Saturday Soapbox

Not the right time:

It's always important to show your best employees that you love them, but what Elgin Community College officials did for President David Sam this week is way out of line. Perhaps the college board is still feeling giddy that voters endorsed a $178 million building plan last month. But they should have taken to heart that the measure passed by a measly 35 votes before giving the two-year president a 5.5 percent raise. You can bet that many of the 50 percent who voted "yes" in the referendum would not have approved of this raise. "We realize it's difficult times for people, and the close vote only reinforces that," Sam said the day after the election. "Careful spending has been a mantra throughout the campaign and will continue to be as we move forward." It's in the tough times that leaders need to exhibit some sacrifice. Trustee Bob Getz - the lone "no" vote - suggested Sam turn down the raise and accept a symbolic $1 raise instead. Bravo, Bob. Can we expect all ECC employees to get the same windfall as Sam?

Shades of green:

It's great to hear that the Chicago Fire is helping Planet Earth with a "Go Green" game today. Early arriving fans will be treated to reusable shopping bags, $10 discounts off tickets if they bring a hand-held electronic device to recycle, and flower seeds for planting. Game-day programs also will be printed on recycled paper and offer other eco-friendly tips. That's a nice effort. Too bad the only public transportation to Toyota Park is via the Orange Line from the city. It also would be nice someday if 100 percent of the waste generated by fans were recyclable too.

Shades of another kind of green:

With so much focus on the economic downturn, we especially appreciate good news from local chambers of commerce. We wish the best of luck to the many new and returning businesses in downtown Lombard - and others throughout the suburbs.

Still going strong:

A tip of the cap to legendary sports columnist Bob Frisk, who continues to show his heart remains with high school sports. Bob attended the Palatine Relays last Saturday, but this time as a retiree. You can't keep this former Arlington sprinter away from this event - it was his 59th straight appearance at prestigious track event. Amazing.

That thin blue line:

While we sometimes might take our local police forces for granted, now is as good a time as any to remember all that they do for us, mostly behind the scenes and without our ever knowing it. May 10-16 is "National Police Week," so give them a tip of the cap whenever and wherever possible and keep them in mind. While we hope we never need their services on a personal basis, just think how nice it is to know they will be there if ever we do.

We're still watching:

We have already used this space to urge public officials to remember that even small pay raises are too much for taxpayers right now. Today's reminder goes out to union representatives who are negotiating teacher contracts with many suburban school boards. With so many companies laying people off, cutting pay and forcing workers to take unpaid furloughs, even a zero percent raise sounds pretty good to many, many people right now.