The Soapbox
Some opinions require lots of words and elaboration. Some don't. This is Saturday Soapbox, briefly stated commentary from the Daily Herald's editors.
Just asking, Part 1:
If coach Marc Trestman believes the Bears are "in a good place," what would "a bad place" look like to him?
Just asking, Part 2:
Is anyone other than a few shrill sports pundits upset that Bulls guard Derrick Rose has enough common sense to care about how healthy he'll be in his life after basketball?
Forest board drama goes on:
After incoming DuPage County Forest Preserve Executive Director John Lapinski withdrew from the job after being hired three times, two commissioners say predecessor Arnie Biondo received his termination letter before the full forest board decided to give it to him. Will this board ever get its business straight?
Duckworth for Senate, No:
Unfortunately, you have to take what politicians say with a grain of salt, even those you like. When Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates visited a month ago, we asked if she might run for Senate and she acted like it was the furthest thing from her mind: "I'm spending as much time as I can discouraging people from talking about it."
Duckworth for Senate, Perhaps:
But now after the election, her staff tells the Sun-Times she is "interested, open and curious" about it.
Managing to impress:
At only 39, Randy Recklaus could have a long career ahead of him as Arlington Heights' village manager. He's gotten a series of thumbs-up from village, school and business leaders, who expect him to provide the same kind of steady leadership they got from Bill Dixon. Good luck and welcome!
Poignant tribute:
Naperville North juniors Bridget Gustafson and Kira Couch will shave their heads this weekend in tribute to Bridget's twin brother, Michael, who died at 15, and other cancer victims. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Swifty Foundation, a group Michael helped form to fight pediatric brain cancer.
Yes, it is great:
In the midst of debate this week over a tax hike, a Mount Prospect village trustee noted the small effect on individual tax bills and asked, "Isn't it great that we can ... talk about $2.70 a month for more than an hour?" The issue, of course, isn't just one village's $2.70. It's how the increases add up from all the agencies on the bill. So such debates are important.
A true public servant:
If anyone could be called "Mr. Bartlett," it is Bill Tiknis, who is getting another well-deserved honor today when a plaque naming him a "Bartlett Living Legend" is installed at Bartlett Park. There is barely an office Bill hasn't held or a community program he hasn't championed. Kudos to him.
Beyond wins and losses::
It's not often you can say a coach with a losing record had a positive impact on his team. But that's the case with Mundelein football head coach George Kaider, who recently resigned. As writer Joe Aguilar detailed, however, his work to upgrade everything from community service to weight training drew much praise. In our book, those are big wins.
Speaking of football:
Congrats to the 10 area programs still alive in the IHSA playoffs: Stevenson, Barrington, Glenbard West, Naperville Central, Geneva, Cary-Grove, Libertyville, Wheaton Warrenville South, St. Francis and Montini. Regardless of result today, they've had a memorable year.