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Speak Out! archive

June 10-15, 2009
June 3-8, 2009
May 27-June 1, 2009
May 20-25, 2009
May 13-18, 2009
May 6-11, 2009
April 29-May 4, 2009
April 22-27, 2009
April 15-20, 2009
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April 1-6, 2009
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January 28-February 2, 2009
January 21-26, 2009
January 14-19, 2009
January 7-12, 2009

Page last updated Friday, June 19, 2009

What's on your mind? Speak Out messages are edited first before appearing in print and online.

Changing times in downtown Des Plaines

A day after having a booth at the Taste of Des Plaines, Fiesta del Sol Express papers their windows. Sims takes their sign down. But the next day, the Miner Street Tavern sign goes up next to the Sugar Bowl.

Cash stolen from wallet at Taste

My husband and I attended the Taste of Des Plaines. We have lived in Des Plaines for 22 years and enjoy this small fest. The food was tasty and the music entertaining. On the down side, my husband left his wallet on one of the food vendor tables. Someone stole $150 from him. The person was smart enough to leave some cash in the wallet and not turn in an empty wallet if in fact the thief turned it in himself/herself. Thank you to the Des Plaines officers who drove to our house to tell my husband his wallet was at the fest. I don't understand how someone could steal "from a neighbor." Some people just don't have a conscience.

No time for a raise

Maine Township has given themselves raises. How ludicrous in this time of economic struggles and so many out of work and unable to find jobs. They should be thankful they have their jobs and a freeze on raises would be most desirable during these times of uncertainty when most people are struggling.

Great people in Glenview

The people Glenview should be very proud for they are some of nicest people you would ever want to meet. I want to thank one of them who came to my aid one Sunday. I started out on this Sunday on a drive to Carson's at Randhurst in Mt. Prospect. My car on that Sunday had other plans for me. My car that day stopped dead on Central Road just east of Shermer Road. I tried for several minutes to restart my car with no luck. I looked for my cell phone but I as luck would have it was safe at home and not on me. I was becoming very upset. Many cars went by. Some told me I was number one on their hit parade. I was near a church and finally a great lady stopped to help. She first helped me get someone in the church so I could use the restroom. Then she stayed with me and helped me call my son and then call a tow truck. She had two great kids in the car with her, she spent about 45 minutes with me until my son came for me to aid me and my car. I wanted to thank her in some way. I want all of you to know a little about her and also to tell her what a great person she is. There are indeed good people in this world. I will keep her and her family in my prayers. Thanks again. Mrs. Beverley of Niles.

Fireworks tend to scare Henry

My little buddy, Henry the Rooster, is going to be afraid of the Fourth of July weekend. He does not do well with fireworks. Just hope our neighbors are quiet this year.

People need to renounce this destructive policy

It's time for the American people to stand up and vote against all neo-Marxist Democrats. These people are on a mission to destroy capitalism. Capitalism is what made this country the most prosperous nation on the face of the earth...and Obama and his Democratic Party are determined to destroy every thing that is great about this country. Liberals need to renounce this destructive ideology.

Thought convicted felon can't serve

What is going on in Niles? I thought a convicted felon can't hold elected office in Illinois. Why are village officials openly ignoring the law? Don't they have a village attorney to advise them on what is legal? Can't the state's attorney do anything? Someone must stand up for what's right.

New mayor needs to work with council

Oh my goodness, has the new Park Ridge mayor showed his stripes. According to reports in the Journal & Topics he appears to lack the ability or willingness to seek consensus and has started his bullying already. Hey, Mayor Schmidt don't forget over 40% of the voters in your town wanted the other guy. We need you working with the council not against it.

Says sports reporter doing good job

I think Jason Shimberg is doing a great job covering area prep sports. He is very accurate and creative. I look forward to his writing when I read your paper. His sports knowledge and acumen is superb. He can really paint a picture.

They need to fill village position

Why is village hall placing a hold on CVB director position? Now more than ever they need to fill this position. The hotels are hurting. Roads need to be fixed. What is going on?

Casino patrons will pass through community

What is wrong with the thick skulled people who keep writing in to say the creepiness of the casino will stay within the confines of the casino? Do these simpletons think casino patrons drop in and out of the sky right into the casino, never to pass through the community? I won't have any problem keeping my minor children away from the casino.

Desiring one language not anti-immigrant

Preferring that people in this country speak English is not anti-immigration. Speaking one language makes communication more efficient and accurate. Why is it that whenever someone says anything remotely in favor of English speaking Americans, it is taken as an anti-immigration stance? For centuries, immigrants have come to this country legally, mixed in to our culture and learned to speak English. Where is the problem with immigrating this way?

When I die send me to animal heaven

I am greatly perplexed by the cruelty to animals that exists among humans. I find it to be the most embarrassing trait humans display and also the most unforgivable one. When I die, I want to go to animal heaven instead of a human one. Then I will truly be among those that I love. Charlie.

No community is immune from bad decision-making

Why would some jerk applaud the fact that Park Ridge children were involved in a drinking party? Kids from any and all communities are not immune from bad decisions and inappropriate activities. The point is that the casino is being put on the doorstep of a high school, and no child or community should have to be subjected to this.

Bowling centers must keep up with the times

Bowling is a sport on the decline nationally and in order to compete with other centers you must be able to provide a family friendly, clean environment with all of the modern amenities of other centers.

You can always go back to England

For those who don't feel they should pay their fair share of taxes: Freedom is not free. For those who complain about languages other than English being spoken: if you don't like it here in the U.S., go back to England. America, love it or leave it. And get a haircut.

Where are the parents of these noise making kids?

Stop the noise. Kids will be kids but what about everyone else. The high school kid on my block has his car radio blasting and it vibrates all the windows in the neighborhood. Where are his parents? Have a little respect for everyone else.

Appreciates puzzle in Journal & Topics

Thank you, Journal & Topics. Being a Sudoku puzzle "nut", adding this item to the paper now makes this paper complete as long as my name stays out of the obituary section. Thanks again, a very pleased subscriber.

When will the road work finally be completed?

When will the work on westbound Dempster/Miner east of River Rd. be complete? This is going on three years...what's the problem?

What about Fire Station 13?

Wonderful to hear that brand new Glenview fire station #7 will be fully staffed unlike Glenview fire station #13 built on Lake Avenue across from Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church. Fire Station #13 is staffed around the clock with two or three men! Hey, Glenview, what was the reason for building fire station #13 if it remains virtually unused?

Wonders who's responsible for maintenance of Oakton section

Which government agency is responsible for the maintenance of Oakton Street just west of Elmhurst Road? This stretch of road is littered with temporary, quick fix, pavement patches and holes. Maybe the president can include this in his economic repair program.

Why wasn't there room for more food booths?

I read in the paper that the Special Events Commission had more applicants than booths this year, and had to turn some away. Why? Isn't the whole idea of a Taste to have as much variety as possible? Couldn't more booths have gone in on the west side?

They want more, but what for?

So Des Plaines is applying for $90,000 in stimulus to tear down something, but they don't know what? Someone's not telling the whole story.

Why should we have to press 1 for English?

Even Henry the Rooster asks why should we press 1 for English? This is America. Speak English.

Could have had more restaurants at Taste

I just read in the paper that the city turned away restaurants from the Taste? Why? It is the same food every year. Where was Paradise Pup, Don's Dock, the Beacon Tap, etc. I thought it was Taste of Des Plaines? They had some places that were not even from Des Plaines? Also the beer ticket line was too long.

Continues to be ticked off; maybe should cool down

A local business backed out from Elmhurst & Palatine roads in Prospect Hts.: The city missed its opportunity to fill this corner years ago when the 7-11 project was turned down. I'm still ticked off about the lack of a 7-11 there. I'm still ticked off about White Hen closing down in downtown Mt. Prospect and that was like 10 years ago. Maybe I need to chill out.

Says alderman's position seems like politics

Des Plaines Ald. Rosemary Argus has some nerve. Citizens wish to volunteer to help the city and she wants to dig into their backgrounds and their investment history before she approves their volunteerism? She claims it's for transparency, but she didn't seem to look into the backgrounds of those individuals who put billboards up in our city. She never questioned anyone's background in her long career on the city council, but now she questions volunteers because they were nominated by Mayor Marty Moylan. This sticks of politics.

Caller should leave ice cream trucks alone

Can't even get a nap with those ice cream trucks: You should be at work, grouch. You never had fun when you were a kid. Leave the ice cream vendors alone.

Situation in Des Plaines getting comical

Am so glad the people of Des Plaines voted for the city manager to run our city as our new smiling mayor can continue to cut ribbons all over town. It adds a nice touch to the news. It's so premature to say anything about city stickers and can't wait till the next election. This is actually getting comical to say the least.

Recalling the great days of boxing

The book "The Irish Block Buster" by Larry Burton is a delight to read. It's a look back at the city of Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the mobsters and the fight game just before television came on the scene. Since television came on the scene, every good-sized city in America had weekly local fight clubs but no more. It has reduced pro boxing these days to a second tier sports. Remember the big fights at the Chicago Stadium and Marigold Gardens in Chicago> But no more. The local fight clubs produced top fighters. It was like a baseball farm club back then. Some of you Chicago guys may recall "The Toy Bulldog", better known as Mickey Walker, tabbed as one of the greatest fighters in ring history. At one time he used to sell out the Stadium every time he fought and he was probably the most popular battler ever to fight in the Windy City. The great uncle of Larry Burton, Fitzy Fitzpatrick, was a spitting image of "The Toy Bulldog". Walker, a mere Welterweight to middleweight, took on heavyweights and even held then Heavyweight champion, Jack Sharkey to a draw, although outweighed by 40 pounds. Many writers thought Walker won the fight. Bert White, Louisville, Ky.

Wondering whatever happened to Mayor's Cup

What happened to the Mayor's Cup Little League tourney? Doesn't the new mayor like baseball?

Best solution is to give campground land back to river

The solution to flooding at the Methodist Campground is not to spend taxpayer money to attempt to fix the problem. The solution is for everyone concerned to stop trying to maintain property in a flood zone. Give the land back to the river and go somewhere else.

Thanks restaurant for hosting party

Thank you, Sunrise Grill, for putting on such a wonderful party for my dear friend Ginny. Your restaurant is a hidden gem in Des Plaines and we're lucky to have you. I wish your establishment years of success. SP in DP.

They favored development that's now empty

Why hasn't anyone brought up the fact that Rosemary Argus, along with other former aldermen, pushed development, which is now sitting, empty.

Other towns have a lot going for them

I live in Des Plaines and am constantly saying to myself, why doesn't Des Plaines do that, too? Mt. Prospect has in its downtown an annual Blues Fest, a weekly Farmers Market, car cruise nights and generally has more going for it. Am I wrong? When was the last time you heard someone say I am going to Des Plaines for a night out? Never would be my guess.


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