Saturday Soapbox: Ten suburban issues worth special reflection

DuPage do-over:

After announcing a new executive director the same day they announced the firing of Arnie Biondo, who held the job for seven months, DuPage County forest commissioners realized their hasty vote didn't meet a requisite six-day advance notice for jobs that pay $150,000 or more. Another vote likely will be taken soon. Sheesh.

Mum's his word:

Amid all this, Joseph Cantore - who is running unopposed to become the next president of the district and the person who suggested DuPage courts administrator John Lapinski for the job - has yet to return a phone call to the Daily Herald on this topic. This doesn't seem like a good time to go incommunicado.

Win, Win:

Ela Soccer Club was seeking land for new fields. Long Grove had 11 acres it didn't immediately need. The result is a 12-year lease, in which no money changes hands, that will allow for soccer fields to be created near Lake-Cook and Hicks roads. Good thinking. The Lake Zurich-based soccer club expects to have the fields ready in fall 2015.

Trend-Setter:

Westmont's Brad Setter talks the talk and walks the walk. Literally. Setter, active in the College of DuPage "Pride Alliance," takes part every year in the AIDS Run and Walk Chicago, set this year for Sept. 14. For Setter, who endured mistreatment as a Marine, it's about treating people for who they are, no matter their sexual or gender orientation. This is their life, not their lifestyle.

Friendlier confines?

With the Cubs drawing real star power from their farm teams these days, all the more reason to see their Class A affiliate Kane County Cougars in action. Next season will provide an even more pro-ball experience with premium group seating near home plate, a pro batting cage, hitting tunnels and a big high-def video screen.

Students will still find ways to volunteer:

We can't say we're sorry Northwest Suburban High School District 214 backed off a community help center. We love student volunteerism and understand that the district would have presented some leadership opportunities for teens, but in the end there are already plenty of well-run pantries and self-help closets in the area.

A glass half full - or half empty?:

Big increases in water rates are coming in Arlington Heights, and while we don't like the idea any more than you, this is apt to become a reality throughout the suburbs. Our infrastructures are deteriorating and it's going to be expensive when repairs are needed.

Well rested and ready for school:

We're open to the idea of starting school later on the grounds that a good night's sleep improves student performance. But may we suggest another novel idea? Get to bed earlier!

Press bias?:

You won't find it at the Daily Herald, of course, but we've got to wonder about the East Coast-based Daily Meal, which couldn't fit a single Chicago pizza into even the top 30 on its nation's best list. Its favorites were dominated by pies on the coasts, with five New Haven pizzas beating any from Chicago. Something smells fishy, and it's not anchovies.

Speaking of restaurants ...:

The tempest in the Bears teapot over Lance Briggs' missing a practice to attend the opening of his barbecue eatery in California will simmer down quickly with a few sacks and tackles in a win over the Bills on Sunday. Go Bears!