The Soapbox: Brief thoughts from Daily Herald editors on suburban topics of interest
This editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
This week's clippable quote
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up." - Thomas A. Edison
Still doing this with flash drives
The Kane County clerk's office shut down its election website Tuesday night because of trouble transferring vote tabulations from one system to another via a flash drive. Yes, a flash drive. We envision a 20-year-old movie where we watch a slow progress bar as our hero downloads critical information onto a flash drive that will be fought over later.
Small turnout, small margin
Look no further than the Ward 5 race in Rolling Meadows for proof that every vote matters. A mere 10 votes separated challenger Stefanie Boucher and incumbent Jon Bisesi, 69 to 59, as of Wednesday. According to the Cook County clerk's website, just 12% of registered voters in the ward cast a ballot.
Hard to figure
Voters returned three previously term limited Des Plaines aldermen to the City Council Tuesday, even as they emphatically supported reforms that would have made the trio ineligible. No complaints here; all three are experienced and dedicated. But you have to wonder how voters really feel about term limits.
Keep it up, Kaeyra
Algonquin native and Huntley High School grad Kaeyra will perform Bishop Braggs' "River" Sunday night as she keeps trying to work her way up the American Idol ladder. Congrats on the success so far, Kaeyra. The episode begins at 7 p.m. Sunday.
These kids rock, too
Best of luck to all the young performers cast in Paramount Theatre's production of "School of Rock" opening April 12. The 21 actors/musicians, some from around the suburbs, must balance performances with schoolwork. Their commitment to both is impressive, along with the sacrifices they must make to do something they love. Break a leg!
Planning ahead
What a breath of fresh air it is to finally feel like things are going back to normal entertainment-wise. Comedians, bands/musicians, productions, events, festivals - they're all coming back in full force. While things were looking up last year, the entertainment calendar is already packed with events for spring and summer. Make plans now so you don't miss out.
After the storm
The nonprofit MP Foundation has allocated $1 million to help Naperville victims still dealing with lingering problems not covered by insurance from a June 2021 tornado. This week, the Naperville City Council voted to pitch in another $500,000. With reports of glass shards embedded in lawns and other safety hazards, it's welcome relief.
Seeing something, saying something
Students at Highland Park High School spoke up this week when they heard trouble might be brewing and at least one fellow student had brought a gun to school. They spoke up, enabling school, police and other officials to act quickly and avert any violence. Good job, all.