Saturday Soapbox

Points for democracy:Kudos to Hoffman Estates for posting salary and benefits information of its employees online starting this week. It's a step toward open government and we'd like to see it happen more.Court of compassion:McHenry County has more than doubled its graduates from Mental Health Court. The program, founded in 2007, allows nonviolent offenders whose mental illness played a role in their behavior to seek treatment while living under close scrutiny of a judge. We applaud this effort and others like it that give people the tools they need to avoid a return to the system.Raising suspicion:At a time when schools are cutting back, we question Palatine Township Elementary District 15's decision to give bus drivers 3 percent raises. This follows pay increases - albeit small - in the latest teacher contract. For a fiscally healthy school district that's projected to be $7 million in the red in five years, we're wary of this trend.Isn't it ironic?Candidate "robocalls" are a form of protected speech, but calls from businesses are not (which is why there's a Do Not Call list). Yet corporate speech - and cash - is now protected in elections. The world is full of contradictions, isn't it?Bell tolls for St. Mary's:What a way to kick off Catholic Schools week, which begins Sunday. We can't help but wonder how the families at St. Mary's School in West Chicago must be feeling as they enter this week that's supposed to be celebrating "Dividends for Life." Joliet Diocese Bishop J. Peter Sartain announced Thursday the school would close after this school year.On the other hand: Meanwhile, the celebration at St. Alexander's in Villa Park just got better. In the same news release, Sartain surprised some people by announcing the school would remain open.It's the thought that counts: We again offer kudos to a school superintendent who is not taking a raise. Huntley Unit District 158 Superintendent John Burkey inked a three-year deal with no raise the first year and cost-of-living raises for the last two. He said he'd forgo those, too, if things don't improve. We hope unions are listening.Fireworks over festival funding:Fests all over the suburbs are taking hits. Funding cuts could mean the end of the annual Taste of Lombard. On the Chain O' Lakes, the popular July Fourth fireworks could be in trouble yet again. We encourage community leaders to get creative. Work with a neighboring towns to combine costs. Schedule events when there's less competition and fireworks companies might charge less. When money gets tight, people stay close to home. They might be spending less, but they're spending it here.Be prepared:There is one good thing about the timing of this primary election. It's too cold outside to do much of anything, so voters have more time to stay inside and read about the candidates. In addition to stories in the newspaper, visit dailyherald.com and read candidates' answers to questions on key issues. You'll also find judicial recommendations. Find a recap of our endorsements in this space Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, as well as on the Web site. It's important to vote, but it's more important to be informed before you vote.