DuPage GOP takes credit for Dem idea

Springfield legislators can take a lesson or two from the DuPage Republicans in how to take advantage of an issue raised by one of their opponents. The Republicans on the county board had no interest in dealing with the O'Hare noise problem that affects so many residents in the northern part of DuPage. "That's Chicago's problem, not ours."

A gentleman named Rolly Waller decided that something needed to be done and ran against Paul Fichtner for the county board seat in District 1. Waller held a town-hall meeting attended by 225 residents and Paul Fichtner with his literature defending his lack of response. Waller said that we needed to push legislation that would fine the airline companies that exceeded a certain decibel level. One such law was already on the books in California.

Suddenly, Chairman Dan Cronin formed a committee to "study" the noise problem, just two weeks before the election. What timing. And who is the chair of the committee? Yes, Paul Fichtner.

Well, the committee met recently and what did they decide? They decided to push for a bill similar to the one in California. If not for Rolly Waller, you can be assured that the county board members, especially those in District 1, would not have lifted a finger. Thank you Rolly Waller for waking up the Republicans and forcing them to earn their keep.

Bob Peickert

Elmhurst