The Soapbox
Make a decision:
Some may feel the late Bill Mueller was irreplaceable, but surely the Lombard village board can do better than this. After rejecting nominations of four trustees Thursday night to serve the remainder of Mueller’s village president term, the board postponed the matter to a later meeting.
No rotation:
Lombard trustees also rejected having one of them serve on a rotating basis each month. “I have no intention of playing hopscotch with this position,” said Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick. OK, then, find a way to reach a consensus. Quickly. Lombard needs a leader, as Fitzpatrick also noted.
Hmmm. Well, OK:
The National Governors Association has named Gov. Pat Quinn to a panel that provides advice on federal economic policy. We have to wonder, however, why the governors group looked to Illinois to fill the position, our economy being what it is. Still, we congratulate Quinn and know he will work hard.
After the conventions:
Prime time goes back to normal next week as the so-called party infomercials are replaced by shorter ads that may also offer twisted facts. Keep your radar up.
Makin’ us proud:
Congratulations to Mundelein’s Franks for the Memories, which earned a top prize for its chicken wings at the National Buffalo Wing Festival for the second straight year. The honor came against dozens of competitors from across the country at the Labor Day weekend competition held in the birthplace of the dish. Take that, Buffalo.
Homeowners’ saga continues:
St. Charles’ Cliff McIlvaine, he of the 37-year home improvement project, was released after two weeks in jail for contempt of court for not following orders, including his failure to hook up to city water. We’ll see if the city’s filing of a notice to demolish his house gets his attention.
Ensure that it’s working:
Jane Addams Elementary School in Palatine is now offering all students free breakfast every day, regardless of financial need. Sounds like a great way to give kids a boost in the morning, but measuring for positive results should be part of the equation before the federally funded pilot program is expanded.
Sugar Grove says no — for now:
The Sugar Grove village board this week said no to video gambling by a 3-2 vote. Because the proponents were so vociferous, trustees suggested supporters petition for an advisory referendum and, if the result is favorable, the board might reconsider. Sounds reasonable.
A Chicago taste test:
So, Derrick Rose has a thing for Chicago-style pizza. His craving led him to become a spokesman for the Giordano’s chain. You won’t see Bulls logos on the boxes, however, as the team has a deal with DiGiorno. Kind of makes you wonder what’s on coach Tom Thibodeau’s plate when he’s craving a slice.
Smart policing:
It’s almost time for the fall Schaumburg Citizens’ Police Academy, and we can’t think of a better way to involve residents in community policing. The classes include a patrol ride-along, firearms training, mock traffic stops and room searches. The relationships forged by efforts such as these go a long way toward safety for all.