Proud to be a resident of Des Plaines

An open letter to Des Plaines residents: It is an honor and privilege to “thank you” for your cooperation over this past week when Mother Nature opted to deluge the Chicago area, and our great City of Des Plaines, with approximately 20 inches of snow from Tuesday evening, Feb. 1, 2011, to Wednesday evening, Feb. 2, 2011. This storm of record is one our community will remember always.

As I surveyed the many Des Plaines neighborhoods during the storm, sometimes accompanying our Public Works, Fire and Police Department personnel, I continually encountered the spirit of good will and sense of “community” so apparent as neighbors helped neighbors shovel snow, start cars, share words of encouragement, cast a smile or a “thumbs-up.”

While these events can be challenging and pose all kinds of inconveniences, the overall sentiment in our town was positive. You should all be proud of who you are and what we are, together, as a city. Des Plaines, with its traditions, rich heritage and “togetherness,” has proven, once again, that when confronted with a challenge, we work as a team and rise up above it.

Rest assured, no event such as combating a winter storm goes seamlessly, but your cooperation, combined with the expertise of our city's fine staff, makes everyone's life easier. We had our challenges — a roof collapsing, a woman going into labor, a fall from a roof, a snowblower injury. Unfortunately, these events are sometimes unavoidable.

I am glad we are here. I'm glad we're Des Plaines and I'm thankful I'm your mayor. I will do everything I can to assure you that city operations continue to maintain your quality of life and that your health, safety and welfare are protected. God Bless.

Mayor Martin J. Moylan

Des Plaines