The Soapbox: Cheers for firefighters

All for one:

A pat on the back goes to the union firefighters in Carpentersville who, after agreeing to forgo some holiday and overtime pay, will take a hit on their paychecks for the next couple of years. Because of it some firefighters won’t lose their jobs. Kudos, too, to their bosses, who will also bear part of the burden in this. Thank you for understanding the economic realities and for supporting one another.

Help for Japan:

We’re heartened by the fundraising for Japan’s tsunami victims going on in the suburbs. At Elk Grove High School, where donations are being collected, the tragedy hits especially close to home. Six Japanese students are staying with local families as part of the school’s popular exchange program. Thankfully, their families are all OK.

Exercise in futility:

Republican state Sen. Matt Murphy’s proposal to repeal the income tax cut fizzled in committee this week. No surprises there. If the Palatine senator had been aiming only for a chance to air grievances, he got it. The serious business came a couple of days later when Republicans proposed billions in budget cuts.

In the right order:While we#146;re on the topic, Springfield could learn from Sacramento. California lawmakers just endorsed cutting $7 billion in spending before the July deadline for the state to decide whether to extend temporary taxes. We#146;ve always said reduced spending should precede any tax increase. It can be done. Flying high:Good sense prevailed as leaders of United and American airlines dropped their federal lawsuit that would have stymied progress on O#146;Hare modernization. The compromise is a move toward safety and a stronger business environment for the region and state. We encourage the airlines and Chicago to quickly resolve any remaining disputes.Willing to talk:Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has accepted an invitation to talk with Palatine leaders about the value they get from the county. Secession talk has calmed since Preckwinkle#146;s election and the so-called Stroger tax was repealed. Still, the meeting is one more example of the new president#146;s class and commitment.Cooked goose:Gilbert Gottfried says he didn#146;t mean to offend anyone with his tasteless Twittered jokes on the Japan earthquake and tsunami. How is it these disgraced public figures never realize their offense until after the furor? And, who, for goodness sake, would risk a job in which all you have to do is say one word while quacking like a duck?This is freedom?It#146;s been over a year since Illinois#146; improved Freedom of Information law went into effect, and lawmakers are still finding ways to weaken it. The proposal to limit the number of requests a citizen can make is a dog. Throw it out.A kick for the suburbs:The Fire#146;s signing of Pari Pantzapolous (Prospect High) is another sign of suburban growth. As Friday#146;s story by Orrin Schwarz pointed out, Brian McBride (Buffalo Grove High) was the first MLS draft pick ever, and now more than a half dozen suburban players are on pro rosters. Way to go, soccer moms!