Soapbox: Independent voices crucial
Gov. Rod Blagojevich has replaced the lone tollway board member critical of the agency's long list of politically connected firms and other practices. The governor did not offer to re-appoint Ronald Materick of Oak Brook, whose 4-year term expired in May. His replacement, Thomas Canham, an Evanston real estate investor, attended his first board meeting this week. Materick never shied from raising tough questions about connected construction firms and consultants who he said seemed to be receiving too much work. And when the governor put his name on signs on top of every I-PASS express lane in the 274-mile system, Materick didn't mince words. "I think they are a blatant violation of the Illinois ethics laws," he said. Though it is a political appointment, we encourage tollway board members to remember who it is they serve -- the public -- and ask tough questions when they need to be asked.
Taking a shot at schoolyard bullying
Best-selling author Jodee Blanco was at Westfield Middle School in Bloomingdale this week offering tough talk about bullying. A former victim of schoolyard bullying herself, Blanco shared her emotional story about being beaten down by years of teasing and rejection by her classmates. It's the kind of blunt presentation that young people should hear. Bloomingdale School District 13's ongoing efforts to educate students about bullying should be applauded.
14th free-for-all
Never say nobody wants to run for political office these days. The impending departure of 14th District Congressman Dennis Hastert has unleashed a veritable free-for-all for his seat. Three Democrats and four Republicans, some well-known and others complete mysteries, have announced their intention to run for their party's nomination in the Feb. 5 primary. North Aurora businessman Rudy Clai announced his candidacy this week, joining Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, state Sen. Chris Lauzen and dairy businessman Jim Oberweis in the GOP race. On the Democratic side, second-time candidate John Laesch of Newark, St. Charles lawyer Jotham Stein and scientist Bill Foster of Geneva are running. Maybe they don't realize they won't automatically become Dennis Hastert if they win, but instead will find themselves at the bottom of the pecking order.
Cast ballot for preservation project
Are we going to sit idly by and allow some Chicago or Lake County landmark to get thousands of dollars from American Express? Dagnabbit, no! Now is the time to vote early and often for a DuPage treasure of your choice. The Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook and the restoration of four stained glass, military-themed windows at the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall in Aurora are among 25 Chicago-area places or things vying for some of the $1 million the American Express Foundation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation will give out in November. Everyone has until Oct. 10 to cast a vote at www.partnersinpreservation.com.
Green thumbs, big hearts
The Daily Herald takes pride in organizing the Giving Garden, an 8-year-old program urging suburban gardeners to donate excess produce to area food pantries. But the project succeeds only through the bottomless generosity of area residents. Since July 1, the Giving Garden has attracted more than 60,000 pounds of produce; contributions may be made at various drop-off points through Oct. 1. Thanks to all who have taken the time and effort to make these nutritious foods available to those who rely on food pantries to feed themselves and their families.