DeWyze celebrations make all of us proud

At a time when politicians are condemned for every social ill, from potholes to oil spills, I'd like to commend all involved with the recent celebrations of American Idol finalist Lee DeWyze.

Many of my Palatine neighbors have remarked on how officials took the time to call and alert us to potential inconveniences related to the celebrations in Mount Prospect and Arlington Park. It's remarkable how nothing more than absolute civic pride resulted from those events.

I wish to compliment those who were able to thread the needle between the needs of network television and our desire to promote the Northwest suburbs.

While I'm at it, please allow me to extend these wishes to Lee:

Though I grew up just two blocks south of Mount Prospect Paints, I'm now a 44-year-old father of two girls and have little in common with you, other than our education at Northwest suburban Catholic schools and an occasional lunch at Olympus Gyros.

But I'd bet you'd agree with me that in all of human history there are few places like Mount Prospect in which you'd rather be raised.

Please be assured of my vote and know that you are already a winner. Also, thanks for introducing my daughters to the timeless music of Simon and Garfunkel.

Mike Kendall

Palatine