Opinion

Illinois politics is always fraught with controversy and this year’s version of the “silly season” is starting off no differently than in the past. Submitting petitions to get a name on the ballot is step one in the process. Candidate petitions are now under scrutiny to make sure the candidates are following the process to get on the ballot.

Staying informed is a necessary part of writing this column. Sometimes I come across information I’m not looking for. As a past member of Joliet’s commission that was charged with finding the most cost effective and sustainable alternative water source for Joliet residents, I was surprised when I read an opinion piece that appeared in Crain’s Chicago Business. It was titled: “Should Chicago consider more public-private partnerships?”

There is nothing good to be said about the Devil. If you don’t believe me, check out Bible. Or just turn on the television for a reporting of the evil he spreads throughout the world. You will likely see his picture, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia.

While the pandemic is by no means over, Covid-19 isn't the only threat to public health we face. In fact, it might not even be our most serious challenge. Despite the tragic loss of over a thousand American lives to the virus each day, case counts have dropped dramatically, and hospitalizations and deaths are falling too.

At long last, the end of mask mandates has been achieved. Not in all sectors, but most people will no longer be required to don the mask in most indoor spaces. Given the state of the world, the financial challenges in many government jurisdictions, and the trials and tribulations of the human condition, one would think we have put Armageddon behind us and have moved into the almost perfect society. “Free at last, free at last” to quote Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Over the top? Absolutely, but given all the press concentration regarding wearing masks, including the demonstrations against mask mandates, the threats to some elected and non-elected officials, the “free our children from masks” protests and traffic disruptions by some truckers, the King quote seems fitting.

In America we pursue the occupation of our choice. That doesn’t mean we always like our jobs, but we can choose to pursue another career or several different careers. We can choose our state, community, and house. That doesn’t mean we can easily afford to live where we choose but we are free to pursue life in another neighborhood if we want to work toward such a move.

It is with profound joy that I write these words today: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been nominated to become our nation’s first Black woman Supreme Court Justice. From a pool of outstanding Black women attorneys, jurists and legal scholars, President Biden has chosen Judge Jackson for her stellar credentials and brilliant legal mind. We are overjoyed by this nomination; now the Senate needs to move quickly to confirm her.

In December 2022, baseball’s “Today’s Game Committee” will consider Bonds’ candidacy. That committee consists of 16 members from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, executives, and veteran media members. The group forms an electorate that considers players no longer eligible for election by the BBWAA. Photo Caption: Barry Bonds’ Career Statistics: 2,986 games played; 2,227 runs scored; 2,935 hits; 601 doubles; 77 triples; 762 home runs; 514 stolen bases; 2,558 walks; 688 intentional walks; .298 batting average; .444 on base percentage; .607 slugging percentage; 1.051 OPS. (Photo: Barry heads to left field after driving in 2 with a single in the 3rd, July 21, 2007. Wikimedia Commons / flickr)

After a long period of analysis and discussion, Village of Romeoville staff and consultants presented their recommendation to the Village Board to join the Regional Water Commission as the source for Lake Michigan water. Romeoville would join Channahon, Crest Hill, Joliet, Minooka, Rockdale (through Joliet), and Shorewood in this new commission. Due to the Illinois Water Survey finding, Romeoville was found to be one of the municipalities in the surrounding area that could see a rise in water demand beyond what is available by 2050. Because of these findings, several new water sources were explored. River options were eliminated because the water was unsustainable and the cost to treat the water would be too high. Other Lake Michigan sources were eliminated due to cost and other factors. “This was a lengthy process, but I greatly appreciate all the hard work our team has done in evaluating the best water option for the Village,” said Mayor John Noak.

The Will County Veterans Assistance Commission (WCVAC) was formed about 30 years ago by a group of veterans that determined the needs of Will County veterans were being underserved. Legislation is on the books that provides the means for a Veterans Assistance Commission to be made up from the various veterans’ organizations in Will County such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and other Congressionally chartered veteran organizations. The Veterans Assistance Commission is a separate County Governmental Agency that is operated by and for veterans. The formation of a WCVAC is authorized under The Military Veterans Assistance Act, 330 ILCS 45. According to the Act, Will County is the primary source of funding for the WCVAC. In simple language, the county provides funding based on the needs of the veteran community in Will County determined by the WCVAC board and submitted to Will County for implementation.