Soapbox: 'The marching band refused to yield'
Mr. Schraft was not famous. Yet he was a paean to music, education and his profession. He was revered by hundreds of budding musicians, colleagues and his community. Mr. Schraft, as he was known around Glenbard North High School, was a teacher. And, according to many, a very good teacher. Bill Schraft, 50, of Lombard died Oct. 31 after suffering a stroke. In a loving tribute to the band director, his students launched a Facebook prayer circle called "Mr. Schraft's Support," now 750 members strong. They've posted hundreds of messages discussing the 28-year educator's impact. The marching band also played a tribute to him during last week's football game. Our condolences to Bill Schraft's family, friends and students.
Rally for public safety
DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett has been criticized in this space for not being more vocal and public in fighting for funds for a county justice system under financial duress because of the huge county budget deficit. Now he deserves kudos for urging elected officials, police and fire chiefs, victims rights groups and the public to attend a "public safety rally" at noon Tuesday at the county complex. It will call attention to how a continued shortage of revenue for his office and other criminal justice agencies will impair law enforcement. It also will emphasize the need for a referendum on the Feb. 5 ballot requesting a quarter-cent sales tax increase for public safety. Holding this rally is a good move. There needs to be a lot of public awareness of what's at stake if this fiscal crisis continues.
Payback for corruption
Another corrupt Illinois politician goes to jail. Wouldn't it be great if the cost of each individual act of corruption could be calculated? Then, that amount would have to be refunded to taxpayers by the crooked politician as part of his or her sentence.
Lichter will be missed in Lombard …
For nearly 23 years, William Lichter has done an admirable job of overseeing the day-to-day operations of Lombard. Now the longtime village manager has announced that he'll retire June 1. We wish him well with the next chapter of his life. Still, Lichter's experience, professionalism and commitment to the community will be hard to replace.
… as will Burchard in Naperville
The city of Naperville is also losing its city manager. Peter Burchard, who is resigning for a possible position in the private sector, has done an admirable job as the top administrator of a city that has seen tremendous growth. He has met this challenge with dedication and professionalism, and he's one of the reasons Naperville is one of the very best cities in the country. He, too, will be hard to replace, and we wish him well in his next endeavor.
A visionary idea
Charlie Zine of Aurora is so passionate about building a whitewater park on the Fox River, he's spent the past year telling everyone from fellow kayakers to state leaders about it. His work's starting to pay off, as more people take notice. Aurora has long searched for a way to revitalize its downtown, and this idea, certainly a grand and visionary one, could help do it.
Timing's off on request for help
Naperville police are asking for the public's help trying to locate suspects who attempted to lure two young children into their car. The incident was reported Nov. 2, but the request for help didn't come until three days later. A lot can happen in those three days, from witnesses' memories going fuzzy to the suspects trying to lure another child into a car.