Saturday Soapbox
This shouldn't be the end
The big Route 53 referendum victory in Lake County will feel a bit hollow if that's the end of it. More than 63,000 voters - nearly 76 percent - said "yes" Tuesday that they support the state extending Route 53 north from Lake-Cook Road. The Lake County Board put the advisory question on the ballot to address the state's call for consensus on the project. The question now is to figure out how to use these results and give this project momentum.
Driving us crazy:
Memo to all drivers who use the expressway/tollway systems that wind their way through our suburbs (or any highway, for that matter): Please stay, whenever possible, in your own lane, especially in thicker traffic. You will get to your destination about the same time, we will all move more quickly, and it's a whole lot safer. Well, at least try. Please. Try.
Our plea to candidates:
Today is a great day for spring cleaning. Please pick up your campaign signs. Remember, it's pretty obvious who's picked up signs and who hasn't.
Be true to your school:
The Driscoll Catholic High School community isn't giving up without a fight - and we don't blame them. The economy will rebound and families will be able to afford private school tuition again someday. If Driscoll closes, the school pride and tradition built up over half a century will be gone forever.
Night out on the town:
Looking for inexpensive entertainment close to home? Check out the spring musical at the local high school. Even if you don't know any of the teen performers, the shows are bound to be good. It's a night out at a very reasonable cost that also supports the community.
Beyond the ballot box:
Suburban voters ousted 15 mayors Tuesday. That's what voters should be doing if they're not happy with local government. But the job isn't over at the ballot box. We urge you to stay connected to what's happening in your communities. Keep in mind the words of Roosevelt University political professor Paul Green, who said, "It is easier to promise what you are going to do than to defend what you have done." It's up to residents to hold all elected officials to those promises that led them to vote out the incumbents.
When cuts are an investment:
We applaud Elgin Community College for waiving its $275 registration fee for employers interested in recruiting at the school's annual job fair. The event drew 108 companies and up to 1,500 potential employees looking for opportunity. Even in this terrible economy. the event hosted 10 more employers over last year, when 98 paid $225 to recruit. This kind of gesture helps define ECC as a community resource instead of a simple two-year college.
Jazzing up the suburbs:
Speaking of suburban colleges, jazz aficionados can't miss a unique exhibit at Elmhurst College through May 24. With displays that include things like Louis Armstrong's trumpet and Benny Goodman's clarinet, it's got appeal for true fans as well as novices. Elmhurst Jazz: A Celebration of an American Art Form in Elmhurst is tied to the 75th anniversary of Downbeat magazine, published in Elmhurst for the last 20 years.