Saturday Soapbox: DuPage County
A sterling example
Bill Simmons, DuPage County's first black police officer and a trailblazer in many other areas, retired Friday after almost 40 years in law enforcement. In his early days on the job he dealt with all sorts of discrimination -- even from his fellow officers. But he knew the significance of his role in local history. He didn't walk around with a chip on his shoulder, but he didn't back down, either. He often confronted other cops who wouldn't ride with him, back him up or had even taken to calling him "Willy." That uncompromising approach led to several higher level-jobs, including the one he left -- chief of investigations for the state's attorney's office. He leaves with an unblemished record, numerous accolades and the knowledge that he blazed a sterling trail for other people of color who followed.
Obstacles for museum takeover?
The possibility of the Wheaton Park District taking control of the DuPage County Historical Museum has merit. So we hope parks officials are correct when they say county board member Patrick O'Shea's concerns about the plan aren't a deal-breaker. O'Shea wants the county to receive some cash from fundraising efforts. But with the future of the museum on the line, the county should be helping -- not hindering -- the proposed takeover.
A hero's burial
We're not sure what type of burial the family of Pfc. Dawid Pietrek is planning. It would be entirely fitting and proper if the Polish immigrant, who had been living in Bensenville, is laid to rest in his native Poland by his surviving mother and sister. But we certainly support the sentiments voiced by one of our online commenters. Pietrek, killed in Afghanistan a week ago by a roadside bomb, is "the type of man who deserves to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Dawid, thank you for your service to your adopted country; you are a true hero." That would be a fitting tribute to the 24-year-old Marine who gave his life for the country he loved but was not yet officially part of. Our condolences to his family.
Kudos for flood control
We know DuPage County isn't situated along major waterways like the Fox River and the Chain O' Lakes, where there has been much flooding. Nonetheless, the recent heavy rains soaked DuPage County, too, and with minimal flooding. That wasn't always the case in the past when the rains came down steady and hard. So maybe that says something about the quality of flood control work and stormwater management that was done in the wake of damaging floods in the past. Or maybe Mother Nature just cut us a break. Nonetheless, a kind word for those in the county and local communities who made flood control a higher priority after big rains in years before did turn county streets into raging streams.
Friends in hard times
How inspiring it was to hear that Carolyn Cox and Gloria Johncours have found each other. The two McHenry County women share experiences and feelings that none of us would ever want to -- both were nearly killed by their husbands. That they provide each other support and solace lets us know that no matter how grim things can get there is always someone out there with whom to share our seemingly unique set of problems.
No bucks for buses
Work is to begin on $4 million worth of improvements to county roads this summer, which will be aggravating to motorists. Wouldn't it be nice if there was at least that much money being spent on starting usable and accessible mass transit routes within the county? That would be comforting to motorists having to pay $4 a gallon to drive.