Soapbox: Big bucks for over-budget building
One would think that $48.7 million is plenty of money to construct College of DuPage's new Technology Education Center. But officials at the Glen Ellyn college have learned that significant amount might not be enough. The project is over budget and on pace to cost taxpayers nearly $50.8 million. We know how easy it must be to spend money that's not yours. But to COD trustees: Do something to reel in the price of this building. Please.
A good increase at COD
But it's good to hear enrollment is on the way up at COD. Officials announced the student population grew by 1.4 percent for a total of 31,579 undergraduates. That's a relief after reduced interest in COD followed in the wake of the Glen Ellyn institution's switch from quarters to semesters.
Learn from a lucky break
Randall Visor should feel lucky. The Batavia man, who is responsible for the deaths of four people 10 years ago in a drunken driving accident, and for driving without a license in 2006, caught a break. Why should Visor feel lucky? Because of his family, his victims' families and, by extension, his job. A judge did double Visor's jail time for driving without a license. But he also allowed Visor to leave jail to work and support his family -- and pay debts he owes to the victims' families. Waubonsie Valley High School students Jenni Linn Anderson, Allison Matzdorf and Jennifer Roberts, and Ana Pryor, a mother of three, were all killed in that crash. Visor avoided a tougher sentence for the 2006 incident. But with no room for error, let's hope he chooses to be responsible from now on.
Astor deserves a memorial service
Earlier this week, DuPage County lost a beloved sheriff's canine, Astor. For eight years, the German shepherd was a fixture in the courthouse. He and his handler, Deputy George Foy, accomplished so much during their time together. The bomb-detection dog had 42 actual finds of explosives and guns. He protected visiting dignitaries, such as President Bush. Astor had to be euthanized Monday after it was learned cancer spread through his body. He was 10. It seems only fitting that some sort of memorial service be held for this dedicated dog. He certainly earned it.
Wealth in DuPage County?
Mass layoffs proposed in county government. The possible shuttering of local traffic courts. Cuts in programs that help the poor. Is this DuPage County? Our problems seems to belie our affluence.
In the midst of greatness
Wheaton resident Jean Bogner is part of a network of 200 scientists from around the world who recently were chosen to share the Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore for spreading awareness of man-made climate change. She is a member of the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Her contribution was as the coordinating lead author of the chapter on waste management in the panel's global warming report. "Across the world, many, many people share this award," Bogner told the Daily Herald. "It's nothing that any one of us can lay any claim to." Congratulations.
Lame labor contract dispute
The National Lacrosse League season has been canceled because of disputes over raises and whether to institute a salary cap. We're talking about an average league salary here of $14,500, not megamillions. Whoever's right, whoever's wrong, is there some losing the forest in the trees going on here? All parties should feel lucky there's a professional lacrosse league at all, and do everything they can to keep it going.