The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Message to Texas Lt. Gov
While the grandparents on our Editorial Board want to leave their offspring a strong economy, keep in mind that they also have not given up yet on their dreams of playing Major League Baseball.
Spreading cheer
From sidewalk chalk messages to stringing Christmas lights to finding creative ways to stage birthday parties for kids, suburban residents are thinking outside the box to find ways to boost spirits in the fight against COVID-19. Those efforts are as important as sheltering in place, hand-washing and social distancing. Keep 'em coming.
Kudos to Tony
Elgin Area School District U-46 Superintendent Tony Sanders has been front and center in communicating about the pandemic. He announced last week a student contracted the novel coronavirus. Sanders has always kept the best interests of parents and teachers at the forefront.
A matter of responsibility
"Voluntary compliance is the name of the game," says Carpentersville Police Chief Michael Kilbourne, reflecting the approach of most communities to enforcing orders to shelter at home and maintain social distancing. We're glad to hear that, generally, it's working. The orders aren't just for our personal safety but for everyone we could infect. Be responsible.
A caring reminder
A subscriber let us know how impressed he is that Binny's is not only providing social distancing lanes in its store but also is having clerks act as monitors to remind customers who might violate them. No one should whine about the reminder!
Delicious gesture
Jarosch Bakery in Elk Grove Village has been dropping off boxes of pastries to random homes in town. The care packages are labeled "from our family to yours" and include a message to "please stay safe." We applaud the generosity of Jarosch and other suburban businesses. Their gestures won't be forgotten once this crisis is over.
Return gestures
Let's remember the financial crisis so many of our small business neighbors are facing. And provide them with support whenever and however we can.
Repeat message
Every election, we get at least one race that proves every vote counts. In the recent primary, the top two vote-getters in the Democratic race for DuPage County Board, District 4, are separated by 41 votes. It may come down to mail-in ballots received by Tuesday.
A little unexpected color
The apartments under construction at Central and Elmhurst in Mount Prospect are temporarily the prettiest shade of green - a natural, earthy tone that complements everything in the vicinity. Alas, that is likely just the cladding on the building, soon to be covered by what will undoubtedly be nice outside material. We're just saying, that green color is a keeper. See it while you can.
Thank you, nurses, first responders
Several former student-athletes from our area have become nurses and first responders over the past several years. They probably never envisioned their young careers taking on such meaning as they have with the fight against COVID-19. To each of them, and to every health care professional and first responder out there, thank you for your service. Stay safe.
Yes! Stay well
Is this surreal or what? Surreal, it is. Let's all get through it healthy, OK? <3