Duckworth chosen to lead Elgin's July 4 parade

Now that spring is here, it's never too early to plan for summer.

And that means getting amped up for fireworks and a good parade.

Elgin leaders believe they have the perfect person to help get people excited for the city's Fourth of July parade.

Elgin's Downtown Neighborhood Association recently announced that Tammy Duckworth, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, will be the parade's grand marshal.

She served as commander of a Black Hawk helicopter company in the Army and lost both legs when she was shot down in November 2004 in Iraq.

In fall 2006, she lost a close race for the 6th Congressional District election to Peter Roskam, a Wheaton Republican.

She was then appointed to her current post.

Duckworth has received the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, as well as other awards for her service.

"It is such an honor to have a distinguished member of the armed services be the grand marshal for our parade," said Kyle Bault, parade chairman.

Veterans of all wars are urged to walk behind Duckworth as she leads the parade.

The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. July 4, lasts about two hours and features more than 200 groups.

For information or to volunteer, call (847) 488-1456 or visit www.downtownelgin.org.

Rating means savings

OK, it's not the sexiest news, but it's still something taxpaying Elginites should know about.

The city's bond rating, which is like a person's credit score, recently was increased to Aa+ by Standard & Poor's.

I know, I know, when was the last time you heard of a person who got a date because they scored in the 700s?

But the city's rating will save taxpayers money in the long run.

Jim Nowicki, the city's finance director, said the increase translates to rates that are 5 to 10 basis points, or .05 to .10 percent, lower than other loans.

Generally speaking, for a $15 million loan repaid over 20 years with 10 less basis points, that could translate to savings of $125,000, he said.

The rating and city's financial position is light years better than it was during the early 1990s.

"Revenues dwindled so far that by 1993, a line of credit was secured to ensure payroll could be met if needed," according to volume 2 of the 2008 budget and 2008-2012 financial plan.

Isn't it grand

South Elgin leaders will hold a grand opening for their new Parks Maintenance Facility from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The new facility at 800 Michigan Ave., South Elgin, will be open for tours. Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 11 a. m. at the 6,600-square-foot facility.

Jim Reuter, director of South Elgin Parks and Recreation, along with members of the village board, recreation board, and FUNdation board will be in attendance.

For information, call (847) 622-0003 or visit www.southelgin.com.