New Islamic Center mosque a welcome addition to city
The Islamic Center of Naperville has been an integral part of the community for 30 years. Our Muslim friends contribute to our town in many impactful ways as physicians, educators, community leaders, and most importantly, as our children’s friends.
For the past 20 years I have lived in Olesen Estates, and frequently pass by the center while out walking. I have seen firsthand the growing need for a new mosque. The facility’s parking lot is woefully inadequate and attendees must park on Olesen Drive in inclement weather and cross over to get to the center.
By mere observation, the community has grown through the years and a larger facility is rightfully needed to accommodate the growth.
Friday afternoons are when our friends at ICN worship, during non-peak hours. Traffic is resolved promptly and efficiently. Attendees I have passed through the years have always been courteous and respectful. There are no issues with noise or loudspeakers coming from the center.
I wholeheartedly support the ICN 248 Mosque Project. The new facility will help meet the needs of our growing local Muslim community. It will also provide public outreach, programs and services to our friends of all faiths.
This will strengthen our local interfaith community and build a more inclusive Naperville.
Lyndsey Kasson Kokoris, Naperville
State not being fair in deciding who gets vaccine first
Gov. Pritzker and Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, should explain why the “frontline essential workers” defined in Phase 1B of the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan are not the same as those defined under Section 12 of the governor’s March 2020 Executive Order 2020-10.
For example, I am thinking of the technicians, tradespeople and engineers who kept power plants and water and wastewater treatment plants operating and continued to work on infrastructure projects. They are just some of the people who had to keep doing their work in person at risk to themselves and their families.
However, these hard-working folks are somewhere in the back of the line, behind jail inmates. We must show compassion to all but we must be fair and not reward those who are where they are for making bad decisions.
The governor and Dr. Ezike owe the taxpayers, particularly all of those deemed essential, on the equity and speed of this vaccination process.
TIm Stohner, Naperville
Getting vaccines delivered swiftly must be state’s goal
After reading an article in last week’s Naperville Sun, I have some advice for our governor, who is responsible for the COVID-19 inoculation program throughout Illinois.
Please make getting shots more quickly delivered your A-1 priority before additional lives are lost.
I plead with you to hire additional pharmacists, redeploy the Illinois National Guard to additional drive-thru sites and study Portillo’s as an example of how to move vaccine recipients quickly through a drive-thru facility. Priority needs to start with the eldest and comorbid citizens and any remaining unvaccinated first responders and elder care facility residents.
Do not arbitrarily add a group of two million younger, more fit individuals to the line.
Petition the federal administration to work with Johnson & Johnson to review their application for emergency approval of the third vaccine. And prepare to handle the uptick in available participants when it is approved.
Remember, your constituents have already been waiting for over a year for the vaccine to be administered. Let’s get it done!
Joseph Sheahan, Naperville
U.S. support of foreign aid reduces global volatility
From the military coup in Myanmar to the protests in Russia, instability has increased around the globe. This uncertainty on the world stage has contributed to the growth of violence and crime.
When we as a nation consciously allow for fragile states to be taken advantage of by radicalism, terrorism and criminals, we indirectly contribute to global volatility and hurt the defense of our own nation.
The United States has maintained its standing on the foreign stage through not only its military but also through its proficiency in diplomacy and aid. Strategic development assistance is not charity — it is a modern tool of national security.
As former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge best explained it, “Development and diplomacy protect our nation by addressing the root causes of terrorism and conflict … and boosts the economy here at home.”
I want to thank U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth for her continued efforts to support an adequately funded foreign aid budget. Her stance has allowed American soldiers to come home safely. I hope she will extend her support for increasing the foreign aid budget in the coming year and continue to alter the lives of many for the better.
Jaisnav Rajesh, Naperville
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