Saturday Soapbox
Bravo, IDOT:
The Illinois Department of Transportation has nixed Elgin's plans to put a red-light camera at Randall Road and Route 72, which had been the most dangerous intersection in the county. Since IDOT put in red arrows in turn lanes, the number of crashes this year has dropped significantly - so the safety issue is on its way to becoming moot. Elgin police agree. Now that is sensible thinking all the way around.
A true ace:
Congratulations to the St. Viator High School boys golf team for winning the Class 3A state title earlier this month, and especially to senior Joe Ferrari from Prospect Heights. Five years after being diagnosed with cancer, Joe's play on the back nine on the final day of competition delivered the victory. "He's our hero," coach Jack Halpin said. In more ways than one.
Football on Halloween:
Little goblins crossing streets and a football playoff game in the neighborhood are not a good mix. So please be extra careful today when driving near the two stadiums where 7 p.m. games are planned: at Rolling Meadows and Palatine high schools. And watch for special "No parking" signs posted along some streets to keep trick-or-treaters safe.
Top priority:
Thank you to two clinics that volunteered scarce H1N1 shots to help three ailing children. Dr. Syed Quadri of Elgin and a Schaumburg medical practice that prefers anonymity responded after reading a Daily Herald story on Thursday. It's great to see vaccines go to those who truly need them most.
'A princess of a lady':
Naperville lost a friend this week when cancer claimed Gail Andrews Bivin. The longtime owner of the unique and quirky Canterbury Shoppe, Bivin, 54, always found ways to give back to the community. "We lost an angel among us, just a princess of a lady," another downtown businesswoman said. She couldn't be more right.
Leaf us alone, rain:
We gave you 10 "things to ponder" in Friday's editions regarding the leaf-raking season - from the knowledge that a typical guy can burn 371 calories raking for an hour to the fact that you can take the easy way out and buy a $995 motorized rake. But we forgot one important plea: How about some drier weather to make this chore more palatable?
Do what's right:
Seniors citizens, if lawmakers can't muster the courage, it falls to you to take action. Refuse the reckless gift from ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich - free rides on Chicago-area mass transit. It's time for seniors who can afford to pay to stop taking free rides so that people who can't afford fare hikes won't have to.
Do what's right, part two:
When the election comes, seniors can show even more muscle by getting rid of lawmakers who are too cowardly to do what's right - getting rid of free rides on Metra, Pace and CTA.
Healthy progress:
As we have said, it's good to see Bensenville and Chicago negotiating the future of a 600-building neighborhood that Chicago wants for O'Hare International Airport expansion. But let's not forget the health impact of demolishing the large, mostly boarded-up tract. That concern, the basis of a lawsuit filed by Bensenville, is remains as valid as ever.