Saturday Soapbox: Listen on Molly, Evan

'Work hard, follow your dream':No one can bring that message home better than people like local Olympians Evan Lysacek and Molly Schaus and, more recently, Glenbard West alum Katie Visco, who ran across the nation to benefit a charity that promotes girls' health. Thanks to all for visiting our schools to inspire dreams.The time is right:For the last 17 years, it's been hard for many people to imagine anything on the site of the former Brown's Chicken Pasta in Palatine. The convictions of two men may have eased the trauma, but an empty parking lot was no memorial. Now a bank under construction will aptly give the corner a new identity.A national wildlife refuge here:The McHenry County Board has endorsed creating the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, 11,000 protected acres. Imagine, a refuge near the suburbs. The Hackmatack area is beautiful land worth protecting - plus, experts say every federal dollar invested means at least a dollar for the local economy.A beautiful idea:A recession can pour cold water on a girl's prom dreams. That's why we applaud those collecting gently used formal dresses for students who can't afford them. Among groups playing fairy godmother are the Junior League of Kane and DuPage County and numerous high schools and businesses.No political double dipping:State Sen. Michael Bond of Grayslake admits keeping a school board seat after his election to state office in 2006 was a mistake. Indeed, in one year he missed 24 of 27 Woodland Elementary District 50 board meetings. We emphatically agree and do not endorse any candidate who plans to hold two elected offices.Sink the requirement:Did you know the Des Plaines casino they're starting next week will sit upon 4 inches of water? And that the Hollywood Casino in Aurora sits on land but is close enough to water to keep it technically legal? For years state law has forbidden land-based casinos, but that requirement seems silly and costly these days.Failing the taxpayers:Glen Ellyn Park District officials who oversaw construction of Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center should be ashamed. They still are dancing around the actual cost, which has climbed to at least $11.47 million and could be even higher. Taxpayers, you'll recall, approved a $7.4 million expenditure. Financial reporting has been questionable at best, and too many officials appear unable or unwilling to give a full accounting of how the cost of the project got out of hand.Improving the job climate:Legislators got together with both big- and small- business leaders at Harper College in Palatine this week and listened to their complaints and ideas to improve the business and job-creation climate in Illinois. Kudos. Now act. And step one is seriously fixing the budget and pension deficits.Hey fans, take a deep breath:Judging by comments on sports talk shows and on baseball blogs, we'll be lucky if the Cubs or White Sox ever put together a three-game win streak. Relax, people. Today is only game 5 of a 162-game season. Like the weather in Chicago, our sports mood can change quickly. Just ask any Hawks fan.