Saturday soapbox: Maybe they'll rent out rooms
Maybe they'll rent out rooms: Pigeon coops in Aurora now have to meet building codes? Seems like a frivolous application of city powers at a time when plenty of people would like a well-constructed roof over their heads.U of I's parallel universes:Wednesday's story: U of I might hike tuition 20 percent. Thursday's story: U of I at Springfield chancellor will keep his $273,500 salary for 14 months after he retires. Today's question: When does higher education stop paying lip service to cutting costs?Of taxes and polyps:Fox River Grove has decided to let "Lady Liberty," a human sign, continue standing at a busy street corner to advertise a tax service. Some trustees see the sign as a potential hazard. They should count their blessings. It could be "Polly Polyp" for colorectal cancer awareness. She had a gig at a health center in Lindenhurst Thursday.Policy is way off base:Palatine North Little League officials say registration has plummeted this year in part because Palatine Township Elementary District 15 barred nonprofit organizations from sending fliers home in kids' backpacks. Yet the Boy Scouts got a free pass in December. District 15 shouldn't pick and choose among groups.Do your homework: We expect more from Republican candidate for governor state Sen. Bill Brady, who embarrassed himself in a news conference this week. Brady was sort of on the right track because he was talking about issues and offering solutions. Unfortunately, he didn't realize his solution was already implemented.Haven't we learned the lesson yet?Charges against Lisa A. DeLuca of Naperville are the latest in-your-face reminder for those who strive to be the fun parents or cool older siblings. Giving alcohol to children is against the law. More importantly, it's dangerous.Shouldn't need a policy: Even if it was only half a beer, Villa Park Fire Chief Mark Duski should know better. Even one sip of alcohol is too much when you're driving a village vehicle.Pitch in:Business writer Anna Kukec told us about suburban seniors unable to sell homes and downsize to reduce expenses and avoid the hard work of maintaining a home. This is a good reminder that spring is coming and those folks probably would appreciate help from a neighbor willing to pitch in.On guard: Naperville cut $85,000 in funding for crossing guards at 10 intersections near District 203 schools. We understand the reasoning and hope the school district finds the money to cover these busy intersections. After all, they are poised to approve a teacher contract that still allows raises of up to 6 percent for some teachers approaching retirement.Gee, thanks a lot:It was nice of ComEd to launch its "helping hand" program to assist customers behind on their bills. But we'd like to suggest something else. How about skipping the upcoming rate hike request, which comes on the heels of your $270 million increase?We're rooting for you: Suburbanites on reality TV is nothing new. But we still get excited watching potentially life-changing successes of Lee DeWyze of Mount Prospect on "American Idol" and Michael Ventrella of Bartlett on "The Biggest Loser."