What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.
A clear reason for term limits
Former Mayor Blase of Niles is the poster child for term limits. He started off with good intentions but after being in office for a while he figured he could cash in on the office of mayor. Two terms is more than enough. Time for effective public service. Anything longer than that only breeds greed.
Park Ridge residents shouldn't talk
Hey, all of you Park Ridge residents who are worried about bad people coming to your neighborhood when we - Des Plaines - gets our casino. Maybe you should look at your own kids. I just read about a 10-year-old bringing a gun to a Park Ridge school, and the 43 Park Ridge teenagers who were using a foreclosed house in Des Plaines to party in and vandalize. Maybe we should be concerned about your city.
Should try to get money back
Bensenville should get their money back concerning O'Hare expansion fight.
Change of name is needed in Niles
Why is Blase plaza still named after a convicted felon? Didn't we get embarrassed enough? Take down the signs unless felons are "where people count".
Get priorities straight
Park Ridgers are so worried about what a casino will do to their quality of life. The story about the underage drinking party full of Park Ridge teens in a foreclosed Des Plaines house should alert them to where the problem lies. Or do you think it's Des Plaines' fault?
Gov. Quinn: just leave us alone
Pat Quinn had a lot of guts walking through Park Ridge shaking hands when he wants to charge us more money for ridiculous out of control spending and corrupt government. Quinn, go away, and leave us alone along with the money you are trying to take from the hard workers.
Unable to view meeting agenda
Last Monday night and Tuesday morning I went on to the Maine Township web page and no agenda was posted for Tuesday night's first elected officials meeting. I also have been watching Speak Out lately and saw many of the negative writings about the last Democratic campaign. Seems to be a good reason why the agenda was not posted. In the Journal Friday, May 29, "Maine Township Approves Employee Raises/Over 40 Staff Members Receive 2.5% to 3.5% Pay Increase". Let's see if my math is correct. If the average was 3% and the average annual wage was $40,000, that's $1,200 per employee x 40 employees.
We can't let newspapers go away
Don't let the newspapers go bankrupt. We need newspapers for uncovering the news. No other media uses the Freedom of Information Act as does the newspapers. Seems TV and radio only report news hurriedly, only anxiously to be first in reporting. Bob in Des Plaines.
Admissions to Illinois a joke
So people, how about the U of I scandal. Everyone believed only the smart people were able to get in. Everything is a joke. There's so much politics in everything that goes on. The administrators and the trustees had their own private list of who could get in. We're just the poor clowns who get to pay for this with our taxes but are not politically connected enough to be enrolled there. Someone should be filing a lawsuit.
Not displaying U.S. flag infuriates reader
I'm tired of seeing all these people fly their own country's flag and not the American flag. My neighbors hang Poland's flag on their independence day but I never see them hang an American flag. This infuriates me. Why are you here then? I am Polish and German but I hang an American flag because I am an American.
Street hole was where drain collapsed
For several months there was a hole bigger than a basketball on River Road on the west side by Henry Street in Des Plaines. Finally, they tried to fix it. It was a drain that had sunk. They covered it with asphalt. Apparently the workers don't live in a flood zone. Can I get a job doing that? RDJ.
Henry will be taking a walk back in time
Henry the Rooster and I will be taking a walk back in time. We will be taking to the streets where a rooster thief kidnapped Henry. We will try to trace back his great escape.
(Ed. Note: Oh brother, oh Henry).
Cops still without a new contract
The police still are working without a contract, and now the newer officers are punished by not receiving their step raises. Are the police that unimportant? What if they stopped helping us?
Against casino? Then call for binding vote
If you don't want a casino in Des Plaines, then petition for a binding referendum, preventing its creation. Don't wait or it will be too late.
(Ed. Note: Even with that, we're sure the dye has been cast and there, in all likelihood, will be a casino in Des Plaines in about two years.)
Thought my new car was made in America
Sorry to inform you that most American cars are not made in America. We bought a Chevy Impala in November 2008 and guess what? Only the transmission was made in America. We believed at the time the car was made here. People need to pay more attention to Washington or they will sell us down the river in a hand basket. We worry more how China, France and Germany will survive than our own people. Just about everyone I know is losing their job and the government just keeps creating bigger government. If you are smart you will advise your children to go work for the government.
Questions needs for TV channel in Niles
I would like to know why Niles needs its own public access TV channel. If I remember right Mayor Callero appeared on the cable show "Talk of the Town" during his campaign, which airs on channel 19, every Tuesday night and is free. Channel 19 also has bulletin boards that can show information and upcoming events in Niles and again it is free. This channel is going to cost the taxpayers. In today's economy where people are living check-to-check, paying mortgages, utilities, car insurance, etc. cannot afford another increase.
He should know reason for asking for casino information
Ald. Bach in Park Ridge had to ask why we needed to gather information regarding the casino. He should know the answer to that. He was on the city council during the period of time when Park Ridge was supposed to note any issues related to the casino.
Arredia wasted little time after leaving office
In Des Plaines we have a prime example of all that is wrong with Illinois politics. Former Mayor Tony Arredia could hardly wait to cash in on his time in elective office. He signed on the next day after leaving office as a paid lobbyist for Maryville.
No need for car stickers in DP
Get rid of the Des Plaines city stickers for cars. Who needs' em?
Solution to drug problem is to stop buying drugs
Why don't we citizens stop buying drugs and thus empowering Mexican drug cartels? Wake up knuckleheads.
Sees no reason why Des Plaines has so many employees
Here we go again. The annual review of the suburbs shows Des Plaines leading the pack. Des Plaines with 56,000 residents has 630 employees and a budget of $121 million. Mt Prospect, with the same number of residents, has 301 employees and a budget of $87 million. Palatine with 11,000 more residents has 367 employees. Arlington Hts., the largest Northwest suburb, has 477 employees. Why does Des Plaines need twice as many employees as Mt. Prospect? When the last budget was passed there was great gnashing of teeth about cutting expenses. The tax and spend liberals on the council- led by 4th ward alderperson Jean Higgason- continue to ignore the hard choices to be made. Two years ago Higgason said that the property tax we pay to the city is "only" a small portion of the total tax bill. What about other taxes, fees, etc.? Could the Journal investigate why Des Plaines is so far out of line with the other suburbs? Thanks.
Time for Henry to be given a trial flight
Henry the Rooster and I are going to Lake Opeka for a trial flight. I am going to let him try to fly. I am going to be right behind him. My little buddy will be just fine. I had his wings clipped for the summer.
Post Office wait too long
On June 1 at 9 a.m. there was only one person working behind the counter at the Des Plaines Post Office on Oakton Street. The wait for service was over 20 minutes and several people just gave up and walked away. We need a change.
Why opposition to casino revenue?
Still not sure why people are so upset about the upcoming casino. These people are against revenue coming to the community? Go to Joliet and Aurora where they have put casinos. The neighborhood has improved 100%. We have more riffraff hanging out at Prairie Lakes every night with no guards than the casino will bring.
Can't find blotter online
Again, regarding the police blotter, I do not see it online. I have not seen it in weeks. Where might I find it online? Could you direct me? There seems to be no site map available to online readers to follow either.
(Ed. Note: The Journal does not post everything from its print editions online. Subscribe to the print edition and you'll get the police blotter in every edition. Our phone number is 847-299-5511.)
What about other 'gang signs'?
So I see they caught a group of kids spray painting "TCK". What about the kids spray painting gang signs all over the area between Orchard & Cora? Who's responsible for this?
Be civil, editor
People want to know why the editor is sometimes so sarcastic at the end of messages. Maybe it is because you don't how to be civil to the people who read your paper. Also why don't you write about the fact that Des Plaines is becoming a slum - a little too quickly for my comfort. Tackle issues like the area around River and Rand. When is the city going to get the businesses to clean up their area such as mowing their lawn? Go down the side streets in the 1st ward and notice the vacant homes and the other homes - a lot of them rental - which are run down with overgrown lawns. I thought the city was supposed to crack down on homeowners who didn't take care of their property - I guess not. One other issue that has been mentioned in the letter column but hasn't been addressed properly are the gangs moving into Des Plaines and the surrounding areas in greater numbers in the last couple of years. Love that diversity.
Seems like no one tried to help man
Regarding the man found dead on Laurel Ave. Did no one know there was something wrong with the man? He had family and neighbors. I find it very sad that this man was in this condition and nothing was done and no one tried to help.
Be nice, people!
Why can't all people be nice? What the heck! What does it cost? Bob in DP.
Townhouse auction deserves story
How about a story on the auction of the luxury townhouses across from the Mt. Prospect Library?
Thanks for supporting MP restaurant
As former owner of The Egg Factory in Mt. Prospect, I wish the new businesses, and the entire project nothing but success. However, my new location is Maxwells Hotdogs in West Dundee. I would like to thank everyone for all the support of The Egg Factory over the previous eight years. Good luck to all.
Early settler's grave turned over
Does anyone care that one of the early settlers, Mr. Seegers, his cemetery stone was turned over on Rand Road right before (south) of Golf. The road across from the monument is Seegers Road, which I assume was his farm or property. Doesn't anybody care? It's been two years now. The little cemetery only has 50-100 graves.
Nobody must have bought you ice cream
"Can't even get a nap with those ice cream trucks". Hey Grinch: Are you so unhappy that you can't let children have a little ice cream from the ice cream truck, music and all? Didn't anyone ever buy you an ice cream cone when you were a kid?
Police tied up traffic too long
Friday, June 5. Journal Online reports woman struck by pickup on Route 83 around 1 p.m. I was traveling in that area after 3:30 and the Mt. Prospect Police still had Route 83 closed during the start of rush hour. Route 83 was backed up, Oakton was backed up all directions, Busse Road was backed up all directions. You would think that they would have the area cleared within an hour, but it was already 2-1/2 hours. Do they get paid extra for tying up traffic for miles? Yes, I regret a pedestrian got hit, but does it really take that long to photograph and clear the scene?
Not much point in eliminating stickers
To those residents of Des Plaines asking for casino funds to eliminate the vehicle stickers in the city, if Des Plaines stops issuing vehicle stickers that cost $30, then we'll have to buy Cook County stickers for $40 under their law. And Des Plaines will still have the administrative cost of handling the pet licenses which shared the cost with the vehicle stickers. So, next you'll say eliminate the pet licenses. Then the city won't have any control over the pet population being immunized each year for your protection. If you want the city to issue free vehicle stickers and free pet licenses, then you have the administrative cost with nothing coming in covering that cost, so the city is worse off. It's best to use any casino proceeds toward our crumbling infrastructure---roads, sewers, etc. A $30 vehicle sticker isn't a lot unless you're one of the families with four vehicles on the street with none that will fit in your garage because it's filled with unneeded stuff.
Plan for Sims site?
It is hard to believe the members of the Des Plaines EDC have not speculated about what would happen when the inevitable came to pass with the closing of Sims. That building and the huge red sign have been in TV commercials and as I understand TV shows and movies. Sims is one of the remaining reminders of what was an old fashion railroad stop on the Northwestern Line. I digress; getting back to the property, I wouldn't be surprised if the plans aren't already drawn by a number of prospective bidders.
Eyesore across from parking deck
After a few comments in Speak Out! Mt. Prospect village officials decided to clean up the vacant lot on Emerson across from the parking deck. Did they really think that hosing down the old, cracked asphalt would please the community? What a lovely background to the block party or art show! Surely there must be some money to sod this lot and plant a few trees. Shouldn't there have been some foresight to this property in case Norwood decided not to build there? This is a no brainer. You can bet there will be greater foresight come election time. That eyesore is a disgrace to our downtown.
Still awaiting reply
I emailed a question to my Des Plaines alderman through the city's website more than a week ago. When might I expect a reply?
City told me to cut grass
Today, a Des Plaines grounds employee came to the door and told me my yard was not in compliance with the "grass height law". I was told that I needed to cut my grass and if I did not, the city would have it cut and I would be billed for the service. The supervisor told me to cut the back as well. The main reason for this note is to ask, "how frugally is the city using taxpayer money"? A crew of seven men, armed with weed eaters, and a supervisor came to cut the grass. My lot has a frontage of 60 feet. I believe that most yard services use two or occasionally three men to do such a job.
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