The polling firm Gallup reported this year that 39 percent of Americans accept the truth of evolution, that 36 percent have no opinion on it, and that 25 said they don’t believe it. With such apathy toward the natural world, it’s no wonder children from other nations have surpassed American students in science and technology.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
Some of Santa's helpers are concerned that children are spreading germs to the Man in Red when they visit him. This has prompted some to advocate offering the vaccine for swine flu to those who portray Santa. Should shopping mall Santas be given a priority in receiving the H1N1 vaccine?
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EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Payments from the working cash fund at School District 113A weren’t being reported to the board.
OUR VIEW
Board members must uncover out how this occurred and inform residents how the situation will be properly resolved.
SPEAK UP
What steps should School Board members take to balance the budget? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
The Lemont Junior Woman's Club sponsored the Fighting Chance program, which teaches children how to avoid and escape abduction. The program was taught by members of the Lemont Police Department, Lemont Fire Protection District and the Illinois State Police Department. Would you sign your child up for the Fighting Chance program?
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EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Officials remain timid about requesting — for the fourth time — an increase in the sales tax through a referendum.
OUR VIEW
The board must show it has done everything reasonable to cut costs and also demonstrate explicitly why a tax hike is needed.
SPEAK UP
Should the Village Board place a referendum on the ballot for a fourth time to raise the sales tax? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
Community Consolidated School District 181 has asked the Illinois Department of Transportation to declare two intersections ? 47th Street and County Line Road as well as Garfield Avenue and the BNSF crossing ? as hazardous. This would allow for partial funding of busing to students living in specific areas. Should the intersections of 47th Street and County Line Road as well as Garfield Avenue and the BNSF crossing be declared hazardous by IDOT as requested by SD181?
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EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Gov. Pat Quinn says the state will take out a $900 million loan to infuse money back into a student-aid program, among other items.
OUR VIEW
Illinois is having a difficult time paying off the debt it has already incurred. Why pile on another huge loan?
SPEAK UP
Despite its best intentions, should the state take out this loan? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
The Elmhurst City Council granted a conditional use for a vacant residential lot to CE Rentals. However, some aldermen questioned the city attorney's interpretation of how appropriate this move is. Should the Elmhurst City Council have granted CE Rentals additional parking?
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EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Pace Suburban Bus Service has planned various route cuts and fee hikes to make up for a shortage of state revenue.
OUR VIEW
Officials must find a way to ensure an ongoing source of funding if we’re to continue offering public transportation.
SPEAK UP
What should officials do to ensure that services aren’t continually reduced for Pace customers? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
Home sales have been on the rise in western suburbs. Is this a sign the economy is recovering?
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EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Certain non-varsity sports teams at School District U-46 will be eliminated to help reduce the district’s deficit for the 2009-10 year.
OUR VIEW
Although it’s regrettable that some athletes won’t be able to compete, the district is taking appropriate steps to confront a harsh reality.
SPEAK UP
What’s your advice for the School Board on how to overcome its deficit? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
Home sales have been on the rise in western suburbs. Is this a sign the economy is recovering?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
In debating whether we should abolish capital punishment, it’s important to decide which aspect of this story dominates — the psychopath who deserves the ultimate punishment or the wrongful conviction of two men. Is it better for us to enhance public safety by eliminating society’s most serious threats or to protect civil liberties by making sure innocent people are never put to death?
EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Ken Voegele of Geneva has been trying to evict the Schnaitman family from a home he owns in St. Charles.
OUR VIEW
The landlord hasn’t been acting in good faith. Does he really want to put a woman who just had a baby on the street?
SPEAK UP
Which side deserves more sympathy — the landlord who’s not getting full payments or the family that’s struggling through unusual circumstances? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
Wal-Mart submitted another revised plan for its expansion to the St. Charles Plan Commission. The Plan Commission is scheduled to vote on the measure Dec. 8. Should the St. Charles Plan Commission approve the newly revised proposal from Wal-Mart to expand?
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If there were a more effective way of weeding out ne’er-do-wells on the Internet, I’d strongly recommend using it. Such a mechanism would be helpful in identifying those who have good intentions and those who want to rip you off.
EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Pace Suburban Bus Service has planned various route cuts and fee hikes to make up for a shortage of state revenue.
OUR VIEW
Officials must find a way to ensure an ongoing source of funding if we’re to continue offering public transportation.
SPEAK UP
Did members of the Berwyn City Council make a wise decision to retire their old debt by issuing new bonds? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
A new report showed that the Wheaton Grand Theater project presented a greater risk to the Park District than previously believed. While withdrawing from being the primary partner in a $19 million plan to renovate the facility, Park District officials said they are open to other alternatives. Should the Park District continue to be involved with the theater project?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
School officials solicited ideas and implemented recommendations after six students died in seven years.
OUR VIEW
The district has created a positive and proactive environment for students facing difficult life challenges.
SPEAK UP
In what ways can the School District continue to maintain an environment suitable to preventing suicide? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
The Kane County Health Department last week canceled its remaining H1N1 clinics due to a shortage of the vaccines. People waited in long lines the week before at St. Charles North High School to receive the vaccine. Are you considering getting the swine flu vaccine either for yourself or your child?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Officials with the Glen Ellyn Public Library have requested a bond issue and tax hike to make repairs on their relatively new building.
OUR VIEW
It’s a shame that the original builder can’t be held accountable, but at least the library will use a watchdog to oversee the renovation.
SPEAK UP
Should the Glen Ellyn Village Board issue bonds and hike the tax levy to renovate the library’s roof? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
The Glen Ellyn Village Board finally approved its downtown redevelopment plan after a lengthy review process. Officials believe it will be a useful marketing tool, but others have called it wasteful. What measures would you like to see implemented first?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
The city has been asked to participate in a wind farm near Rochelle.
OUR VIEW
Though it would make up just a portion of overall electricity needs, wind is a clean and renewable source.
SPEAK UP
Should the city of Geneva agree to use energy derived from a wind farm in Rochelle? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
Several organizations in Geneva recently held events for Red Ribbon Week to help young people understand the dangers of drug usage. The week culminated in a candlelight vigil Oct. 25 at the Geneva City Hall. How else can community leaders mentor to youths about the hazards of drugs?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
The Kane County Health Department last week canceled its remaining H1N1 clinics due to a shortage of the vaccines. People waited in long lines the week before at St. Charles North High School to receive the vaccine. Are you considering getting the swine flu vaccine either for yourself or your child?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
Several organizations in Geneva recently held events for Red Ribbon Week to help young people understand the dangers of drug usage. The week culminated in a candlelight vigil Oct. 25 at the Geneva City Hall. How else can community leaders mentor to youths about the hazards of drugs?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
A new report showed that the Wheaton Grand Theater project presented a greater risk to the Park District than previously believed. While withdrawing from being the primary partner in a $19 million plan to renovate the facility, Park District officials said they are open to other alternatives. Should the Park District continue to be involved with the theater project?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
The Glen Ellyn Village Board finally approved its downtown redevelopment plan after a lengthy review process. Officials believe it will be a useful marketing tool, but others have called it wasteful. What measues would you like to see implemented first?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
The Westmont Village Board recently changed the time from 6 to 9 a.m. when business may start selling alcohol in town.
OUR VIEW
No one offered evidence that early morning drunks are patronizing local establishments, which will be hurt by the new law.
SPEAK UP
Should the Village Board reverse its decision and switch back to the 6 a.m. starting time for selling liquor? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
Officials with Maercker School in Westmont have been pleased so far with the results they’ve had implementing a program called Positive Behaviorial Interventions and Supports. The program gives students a new perspective on student behavior expectations by focusing on three key words — “respect,” “responsible” and “safe.” Do you think a program like this would work well in your school?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
EDITORIAL
THE ISSUE
Downers Grove officials have been slow to consider making changes to a sign ordinance passed in 2005.
OUR VIEW
Amending the ordinance would help some businesses, so the village should make this issue a priority.
SPEAK UP
Should members of the Downers Grove Village Council amend the town’s sign ordinance? Click here to tell us what you think of this. Or e-mail your comments here.
YOUR VIEW
In addition to more-frequent local editorials, our expanded opinions coverage features a forum seeking your take on a key issue being talked about around town. Here's the current topic:
Officials with Maercker School in Westmont have been pleased so far with the results they’ve had implementing a program called Positive Behaviorial Interventions and Supports. The program gives students a new perspective on student behavior expectations by focusing on three key words — “respect,” “responsible” and “safe.” Do you think a program like this would work well in your school?
Click here to leave a comment. You can also e-mail your comment here. Or leave a message at (630) 368-8882.
