Saturday Soapbox: Kane Co. weathers tough times
When times get tough:
It's been a rough road these last few months in Kane County government, in which the marriage of county board members and the county's elected department heads has been strained over the need to curtail spending to avoid a bath of red ink. But in the end, just about every department ended up spending less than its budgeted amount. Which goes to show: When it must get done, it can get done.
Speech is free for all:
To those who would send death threats to a lawyer who represents Guantanamo Bay terror suspects and was to talk about his experiences with them at McHenry County College this week: Remember that freedom of speech is the very first amendment to our Constitution. If you don't want to hear the guy talk, just don't go.
We all have the power:
Lake County officials are considering a solid waste plan. Among the options discussed this week was incineration. While more study is needed, we agree with their stance that any incinerator must face intense scrutiny on emissions and safety. Another option is to increase recycling - that's where we all can step up our efforts.
Where'd the money go?
The DuPage Water Commission finds itself in the unenviable position of having to borrow money to pay off its debts. At least $19 million was taken from the commission's reserve fund and spent on day-to-day expenses. The interest on the new loan alone will cost the commission - which users fund with our water bills and a quarter-percent sales tax - at least $300,000. Sure would be nice to get a quick accounting of how this came to pass, and take steps to ensure it never happens again.
All is not so calm:
A couple of armed robberies in Elgin occurred recently against shoppers. It's worth noting that police typically see an increase in street crime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. So watch your wallet and hold onto your purse a little tighter.
Guard the cards:
'Tis also the season for credit card fraud, reports the state attorney general's office. Their experts give a few tips for buyers: Carry just the cards you'll need. Keep a close eye on your card throughout the transaction, and take the receipt with you. Buy from online retailers you trust, and print out order confirmations.
Golf Road needs attention:
This week's fatal accident on Golf Road between River Road and I-294 in Des Plaines is a tragic illustration of just how dangerous that stretch of road has become. It is heavily used, traffic is going fast and the pavement is beat up, meaning drivers trying to avoid craters can get distracted. Worse, only a double yellow line separates eastbound from westbound. A median there would help.
New definition of overkill:
About 2,200 gallons of toxic chemicals dumped into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Three million dollars spent to kill the fish, neutralize the poison in the water supply and clean up the carcasses. Forty-seven cubic yards of fish killed. Only one of them an enemy invader Asian carp, so far. Good thing we got him.
Finally, a flood of help:
Responsive government may seem scarce, but kudos this week go to Des Plaines' elected leaders. They finally listened to residents who have been complaining for years about the danger and damage caused by worsening rear-yard flooding. The mayor and aldermen shifted funding to speed up efforts to fix things in bad areas. Hooray!
Take a campaign holiday:
We've forgiven those of you who had the holiday yard display shining before Thanksgiving. But campaign signs for candidates in the yards already, too? Can't we call a moratorium until Jan. 2? Please?!