disastrous outcome
Why is everyone blaming Laura Murphy for the Democrats defeat in the April election? I know she is the committeeman and has to take some responsibility for their losses, but I happen to know that Senator Dan Kotowski was the one that had the most to say about how the campaign was run. His hand picked campaign worker was in charge of the day-to-day operations for the Democratic slate. If you check the D2's, you will see that Senator Dan Kotowski paid $3,000 for this person's services. I believe Kotowski is more responsible than Laura Murphy for the disastrous outcome of the election.
Whole point of comment was to tell about behavior
I think the point of the person who wrote the clip on the landscapers sneezing and coughing on the paper cups was that they were doing this on purpose. If they came to your office and were coughing and sneezing on your paperwork and on your desk, just what would you do Mr. Editor? If we named the business, this man would lose a lot of his livelihood. If they truly could not help the sneezing and coughing the next question would be did anyone ever teach them to cover their mouths? The whole point was to tell you about people's behavior. It was not funny and this was during the big Swine flu scare.
Why not display every language?
I think the signs in the park should be English, Spanish, Polish, Greek, Bosnian, Italian, Gaelic, and whatever language anyone would like to have, but you won't be able to read them because the path will be covered. This is America people; don't just stop at English and Spanish.
They need to renounce ideology
It is time for conservatives, teabag people, and ditto heads to renounce their failed ideology of selfishness.
I will never forget Melanie's name
I am a reader who first heard of the sad story about Melanie Beltran. I will never forget her name.
No background check for six figure job
The Mt. Prospect Dist. 57 school board didn't do a background check on the new superintendent? A six-figure job that deals directly with our children and no criminal check? Really? Really? It is good to hear that most of the board is new and was not a part of that process.
They refused liquor license, then OKd one for Wal-Mart
The Wheeling Liquor Commission a couple months ago denied a liquor license to a small mom and pop convenience store because there was a liquor store within one mile of their store. On Monday night May 18 the liquor commission granted Wal-Mart a liquor license when there are four liquor stores within one mile. This decision will affect all liquor stores in Wheeling. Wal-Mart buys at such a quantity that the small stores will not be able to compete with their prices. Then, since Wal-Mart will be selling at a cheaper price the sales tax revenue on the sales they have stolen from the other stores will be less and Wheeling loses money on the deal and Wal-Mart probably will become the number one Fortune 500 store in the nation. It goes to show you the new Wheeling Board of Trustees is not for small businesses. I do hope those of you who voted for the new trustees are keeping track of their decisions and the affect they have on the village.
Says Journal reporter did a great job
I would like to commend Bobby Chilver for his unbiased reporting of the "Dash Bash" at the last Prospect Hts. council meeting. Thanks for the accurate reporting.
Organization's new name is very fitting
I think the newest group to form against the OMP has the right name: C.R.A.P., for "Citizen's Revolt Against Planes".
Stores closing, but union workers get nice pay hike
With the stores closing in downtown Des Plaines, what is our new mayor doing? Who got a 3.75 pay increase? Not me but our city union workers. We are all going to pay this year and the next three. I'm sure they are happy with Mayor Moylan, but what about us?
(Ed. Note: Just to be fair, the full city council approved the increase, not just Moylan).
Former mayor should be given jail time, stop delays
Niles Mayor Nick Blase case delayed again? Where is the justice here? Time to jail him. Giving him probation would be a total joke!
Park Ridge getting belted from all sides
Park Ridge is getting hit from all side that includes Mayor Daley's 400 planes per day or night. Forget it Jan Schakowsky. We will not vote for you for the open Senate seat. And who gave the Kennedys the OK to step into our state and run their relatives? That takes a lot of nerve.
Maybe cat ate Henry the Rooster
I miss the rooster stories! I think my cat ate him.
Local flapjack fest was well done
I attended Boy Scout Troop 114's annual flapjack breakfast. The pancake (flapjacks) and sausages were excellent. The service and attention given by the Scouts and their leaders was fantastic. Congratulations to the leaders and Scouts for a great job and fantastic breakfast.
Wonders why comments made at end of message
Dear Editor, I want to know why you make snippy comments at the end of people's comments. I am referring this time to the comment about the coughing and sneezing at the convenience store on the coffee cups. With the swine flu at a high rate, I don't feel your comment was appropriate.
Mayor struck out on employment
Wow a swing and a miss in his first at bat. Our new mayor had the opportunity to make a positive leadership statement and allay the fears of those suspecting him of being just another Chicago style politician. He failed miserably. He appointed a man who considers himself a political and community activist because he is involved with youth soccer and is an usher at his church. Huh. Marty could have named Mike Lake or Mark Thompson as his replacement as both live in the ward and both have proven community and political backgrounds. Instead, he chose a life-long friend. Strike two on Marty for that, He hasn't learned yet that there are no friends in politics. I can't wait for strike three.
Market factors are dictating major local issue
Does anyone stop and think these days? The reason for the Hart/Marx company issue is because not as many people today are buying their suits as in the past. Same with GM and Chrysler. And no amount of political posturing, pressure and taxpayer money will get people to buy products they don't want.
Recent mayoral election results propel Thompson
Someone mentioned Dick Sayad in a recent Speak Out. His relevancy in local politics is questionable. Look at the results in the Apr. 7 Des Plaines mayoral race given his time, all his money and efforts. The race has really solidified Mark Thompson as the GOP leader and next in line for State Rep. Mulligan's seat.
School district should have picked candidate first for job
Mt. Prospect Elementary School Dist. 57 should have chosen Dr. Aumiller (sic) from the start. Board members should want their school system to gravitate toward Northbrook and Glenview rather than toward Hanover Park. Parents should be pleased. Let's all raise a glass...of diet soda.
The area never flooded in my 13 years there
Re: "Claims Des Plaines Riverwalk caused more flooding": I lived there for 13 years and the area never flooded there before. This is in response to the editor's note.
Most Americans drive American cars
American cars are everywhere. Especially in Des Plaines, the residents vote American when they buy a car. An unscientific survey of the Jewel parking lot by myself found 3 out of 4 cars were made in the United States. I like my Plymouth and my Jeep because they are reliable and inexpensive to operate. We got a great deal on a new Chevy Cobalt for our nephew.
When will Prospect Hts. road project be finished?
When will the intersection of Milwaukee and River in Prospect Hts. be finished? It is a nightmare.
City has no business trying to force out Choo-Choo
This is regarding the recent comment that the Choo-Choo site is perfect for police station. I'm guessing you would feel differently if the city were intent on using the land your house sits on. The city has no business forcing a long-established, successful enterprise to move.
No more to pay for sewers in Des Plaines
The city wants to tell taxpayers to cough up $19 million for new sewers? We are already paying two sewer fees. How about the big wigs cough up the money they paid for Metro Square for one-half occupancy, the Riverwalk (what a joke) and $2+ million for what used to be a temple. Enough is enough. The city should pay for the upkeep of the new sewers. We are getting dinged twice as it is.
Former Prospect Hts. alderman was a gentleman
I was one of the former aldermen who had the honor to serve with Alderman Bob Donovan in Prospect Hts. over the years. Speaking from behind the scenes, Bob always had the best interest of the residents and the city as a whole first and foremost in every vote and his comments on issues. He was a gentleman and a good servant of the people the years he served us all so well. He graciously welcomed me on my first day and I will never forgot his kindness and his humor from that day forward be it on council or afterwards. He will be missed by his family and friends and his community. My condolences to the Donovan family and Bob as you often said, give me a good sendoff when it's my time to go...Godspeed Bob Donovan, and God bless you. Denise Krasicki & Family, Prospect Hts.
Took offense to Mother's Day sermon on abortion
A particular church Rolling Meadows should be ashamed of their pastor. His sermon Mother's Day on abortion was very rude and disrespectful to all the women who have had an abortion. Come pastor can't you do better than this?
Wheeling residents need more explanation
Stuart Shapiro was elected to Village of Wheeling board in the Apr. 7 election. Then on May 4 the newly-elected board president read a letter stating Mr. Shapiro could not take the seat because of economic conditions and the president got to appoint a second director to the board. Wheeling now has two trustees on the board that were not elected. The citizens of Wheeling deserve a better explanation from Mr. Shapiro. Mr. Shapiro had great passion to be on the Wheeling board.
Why not put a lien on house that has to be cleaned?
Can't a lien be put on the house on Laurel to recover the cost of clean up? The relatives who inherit the house should have to reimburse the city.
Has question about Police Blotter
Hello, where is the current police blotter? It seems like it does not appear regularly. I have not seen one in a couple weeks. Please advise. Thank you!
(Ed. Note: Journal & Topics police blotters continue to be published in every issue. We haven't missed a beat. Thanks for asking.)
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