Saturday Soapbox

It's about time: Kudos to Illinois state senators who supported the repeal of free public transportation for seniors. If the bill becomes law, seniors with a household income that exceeds $55,000 a year won't qualify for free rides - just the half-off break required under federal law. Springfield hasn't given us a lot to praise this year. We didn't want to let this pass without acknowledgment.Would you call police? The Times Square car-bomb plot was thwarted by an alert street vendor who immediately told police of the suspicious car, possibly saving hundreds of lives. It's a pointed reminder to pay attention to those constant admonitions to report suspicious activity or objects.Safety for all:A recent rally in Lake Zurich reminds drivers to be attentive and respectful as warm weather brings more motorcyclists out onto the roads. Motorcyclists likewise need to follow the rules of the road and remember cars need more room to maneuver. Let's make it a safe summer for all.A bright spot in public finances:McHenry County has bounced back from a dismal financial picture 10 years ago to receive the highest possible debt rating given by Moody's Investor Service. Tight budgeting and spending controls earned the county an AAA status that put it in the top 3 percent nationwide. We congratulate McHenry and urge other governments to take a lesson here.Hold the stale bread:Wheaton already prohibits feeding the stray kitty that may show up outside your back door. A proposal to extend that ban to wild animals like coyotes and raccoons is a no-brainer. Why encourage the varmints to hang around?Clear out the medicine cabinet:Prescription drug abuse is the nation's fastest growing drug problem, so it's laudable that Geneva police are now offering the public a safe place to drop off unneeded or expired drugs. It'll help keep them out of teens' hands - and out of our water supply.Be kind to census workers:It's been one week since the door-to-door head count started. If a census worker knocks, ask to see an official badge, then take the time to give your answers. If you're not home, call the number left on your door later. It's important to your town, your state and the country.Just a reminder: Today residents of many suburbs can place a food item in or below the mailbox for postal workers' annual Stamp Out Hunger drive. Contact your post office to determine if your community is participating.Don't learn this from us, part 1:The parents of Sau Win Mading, an immigrant from Myanmar who graduated from Judson University in Elgin, were amazed at how big a single KFC meal was during their first visit to the chain. The family of three split one meal. That's a lesson we can learn from them.Don't learn this from us, part 2:Another difference Mading's family noticed between their home country and the Chicago suburbs is how everyone drives here while people ride bicycles in Myanmar. Well, there is the DuPage County bike trail network, and other towns have bike routes in place or in plans, but yes, it's hard to commute by bike. We need to work on that, too.