AARP is not helping
I will add another reason to the letter headlined, “Money, power behind driver requirement.”
When I contacted the AARP strongly recommended auto insurance agent, the first reason out of the agent's mouth for the high insurance rate was, “because you are now in an older age group, you will 'probably have anaccident.'”
AARP in all of their articles stresses how they are the champions for older drivers and they are crusaders for the elderly. I have never had a reportable accident.
Bunk and baloney. AARP are lobbyists who legally line the bankrolls of politicians.
Illinois politicians do not want to help the elderly. They only want to help themselves.
Illinois is the last holdout, and AARP and insurance companies are hoping other states will join the foray into adding seniors to the list of licensed drivers getting high auto insurance rates.
Jerry Gibson
South Elgin
Closing stables does not make sense
Thank you for calling attention to the Palatine Park District’s decision to close the only equestrian facility and riding school within a 30-minute radius. It is worth noting that the park district by its own admission in a recording of the board meeting, has wanted to be out of the stables business for eight to 10 years and have only been putting the “bare minimum” in capital expenditures to the facility.
The barn managers, trainers, staff and volunteers, however, have been dedicating their time and efforts to excellent care and training of the over 60 horses and hundreds of riders who come to Palatine Stables for an entry point into horsemanship that is local, affordable and high quality. Many have stayed for decades advancing to jumping over fences and competing in the NIHJA and IEA circuits. These competitions are available to all ages and genders.
As a boarder who takes lessons, along with my daughters who compete I have paid thousands to the Palatine Park district within the last year alone. The most recent horse show at Palatine brought in $20,000, which went entirely to the park district after expenses estimated at around $5,000. In the last three years, the stables have made a profit, with this year the exception due to the construction of a hay barn on property that was approved last year and completed a few months ago. Why would they spend that money just to destroy the last horse community in the area, displace 60 horses and demolish facilities that would cost less to repair?
They cite safety but we have read the structural engineer report, which states multiple times that there is no immediate safety threat.
Lindsay Galvan
Mount Prospect