Bean a Congressional truant
Sometimes missing, Melissa Bean: What member of the suburban delegation to the U.S. House has missed the most votes in the 110th Congress? A Soapbox Dart to Barrington's Melissa Bean, who's missed 4.6 percent of them, according to the Votes Database of washingtonpost.com.
Always there, Judy Biggert: And what member of our delegation has missed the fewest votes, according to the Web site? A Soapbox Plaudit to Hinsdale's Judy Biggert, who's failed to cast a vote only 0.5 percent of the time.
A good delegation, all and all: We need to point out that the seven Congressmen from our suburbs do a pretty good job of showing up. Even Bean's missed-vote percentage is no worse than the Congressional average, and it's certainly better than that of former Speaker Dennis Hastert of Yorkville, who spent his final days in office not voting (a 26.2 percent missed-votes record in the 110th Congress before he resigned).
Eat, and be happy: You no doubt have noticed how many mid-level restaurants have gone under. These are tough times, and we all find ways to cut back. But they're tough times in the restaurant industry too. If you want your favorite restaurant to stay open, find a way to patronize it. Because that's the only way it can.
Maybe sheriff's jail stay isn't so crazy:
When we heard of Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran's plan to spend a week in the county jail, we were skeptical. But he's convinced us his motives are a sincere attempt to improve the county's rehabilitation efforts. Here's hoping his week is safe and enlightening.
Aug. 23, are you kidding? My, my, my, my, my, where has the summer gone?
Preparing salt for the wound: This year's winter headache is starting early - right now - for suburban public works officials. Last year's heavy snowfall means salt reserves are depleted. We urge government officials o work together to find a solution. And we encourage motorists to exercise caution and patience.
Get this thing settled, District 158: Teachers play a crucial role in the lives of children, it's true. It's also true they do it in the classroom, not from the picket lines. Besides, in this climate, a 5.25 percent pay raise sounds darn good. So to both sides: Do the right thing and resolve the strike threat.
An opening for the suburbs: We've always respected the dedication Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr. has for his constituency. But his general disdain for legitimate suburban interests has been obvious, and with his planned retirement, we hope it provides the suburbs a chance to be better served by his replacement.
American Eagle and the TSA: When we get on a plane, we always hope it's one that hasn't had unauthorized people crawling around on it.
We have to face the facts: As much as those of us in the suburbs reflexively recoil at the Sept. 2 Chicago school boycott being promoted by Rev. James Meeks and the Urban League, we also have to acknowledge, there is a tremendous disparity in school funding throughout the state and one way or the other, the problem's got to be solved. Funding is not the only thing that matters when it comes to schools, but it's not irrelevant either. (Now, if only the solutions were so easy.)
Johnny, don't let us hardly know ye: John Zimmerman served the Opinion Page with passion and dedication for almost 20 years, and for that, we are thankful. We wish him well as he returns to teaching. And we're thankful also that he'll still contribute to the page on occasion as an independent contractor.