Park District of La Grange Park is fantastic
I would like to respond to Mr. Tony Soucek’s lettter of May 13 in which he takes issue with the Park District of La Grange Park and the location of the recreation facility on Barnsdale.

In my 30 years of living in this area, I have yet to hear a single complaint about the Park District of La Grange Park. I am proud of our Park District, and I for one am glad to have Bill Yena at the helm of the Park District.

Will I defend the choices made on his watch? You bet I will, and I can name hundreds of boys and girls who have benefited from the so-called “stagnant offerings” that the district has offered over the years. Many of us who grew up here stayed in the area and continue to enjoy the Park District’s programs, parks and facilities.

The facility on Barnsdale is a dream come true for many of us; it is a spacious building in an accessible location with plenty of parking. Mr. Soucek suggests that Memorial or Robinhood parks would have been more appropriate sites. Where would such a facility fit in those parks?

His suggestion would have cost residents either park space or green space. I can assure you that neither park has unused space where an entire building would easily fit. Is there really a need for a bigger park district gymnasium when so many residents can take advantage of local gyms like the YMCA, Oasis Fitness for Women, Curves or Bally’s not to mention the facilities of neighboring park districts?

Regarding the “stagnant offerings” of the Park District’s programs, surely Mr. Soucek knows that programs are offered based on interest and demand. Perhaps he could submit his program ideas to the district for consideration.

As for the suggestion that senior bus trips to casinos are inappropriate, I would suggest that Mr. Soucek do a quick search of other park districts in Chicagoland. These offerings are as common as preschool programs

Finally, Mr. Soucek criticized the costs of the programs and questioned the qualifications of the instructors. Look at neighboring communities such as La Grange or Western Springs and tell me if La Grange Park’s programs are any more expensive or if the instructors are less qualified.

My family has lived in La Grange Park for more than 30 years, and we have many dear friends who live in the village. Many of us have enrolled our children at Ready Teddy, the Park District’s preschool program, because it is excellent and staffed by qualified, experienced teachers.

It is clear that Mr. Soucek is dissatisfied with the Park District and perhaps a little envious of the Park District of La Grange’s new East Avenue facility. Well, I doubt that the residents of La Grange Park would support a tax increase to pay for such a building. Let us enjoy the fine facilities we have while taking advantage of those of our neighbors.

Bill Allan, resident of Brookfield and patron of the Park District of La Grange Park

Committee ready for great summer in village
The Friends of the Fourth are pleased to announce that the July 3 and 4 celebrations in Riverside are a definite “Go!” thanks to the generosity and good will of the people of Riverside. We are very appreciative for the support our residents have shown. From the hundreds of dollars raised from our donation cans in various businesses, often the result of small donations made by our children, to the thousands raised by the sometimes breathtaking donations of our residents, businesses, and civic organizations, we are closing in on the magic number we need to enable this year’s celebrations.

The Friends of the Fourth are also grateful to the Riverside Village Board for embracing a creative new public/private arrangement for special events that will help to keep our village spirit and camaraderie alive and well. As residents know, our village faces serious financial constraints that require the Village Board and staff to be especially frugal with the expenditure of taxpayer dollars. This new arrangement recognizes this reality while responding affirmatively for the betterment of our village.

To ensure that we are able to enjoy events such as the July Fourth celebrations, car shows and holiday stroll, the village has agreed to join forces with volunteer groups to maximize our common resources. The village will provide personnel and equipment during the normal course of business to help volunteer groups with such activities. Volunteer groups will then supplement these resources with volunteers as well as by raising funds to pay for additional village costs that are particular to the event.

Thank you to the many donors who have already stepped up to make all of this possible. For those who intend to contribute but have not yet done so, please visit www.friendsofthefourth.com for information on how to submit your donation, and thank you in advance. With your continuing support we can keep this wonderful tradition vibrant for years to come.

The Friends of the Fourth look forward to seeing everyone at the Concert in the Park on July 3 and at the July 4 parade. Come out to celebrate our village and to honor the freedoms that we enjoy as citizens of our great country.

Riverside Village Trustee Ben Sells, Steering Committee, Friends of the Fourth

Proposed state reforms don’t go far enough
Gov. Pat Quinn’s Illinois Reform Commission has proposed a package of reforms including campaign contribution limits of $2,400 for a primary election and the same limit for the general election. These are the same limits in place for federal elections and would be a big improvement over Illinois’ current lack of any limits.

But $2,400 is still a hefty amount that most people could not afford. A husband and wife could combine for $4,800 to both a candidate’s primary and general election. Ten executives backing a particular policy plus their spouses could bundle $48,000 for each election, magnifying their influence far beyond that of ordinary people.

Under these federal rules, the financial industry poured $2.2 billion into election campaigns over the last 10 years to further its agenda, which included stopping restrictions on subprime lending. These restrictions could have prevented the subprime disaster and ensuing general financial meltdown.

Why not go for an even bigger improvement in campaign financing — namely, voluntary public funding of campaigns? This kind of system has moved beyond the theoretical. It has worked well in Maine and Arizona over five election cycles and was adopted by Connecticut for the last election.

Public funding levels the playing field, making it more likely candidates will win because of their ideas rather than their money. It also increases the likelihood that decisions will be based on merit rather past or anticipated contributions. Public funding is the best way to reduce pay-to-play, conflict of interest and corruption and for just a few dollars a year per person would be a huge bargain.

Richard Barsanti, Western Springs