The Soapbox: A sad day in Illinois politics, best wishes in Aurora, a founder remembered in Prospect Heights and more.

The Daily Herald Editorial Board

A sad day

The state Supreme Court has ruled it is virtually impossible for citizens to seek a fairer foundation for their government when power-hungry legislators refuse to act. This can't be what the Constitution's authors intended.

No guarantee

U.S. Cellular has lost its naming rights to the ballpark on the South Side, which until at least 2029 will be called Guaranteed Rate Field. And just when fans were getting used to calling it "The Cell." We wonder whether anyone going to a White Sox game will ever be comfortable calling it "The Guarantee."

Trending downward

The Cubs fly the blue W flag with every win. Will the Sox fly the Guaranteed Rate downward red arrow flag when they lose?

With thanks

Tom Weisner has served his beloved city of Aurora for decades, first overseeing operations such as emergency management, public properties and organizational development, then as mayor for 11½ years. We thank him for his devotion to a job he has "dearly loved" as he makes plans to step down Oct. 30 while continuing treatment for cancer.

Cops in the schools

At least temporarily halting his political spat with the Kane County Board, Sheriff Don Kramer assigned full-time officers to Burlington Central and Kaneland high schools this week. He did pointedly note his office remains short-staffed, but board member Drew Frasz said the board is eager to work with Kramer on the problem. May calm heads prevail.

Congrats on Fort Hill

Congrats to Naperville Park District, which this week opened its $24 million, 79,575-square-foot Fort Hill Activity Center, which has been in the works since 2013. It marks the largest project in the district's 50-year history and is its first true indoor rec center. Check it out at a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at 20 Fort Hill Drive.

Panther pride

Students and staff at Round Lake High School have something to cheer about. A $29 million renovation and expansion project addressed cramped conditions, added student areas, labs for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, technology upgrades and flexibility to get students collaborating more. It's a good way to start the year.

Repeat performance

In winning back-to-back Cowles Cup titles, the Chicago Bandits accomplished something other Chicago sports franchises have failed to do in recent years - defend their title. Not only that, but the Bandits became the first National Pro Fastpitch team to win a fourth championship. That's impressive for a league that began in 2004. Congrats!

A great teammate

You have to feel for Wisconsin football lineman Dan Voltz, who retired this week from playing the game he loves due to injuries. After starting 27 games and helping set Wisconsin rushing records, the Barrington native could have walked away to focus on his graduate work. Instead, he'll try to help the team's young linemen get better. A true teammate.

Just rewards for Fred

Fred Hossfeld has spent the last 50 years helping his fellow veterans without asking for anything in return. When volunteers from an Inverness church and Hoffman Estates synagogue learned of the 83-year-old Streamwood man's struggles in the years after his wife's death, they rallied to restore his home. Kudos to them, and a just reward for Fred.

Kudos to Coach Ro

St. Edward football Coach Mike Rolando organized, supervised and coached the Elgin private school's team of 50 players on a trip to Disney World in Orlando this week for their season-opening game against Christ's Church Academy from Jacksonville, Fla. Rolando was intent on showcasing his group a thousand miles from home. Nice work, Coach Ro.

Remembering Dick Wolf

Whenever you see references to Prospect Heights, give a fleeting thought to the man who helped make them possible. Dick Wolf planted the idea for the city, and he nudged and pushed until it became a reality in 1976. Wolf died last week at the age of 80. Our condolences to his family and to Prospect Heights on the loss of its founding father.