Editor’s Note: Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-2460.
Teed off about weeds: I’m calling about the property on Lake Street just off Downer Place in Aurora. Why can’t one of the city departments funded by my tax dollars get rid of the junk and overgrown weeds that are all over the public sidewalk? This place has been a mess for two years. I can’t believe the city is this incompetent.
Troubled about trash pickup: I’m calling in regards to Aurora’s trash pickup. I noticed that some people are not putting out trash bins. I found out it’s because they don’t have an account and thus don’t have trash bins. What are they doing with their garbage? Putting it with someone else’s garbage? Throwing it along the side of the road? Obviously they are not paying for trash pickup, are they? The city thought it just would be put on our taxes, everyone would pay, and everyone would get trash bins.
Stray dog dilemma: It’s pathetic that a city the size of Aurora has such a cruel and disgusting animal control facility. It’s great that last year 1,674 dogs found homes, but what about the 254 dogs that didn’t make it out alive? Maybe they need more than 61 cages.
Hungry for food trucks: I’m calling about the person who was all for food trucks. I am in agreement with the caller. We need them. They are not going to hurt the restaurants in Aurora. We could use them around the parks. And what is this about kids getting free school supplies while their parents are sitting in newer cars, getting food stamps, and living the life?
Rauner has rich agenda: I’m calling about Governor Rauner. I hope all of you who voted him into office are very happy. You must be rich like he is because he doesn’t care about the regular common people. He won’t pass the budget. He only passes things that suit his needs. Now what are we going to do about Donald Trump? I think we need him, and we need a mayor who thinks like Trump. Sorry, folks. If you want to be here, become citizens. My folks came through Ellis Island and became citizens of the United States.
End gang problems: This is about all these gangs who go around shooting each other and upsetting people who are not in gangs. Instead of throwing them in our prisons and feeding them, clothing them and giving them medical care, pack them all up and take them to an island or a desert. Throw them all down there, no matter how many there are, and let them shoot each other with no place to hide. Quit involving the innocent citizens in our towns.
Wild behavior does not warrant shooting: I read a Speak Out by someone who thinks it’s all right to shoot people for jumping on cars. All I can say is thank God this person is not a police officer.
Road, slide open: Regarding the speak out against the Slide the City Algonquin road closure. Illinois Route 31 was not closed. North Main Street, a local owned road was. No funny business going on.
No vote for Trump: So Jim Gibson thinks Donald Trump is a swell guy. That’s nice. I will still not vote for him.
A traditional church: A subscriber had expressed interest in a traditional church with young members. My family has belonged to Bethlehem Lutheran Church since 1973. It is a beautiful building at 401W. Main Street in Dundee. The traditional services are Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8 a.m. A contemporary service is held at 10:30 a.m. just west of the main church. As a sign of the times, more older people attend the traditional services. We at Bethlehem L.C. have been blessed to find a minister who is truly a man of God, which is reflected in his services. Pastor James Murr deserves a full house of worshipers. Come worship with us.
Memorial defaced: Do the members of the North Aurora village board know or even care that the memorial on Willow Way to the late Chief Edward Kelley has been defaced? Someone using a sharp object has deliberately punched holes in his face. The Veterans Memorial on the same property is well maintained. Why isn’t the memorial to the man who donated the property also well maintained? So, North Aurora, will you now repair, replace or do nothing?
Protests today differ from 1960s marches: The “Black Lives Matter” organization is doing itself no favors by refusing to allow presidential candidates to talk. They interrupt speakers thinking they are doing something really great. They are bullies. They don’t really care about the real problems in black communities. You won’t see them marching in the poor areas of Chicago where more black lives are lost compared to lives lost due to bad police officers. They are not about black lives. They are all about disrupting and power. They are so unlike Martin Luther King with his peaceful marches during the ’60s.
