Soapbox: Now you know why

Daily Herald Editorial Board

Now you know why:

You’ve heard warnings to keep heavy clothing, blankets, snacks and water in your car, but thought that was just for rural downstaters. Now you know: Even drivers in the city or suburbs can be stranded without help for 20 hours. It’s not too late to stock up.

Courthouse farewells:

The Northwest suburbs lost a lot of experience when Presiding Judge Joseph Urso, Associate Judge Howard Fink and Associate Judge John Scotillo retired from the Rolling Meadows courthouse last week. Best wishes to them and welcome to new Presiding Judge William O. Maki, former Arlington Heights village president.

The passing of legends:

In even sadder news, two suburban towns lost giants this week. David Shotts, became a legend in South Barrington and helped define its borders. In Kane County, Forest Preserve District President Jack Cook was known as a father of the open space movement. Their kind of service defines what we most appreciate about suburban life.

Super what?

As much as it may pain us, guess we should do the neighborly thing and say good luck to the Packers on Sunday. That doesn’t mean we have to be happy about it.

Not so helpful:

Fie on the fire department bigshot in the department SUV who blithely swung out of the way of a car stuck halfway into an otherwise clear Route 31 in the Fox Valley Wednesday. Without stopping. It’s not exactly the spirit of your profession, driver. If you were wondering, others behind you did stop to help.

Sheriff Dart joins the fight on spending:

We’re glad to see that Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart came to his senses and agreed that the sheriff’s department isn’t above the spending reductions that every other county department must make.

And why Dart’s change of heart?

Let’s give credit where credit is due. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s get-tough policy is responsible for Dart’s newfound sanity. A big victory for spending justice.

Long, hard struggles:

In an early campaign push, Democrats promise to hold Republican U.S. Reps. Bob Dold, of Kenilworth, and Joe Walsh, of McHenry, “accountable.” Really? Already? They’ve been in office barely a month.

Star power:

So, Derrick Rose will be the Bulls’ only representative in the NBA All-Star game. Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah were in the running, but ultimately didn’t make the cut. Disappointing, to be sure. But that’s OK. We’ll see who the stars are come time for the NBA Playoffs.

Sign of optimism

There have been so many vacant storefronts throughout the suburbs the last couple of years, we react with optimism that things are getting better any time we hear one is being filled. In Vernon Hills, officials say work is under way to fill two nearby vacant big box buildings. That qualifies as a sign of hope.

Thank you, readers:

We asked you to send us your blizzard photos, and boy did you. Thanks for helping us cover the storm and sharing your perspective.