But even after weeks of embarrassment over the allegations against our governor, which thrust Illinois into a national spotlight, it didn't exactly seem like a moment to celebrate.
Yes, Blagojevich is gone, and the Senate also voted that he would never be allowed to hold office again. But it was a sad day that the affairs in our state have come to this: That lawmakers would have to use their impeachment powers to remove a governor accused of widespread corruption.
Blagojevich's impassioned speech was convincing. He made his case as a caring, hard-working son of blue collar parents who had climbed his way to the top and could be accused only of pushing a little too hard to defend other hard-working people.
But his speech was too little and too late for lawmakers. They didn't forget the allegations by federal authorities that he tried to sell a U.S. Senate seat or the taped phonecalls they heard earlier in the week in which Blagojevich tried to orchestrate a large campaign contribution in exchange for his signature on a bill.
And despite begging in the national media for time to explain those tapes, as well as other allegations, Blagojevich didn't offer a full explanation when he had the chance.
Now, new Gov. Pat Quinn, who is known as a political outsider, steps in as the state's new governor. He and Blagojevich were elected on separate tickets, as required by Illinois law, but united as a team in the general election. And so, even though Quinn isn't always taken seriously by the political establishment, that probably makes him the best man for the job at this moment.
Let's hope. With the state's fiscal crisis, he has an enormous task in front of him.
But the bigger question is whether Illinois politicians will do anything to change the culture that brought our highest elected official to this point. It was easy to eliminate Blagojevich for his flaws that were so numbered and so glaring no one could argue. But will they expend as much effort cleaning up campaign finance laws and the underlying culture of corruption among politicians?
What did you think of the Senate hearings? Were you swayed by Blagojevich's words? And will Pat Quinn be able to handle the task set before him?
Comment about it here.
On a personal note, this will be my last blog entry for The Sun. I have enjoyed my time interacting with readers through this blog, but I am moving on to another opportunity.
]]>Lawmakers gathered in the ornate chambers of the Senate to embark upon one of the most solemn and momentous decisions many will face as elected officials. The upper chamber was filled at times with the sounds of the voice of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, often uttering profanities. Of course, it was a recorded voice taped in conversations that served as key evidence in determining whether he should be removed from office.
But the impeached governor ignored the proceedings in Springfield for most of the week and took his case to New York to the court of public opinion. He smiled for cameras, had his hair mussed by the women on The View and did more name dropping than an episode of Access Hollywood during his whirlwind media blitz to combat allegations of corruption.
The side show provided some amusing TV for the rest of the nation and fodder for network comedians. How will the writers at Saturday Night Live be able to resist at least a few more skits featuring Blagojevich when he provides such great material?
But here in Illinois, it grew more embarrassing by the day to be associated with our highest elected official. If our state's reputation for producing corrupt politicians wasn't bad enough, now we also can claim a governor who suffers from delusions of grandeur.
If Blagojevich could stick to his script, he actually might be able to generate some sympathy.
He contended that he couldn't get a fair trial in the Illinois Senate because he wasn't allowed to provide a defense or call witnesses. He said he boycotted the hearings because he was fighting for the Constitutional rights of all Americans by standing up for "due process".
But then he had to compare himself to "Mr. Smith", the movie hero who is falsely accused but uses his idealism and determination to conquer injustice. He went on to admit that he envisions himself as someone like George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life".
"This is like an old Frank Capra movie," Blagojevich said. "Whether it's Jimmy Stewart or Gary Cooper, I do, I see myself in those movies."
Really? Say no more. Please?
But he did.
He compared himself to highly-regarded figures like Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King and Ghandi, all who suffered persecution for their beliefs. And if that wasn't bad enough, he brought up Mother Teresa and suggested he wanted to appoint Oprah Winfrey to the U.S. Senate.
The Senate most likely will vote to remove Blagojevich from office this week. That move would be devastating for most governors. But Blagojevich will probably only see it as further proof that he is a persecuted idealist struggling for the protection of countless falsely accused political visionaries.
If that were true, then perhaps he could explain what he was really trying to say during the taped phone conversations that were being played in excruciating detail in the Senate chambers. If he were fighting for the rights of Illinois residents, perhaps he could have showed respect for the seriousness and magnitude of the trial by spending as much time in Springfield, as he did with talk show hosts.
It won't be as easy to avoid a criminal trial if federal prosecutors pursue a case against him.
Until then, it looks like Blagojevich will plead his case in the court of public opinion. Even with the charges piled against him, he is still innocent until proven guilty. Most residents will give him that.
But if bringing ridicule and embarrassment to the state were a crime, Blagojevich's case would be closed by now.
]]>But he has a busy day planned. He'll be hitting the talk show circuit from morning to night in a public relations blitz arranged by his new PR firm, the same publicity agency used by Bolingbrook resident Drew Peterson.
Here's a line-up of the governor's TV appearances:
* NBC Today Show (NBC), 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
* Good Morning America (ABC), 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
* The View (ABC), 10 a.m.
* Larry King Live (CNN), 8 p.m.
The governor is traveling to New York for live interviews on all of the shows except the Today Show. In the previously taped segment, Blagojevich compares himself to Martin Luther King, Ghandi and Nelson Mandela.
Statements like that have already brought several public officials, including Mayor Richard Daley, to declare the governor is off his rocker. But this story speculates that he's not necessarily crazy, he might just possess a narcissistic personality disorder.
]]>I couldn't believe all of the potholes. All of that freezing and melting, along with the grating of the snowplow blades really took a toll on area roadways. Sections of Boughton Road are marked by holes, cracks and ridges, along with many other major streets around town.
It reminds me of the overall state of life here in The Brook.
Like many towns in America, the economic storm that has blanketed the country has caused some wear and tear on the village. Residents are feeling the pain of lay-offs, store closings and home foreclosures. We've been battered, but definitely not torn apart.
According to Mayor Roger Claar, Bolingbrook fared the storm in 2008 much better than many other areas of the country. The village still attracted new businesses to town, opened the first new hospital in 25 years, and created new jobs, Claar said during his State of the Village address last week. Still, more than 370,000 feet of retail space sits empty, he said.
Claar also said Bolingbrook will be featured on a CNN business segment because of the town's recognition by Money Magazine as the 32nd best place to live in the United States. For those who live here, did it feel like you were living in one of the top cities in the country or have you been hard hit by the challenges facing our nation?
Out on the streets, it's too early for construction crews to fill the potholes. There's still too much cold weather ahead.
But this week, it was bright and sunny, and the sun reflecting off the snow provided a radiant glow around town. Once the snow has melted, we'll see how much repair is necessary. Hopefully, brighter days are on the way.
What do you think? Did Bolingbrook make it through 2008 as well as the mayor says we did? Do you see Bolingbrook as one of the best places in the country to live or as a town in need of repair? What areas show the most need for improvement? Comment about it here.
]]>More than a million people gathered in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 44th president's inauguration where he was treated as much like a rock star as a political figure.
The Obamamania included unprecedented sales of T-shirts, mugs and knick-knacks bearing the image of the new president. Onlookers traveled from across the country to witness the inauguration and struggled to get a glimpse of the man many admire as if he were part political figure, part movie star, part super hero.
He took the oath in the face of what he called "raging storms" in America, including an economic crisis, terrorist threats against our nation, job losses, failing schools and rising health care costs.
Americans, as well as citizens of other nations, are looking to this new president as the leader who can calm the turbulent waters and restore this country to a place of prosperity and peace.
Will Barack Obama be able to live up to those expectations?
Like about 46 percent of Americans, I didn't support Obama during the presidential race. My reasoning had to do with his level of experience in handling the tremendous challenges that face this country.
But now that he is the president -- our president -- it is time for the nation to get behind him. He certainly brings to Americans a quality that is the first step in turning the tide of discontent: His message of hope, which so many people have embraced.
"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord," Obama said during his inaugural address.
Today was a historic day, whether one believed in Obama or backed another candidate. He is the nation's first African-American president. He brings youth and a change of attitude to the White House. He has united and energized many Americans who look to him not only as a president, but also as a role model.
Will he be able to accomplish all that he has promised? There certainly will be areas where many citizens will disagree on the course of action this new president wants to take.
But if he can create unity, if he can restore a vision of this nation as a world leader, if he can give people back that "American dream", each one of us can only benefit if he does succeed.
]]>But for those who sense the village has been skimping on its snow removal, local officials say it isn't true.
Unlike other cities that have cut back on salt or snow plowing due to economic constraints, Bolingbrook is putting the same effort into snow removal that it has for years, said Michael Drey, director of public works.
"We haven't changed anything," he said. "Has the snow fall changed? Yes."
The 52 inches of snow that fell last winter was a record high. More than 30 inches have fallen so far this winter.
Some Bolingbrook residents say snow plows haven't been keeping up:
"We've lived here since 1999 and the village did a great job, until last year," said one reader who submitted an e-mail comment last week to my blog. "I realize that we've had a lot of snow, and side streets come after main streets. However, it is obvious there's some scrimping going on."
This reader said he recently drove through Naperville and Downers Grove where streets were plowed and salted.
"I got to my sidestreet (Rebecca Lane) and it was like going back in time 12 hours," he wrote.
Drey said the village uses a prioritized method of plowing the streets, focusing on the main roadways first.
Crews start by cleaning main arteries, like Boughton, Briarcliff, Weber, Schmidt and Rockhurst roads, along with Rt. 53, Remington Boulevard, Veterans Parkway and Lily Cache Lane. Next come secondary streets, including Apple Valley Road, Augusta Boulevard, Palmer Drive, Orchard Drive, Cumberland Lane, Lee Lane, Northridge Avenue and Old Chicago Drive, to name a few.
Finally, they tackle the side streets. With each snowfall, crews reverse the order in which they plow the smaller streets, so if one area was first with the previous snow fall, it will be last the next time.
In areas that aren't plowed until later, the snow sometimes is packed by the time village crews are able to work on those streets, Drey said.
The entire village usually can be plowed in about 12 to 13 hours after the snow stops, he said.
Residents can call the village Snow Command phone number at (630) 226-8820 if they have any concerns about snow removal. Residents use the line to report mailboxes hit by plows, streets that haven't been plowed, and other snow-related concerns.
If crews are out on the streets, a receptionist will take the messages and report them to public works crews.
While salt prices have risen in recent years, Drey said the village has actually increased its supply to account for the growing amount of snow. Workers apply salt to all of the streets, but try to use it sparingly on the side streets because of the environmental impact when it melts into area waterways.
The village also mixes a solution of beet juice, calcium chloride and salt brine to coat the streets before the first snowfall. The mixture helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road and increases the salt's effectiveness as temperatures drop below 20 degrees, at which point salt will no longer melt the ice.
How do you think the village is doing with snow removal this year? Comment about it on my blog at http://blogs.suburbanchicagonews.com/neal.
Also online, post a comment with your street and I will let you know if your street is considered a main artery, secondary street or side street.
]]>After the historic 114-1 vote, Blagojevich said the move was expected and ignored requests to resign from office.
Illinois has been thrust into the national spotlight since the Dec. 9 arrest of Blagojevich on federal corruption charges, including allegations he tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat held by President-elect Barack Obama.
When the Senate convenes next week, it will begin the process of setting up a trial in which the the 59 members of the upper chamber will act as judge and jurors. If removed from office, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would be named the state's new chief executive.
So, what do you think about all of this? It seems that Blagojevich is taking it all in stride. In fact, a Chicago Tribune photographer snapped a photo of him jogging about the same time the House was debating his fate.
With one former governor in prison on corruption charges and a sitting governor facing federal charges, will Illinois be able to restore its reputation as the home of a more honest forefather who gave us the name the "Land of Lincoln"?
And what about Roland Burris who seems to be finding his way into the U.S. Senate, despite all the promises by Democrats that they wouldn't seat anyone appointed by Blagojevich?
Could Illinois' political situation be in any more turmoil? At least one person is hoping this will all blow over as soon as possible: Obama. He would like to scoot through the inauguration without this dark cloud hanging over his home state.
]]>It was all for a good cause. It was his resolution to change the way our home receives the signal we use to watch TV.
As our family prepares for the Feb. 17 date when all TV signals will be broadcast in digital, we are getting ready for the high-tech move by going backward in time. We joined a growing number of households installing an old technology to input the signal: a TV antenna.
While the old-fashioned "rabbit ears" and the gangly metal antennas sprouting out of rooftops have become a thing of the past, many homeowners are tapping back into these relics to grab signals that not only are higher quality, but also greater in number.
It's also a way to say good-bye to that monthly bill from Comcast, Dish Network, or whatever subscription service homeowners are using. That was our primary motivation.
We don't watch many channels anyway, but experts are predicting that unlike the old days when a roof-top antenna might bring in a handful of stations, households now could receive about 30 channels for free. Our new antenna brings in 28 channels, including the major networks, Me TV, ME Too, kids' channel Qubo, weather and local TV.
The new digital transmission is much higher in quality, so TVs that use only an antenna can get clear reception of many channels that previously weren't available without cable or satellite service.
Whether Bolingbrook residents are planning to install an antenna or go the other direction and upgrade to cable or HDTV, it's time to get prepared for the transition to digital television, which will take effect in less than six weeks.
These are the key points to remember:
1. An old analog TV will still work after the transition. TV viewers do not have to buy a more expensive HDTV.
2. Those who have an analog TV and already subscribe to cable or satellite, should be fine. The cable or satellite company will be handling the transition automatically.
3. If residents plan to use an antenna to pick up over-the-air signals with an analog TV, they need to purchase a converter box to translate the digital signal for the older TV.
4. TV viewers can obtain a coupon for the converter box through the federal government. Just log on to www.dtv2009.gov to order the $40 coupons, which are available two per household. But act fast! Officials are reporting that it takes six weeks to receive the coupons and that they have almost issued all that were available. The coupons also expire after only 90 days, and with the rush to buy converter boxes, some people have found that the coupons expired before they could find a box in stores.
5. For those with a digital television, an antenna will catch the signal of many channels, without a converter box or cable subscription. The reception, however, often depends on a home's proximity to a broadcast station.
6. Even in homes with a digital TV, those who still want to use an older VHS recorder will need a converter box to decode the signal for the recorder.
For more information, check the following links:
The Digital TV Transition: What You Need to Know about DTV
Digital TV Transition: A Complete Guide
A Guide to the 2009 DTV Transition
10 things you need to know about the digital TV switch
]]>So after two weeks of denial and trying to will my inner ear to stop aching, I was a little beyond crabby when I finally went to the doctor today and got a prescription for Amoxicillin.
Ms. Grumpy turned to Ms. Happy when I dropped the little white form off at the pharmacy at Meijer before grabbing some groceries.
"This is included in our free antibiotic program," the pharmacist said. "You don't owe us anything."
I'm sorry. I have some fluid in my ears. "Did you say free?"
Yep.
I had seen the advertisements in the store for free antibiotics.
I assumed they meant "free" as in "free with $100 worth of groceries". Or maybe "free with 10 pounds of hamburger and 6 pounds of bananas". Or perhaps "free to the first 10 people who enter the store before 6 a.m. on Saturday."
That kind of free?
Nope.
The grocery store chain offers for free the leading oral generic antibiotics with a special focus on prescriptions more often filled for children. From a marketing standpoint, it has to be a great way to get families to bring their prescriptions to the store, and purchase those more expensive medicines while they are there.
"You owe $0.00."
Hmm.
Music to my ears.
]]>But residents who love to shop for bargains and want to support a good cause can get their garage sale fix this weekend.
The Community Service Council will hold its 17th annual indoor garage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Performing Arts Stage in the back of Town Center at 375 W. Briarcliff Road.
All proceeds from the sale will go to Operation Christmas, which provides food, clothing, toys and household goods to families in need during the holiday season.
For information or to donate something for the sale, call 630-226-8429 or 630-759-7832.
]]>What do you think? Will authorities solve either the 2007 disappearance of Stacy Peterson or the 2004 drowning death of Kathleen Savio?
"I'm very positive. I'm very encouraged by the work the police have done," said Glasgow, in a recent news story. "We are not at a dead end by any stretch of the imagination."
A grand jury that has been investigating the cases for 14 months will resume hearing evidence early this year. Stacy Peterson is the fourth wife of ex-Bolingbrook cop Drew Peterson, who has been the subject of national media attention since the 23-year-old mom disappeared in October 2007. Savio, who was found dead in the bathtub of her Bolingbrook home, was Peterson's third wife.
]]>But what would you like to see happening in Bolingbrook in the new year? If you were in charge, what would you add to your list of New Year's resolutions for the village? Click the comments link at the top of the page to leave your thoughts.
A couple of major additions that are slated for The Brook in 2009 are already in the works. The Hidden Oaks Nature Center, a $5 million interpretive education center, is scheduled to be completed in the summer. And construction crews will break ground on a new library, featuring a green park theme, a larger children's area, more computer services and even a cafe.
An economic upswing, an end to political corruption and even some world peace certainly would be welcome. But let's think a little more locally. Here are a few items I would love to see at the top of the agenda of village officials:
Peterson case
I realize law enforcement officers can't exactly snap their fingers and suddenly find clues in an ongoing investigation. But wouldn't it be great if they could solve the case of missing mom Stacy Peterson?
Whether she really did run off, as her husband asserts, or if police find that she is dead, I'm sure it would give her family and friends some peace to know what happened to the 23-year-old wife of former Police Sgt. Drew Peterson.
The community also could, once and for all, either let Peterson get on with his life (if he is not accused of any wrongdoing), or authorities could finally move forward with the case. I'm just not sure I can handle much more of the national media leading its news coverage with camera crews swarming Peterson's home to report such important news as who the Bolingbrook resident is dating.
Road construction
OK. We have lived on the west side of town for almost eight years now. And that entire time, we have seen signs promising an extension of Kings Road to the south, along with a 95th Street extension to the north.
Could this please happen already?
I would like to argue that the lack of the extension to the north is a public safety concern. When Naper Blvd. floods to the north of Boughton Road, as it often does with any heavy rainfall, residents have to use Plainfield-Naperville Road to drive north. Although traffic isn't as bad now that Plainfield-Naperville Road has added two more lanes, it would still be nice to have another route to 95th Street.
And being able to access the subdivisions south of 111th Street via Kings Road would be much faster than driving out to Weber Road.
Outdoor recreation
Park officials have done an excellent job providing a vast array of parks and paths for biking and walking. Bolingbrook also is a prime residential area if you love to golf, with both the high-end Bolingbrook Golf Club in town, as well as the park-district's nine-hole course at Boughton Ridge.
But with all of the green space in Bolingbrook, I would love to see a few more creative outdoor recreation opportunities. Maybe a few sledding hills or an outdoor ice skating rink like those that are part of the Naperville Park District. A model airplane flying field, a disc golf course or some real off-road mountain biking trails would be a few ideas.
Shopping
Bolingbrook officials have been talking for years about developing the land near the south end of Weber Road that is slated for a new and improved Wal-Mart. I would love to hear about this project moving forward.
And while we're on the topic of shopping, I would like to make one personal request. If village officials continue with their remarkable efforts to bring top-name stores to The Brook, how about an Old Navy? I would love to have a few more choices when it comes to buying clothes for the whole family.
Mayor Roger Claar will be giving his State of the Village address on Jan. 15 in which he will update local residents on the status of the economy, housing and new business development. He often gives some scoops on what is planned in the new year, as well.
What would you like to hear included in his speech? Comment about it here.
Blagojevich is accused by federal prosecutors of trying to sell the Senate seat in exchange for campaign cash, a job or appointment for himself or his wife. Democratic leaders in the Senate have promised they would not seat any appointment made by the embattled governor.
Burris, 71, had not previously been considered a serious contender for the spot. Blagojevich will make the news official this afternoon at a 2 p.m. news conference.
What do you think of this latest move by the Illinois governor who already has been disgraced after his arrest on federal charges and could also be impeached by a legislative committee currently discussing his fate? Should Burris go along with this appointment?
Is Blagojevich just trying to make a statement that he is still in charge? What is your reaction to his latest move? Comment about it here.
]]>First came the snow storm, then the ice storm and freezing temps, then the big meltdown, complete with flooding and threats of thunder storms. After a week of gazing out the window at various forms of precipitation, this week should give kids a chance to get out and burn off some energy before returning to school in January.
Here are a few ideas of activities right here in The Brook:
Wacky Water Week at Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park is 12:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Games and activities are planned to a theme that changes each day.
Rocket Ice Arena has special holiday-themed skating events each day this week. Don't miss skating with Woody and Buzz on Tuesday or the Disco Skate on Wednesday.
Fountaindale Public Library is featuring a craft related to famous authors as part of its Winter Break Fun programming.
And if the freezing temperatures kept your family away from the Symphony in Lights production at The Promenade, you still have time to see the show each evening at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. through Dec. 31.
]]>But I have a feeling today will be more of a stay inside and enjoy-what-you-do-have kind of a day for many people.
Sure. The price cuts are enticing. But even with the message boards along Boughton Road asking shoppers to spend their money locally, it seems many people simply don't have much money to spend.
How about you? Will you be heading out in search of some great deals this weekend?
This holiday season has seen a dramatic shift from years past. We have been such a society of consumers, making room for gadgets and tools to fit every whim in our fully-equipped kitchens, professionally-stocked workshops and full-to-the-brim playrooms.
Toymakers this year even came up with the biggest, most elaborate big-ticket items to wow a generation of children who seem to have it all.
I couldn't believe the life-size stuffed pony large enough for a child to ride on display in several stores. The $250 plush pony has moving eyes, ears and a swishing tail and responds to a child's voice. Then there were toys like Pleo the Camarasaurus Dinosaur, which is described as a remote-control lifelike "pet", sold for $260.
Nice to marvel at in the store, but those kind of gifts weren't going to happen this year. (Not that we would have room in our house anyway.)
But all of this lack of shopping is taking its toll on businesses not only nationwide, but also right here in The Brook. The Office Depot on Weber Road is the third major retailer on the west side of town to announce it's going out of business. Circuit City and Linens N Things are in the final stages of their store closing markdowns.
Restaurants also are feeling the crunch. Woodlands Grill at The Promenade announced it will be going out of business, following chain-restaurants Bennigan's, Joe's Crab Shack and Applebees, which all have closed in the last year.
If retailers are having this much trouble now, during what is supposed to be the busiest shopping season of the year, what will the new year bring? What do you think?
Did you reduce your spending this Christmas, and what did you do differently? Do you see the economy improving any time soon? Post your comments here.
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