Most recent greeting posted at top. Many Greetings to PN also are linked to online stories. Thanks for keeping greetings brief.
July 30, 2013 / Public Pension System Reform: Taxpayers should be watching with great interest the ongoing work of the special committee of the Illinois General Assembly wrestling with the tough, but essential issue of pension reform. While we are encouraged by early reports of the committee’s work, it does not dent the frustration of millions of Illinoisans who believe the time for reform was long, long ago.
However, taxpayers should also be well aware that a large number of Illinois legislators have already stood up for them by supporting strong pension reform legislation. They have taken the tough vote to restore economic sanity to the State’s finances by voting for meaningful bills. Unfortunately, too many of their colleagues to date have taken the easy way out and we are still awaiting passage of a reform bill.
Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno, Sen. Jim Oberweis, Sen, Michael Connelly, House GOP Leader Tom Cross, Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, Rep. Kay Hatcher, Rep. Jeanne Ives, Rep. Ron Sandack, and Rep. Darlene Senger deserve immense credit for voting for real pension reform. They voted for billions of dollars of savings for current taxpayers and future generations. Illinois simply cannot return to fiscal stability without stabilizing the worst-funded pension system in the nation. They recognized this reality and acted responsibly on behalf of their constituents.
As our unemployment rate continues as the second highest in the nation, taxpayers are right to question our legislature’s ability to address the critical issues facing our state. But remember, many individual legislators such as Senate GOP Leader Christine Radogno, Sen. Jim Oberweis, Sen, Michael Connelly, House GOP Leader Tom Cross, Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, Rep. Kay Hatcher, Rep. Jeanne Ives, Rep. Ron Sandack, and Rep. Darlene Senger have already stood up. They simply need more help. —Todd Maisch, Executive Vice President, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Regarding Cock Robin “Be One in a Million” t-shirts: Thanks soooo much. This is awesome. Such cool memories. —Suzanne King
Look out for Motorcyclists! There is a rapidly growing movement among states to pass laws regulating distracted driving. These include prohibitions against cell phone calls, texting, reading, eating, etc.
I wish that passing a law prevented the subject actions, but that doesn’t necessarily happen, does it? Have you tried driving at the speed limit on a Chicago area expressway lately? Let me ask that instead of thinking “don’t do this” we act positively. We always make driving, being aware of the situation around us our prime focus. Some people can eat a sandwich without taking their eyes and mind off the road. If you can’t, don’t do it.
I have a personal reason for asking. A vehicle turned left in front of me while I was riding my motorcycle last month. I managed to avoid hitting them, but I did go down. No permanent damage, but it still will be awhile before I feel great.
Please start seeing motorcycles! You don’t ever want to see a motorcyclist lying on the pavement knowing you caused it. —Jim Vahle, Naperville
To the Community: Opening night (July 3, 2013) was really a good test for the new layout and accommodations at Ribfest. An observation from the Info Tent and many ventures into the sponsor and general public crowds, I have to honestly say the Naperville Exchange Club’s Ribfest Organizing Committee has done a terrific and professional job!!! Everyone was happy!! Sponsors loved the larger area! The music was outstanding, the ribs were great and the beer was cold!! Too bad all of the organizers and supporting sponsors can’t stand at the exit of the Sponsor’s Area and get thanked by departing patrons as I’m able to do!! — Fred McEwen, Exchange Club Member and Ribfest Volunteer
To All Veterans: During my first legislative session in Springfield, I was honored to pass several pieces of legislation to assist veterans. One of which was to create a task force on women veterans’ issues that will report its findings to the General Assembly on an annual basis. The task force legislation was approved by the General Assembly and awaits the governor’s signature. … As State Representative, and a former U.S. Marine, one of my top priorities is to provide veterans with access to services they deserve. An increasing number of women did serve or are serving in our military resulting in a pressing need to ensure resources are designed to benefit women veterans as well as all our veterans.
To assist women veterans, I am hosting a Women Veterans’ Fair with State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia and State Senator Linda Holmes. The fair will be held in the multi-purpose room at Waubonsee Community College’s Aurora Campus, located at 18 S. River St. in Aurora on Thursday, July 18 from 5:30 to 8:30PM. … This free event will focus on bringing business, educational, and networking opportunities to women veterans and their families. Although the primary focus is on women veterans, I would encourage all veterans to attend.
I will continue to advocate on behalf of all veterans in Springfield. In addition, I will look for ways to bring more veteran related resources into our community. If I can help connect you or someone you love with services for veterans or information about any state issues, please contact me at my constituent service office at (630) 585-1308 or via email at Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net. —Semper Fi, Stephanie Kifowit, State Representative 84th District
Editor’s Note: Rockin’ for the Troops is another way to support veterans’ unmet needs here and where the American military serve in harm’s way. Hosted again by Operation Support Our Troops America, the 8th annual concert will be held Sat., July 20, at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Posted here is a personal interview by PN Columnist Scott “Dr. Music” Itter with Rockin’ headliner, Ronnie Dunn.
To Columnist Ed Channell of ‘Ed’s Many Hats’: Ed, you should be so very, very proud!!! Congrats to Todd , Haley & you! —Tom O’Donnell
To PN Facebook regarding Ohio Tourism Booth at Ribfest Expo: As an Ohioan up until 2 years ago when I moved here to wonderful Naperville, this (exhibit from Ohio) was great to see! Except we Buckeyes would write it OH…IO for our beloved OSU. Even if you never went there you still know it. In fact that’s how you can find a fellow Ohioan in a crowd, just yell OH and wait till someone yells back IO… normally spelling it out with there arms above their head! —Justin Schweitzer
To PN: Eu (heart shape) os EUA….Naperville! (Translation: I love the U.S.A…. Naperville! —Claudia Gonçalves Satolo, Brazil