Mayor’s right — time to end ‘political’ mask mandate
The Naperville Sun has published two Letters to the Editor recently supporting the governor’s indoor mask mandate: “Mayor’s support of lifting mask mandate makes no sense” and “Mayor acting like a child in push to end mask mandate.” They are in reference to Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico advocating for an end to this policy. I support the mayor’s position for the reasons described below.
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The pandemic is now an endemic. The only reason the indoor mask mandate is in effect in Illinois is for “control.” That is something the Illinois governor thrives on. Vaccines have been abundantly available for many months — those that wish to get them can.
Additionally, there are several therapeutics now available. If a person is vulnerable for any reason, it is up to them to wear a mask if desired. It is clearly not the responsibility of fully vaccinated people anymore.
One writer suggested that we need to wear masks until this COVID virus is over. Well, that is not going to happen. COVID and its variants will be with us for decades. We need to live with it. Additionally, if you are going to wear a mask and you are concerned, it needs to be a N95 mask as the majority of the others are simply worthless.
One thing that is certain in this discussion is if there were a statewide election anytime soon in Illinois, the governor would have lifted the mask mandate for fully vaccinated people long ago.
Mike Siemann, Naperville
It’s your decision to wear mask, not the government’s
Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico’s desire to do away with any requirement to wear masks indoors makes total sense. It’s simply a matter of choice.
If you don’t want to wear a mask, don’t do it. If you want to wear one, then do it. Wear it in the car, wear it while walking in the forest, wear it while swimming, wear it in your home while watching TV. What’s the problem with choice?
Bob Jopp, Naperville
Naperville Sun no place for ‘ridiculous’ column
A column by Alex Williams headlined “To breed or not to breed” in the Dec. 8 edition of the Naperville Sun was one of the most absurd, ridiculous things I have ever read in my life.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, actor/comedian Seth Rogan, actor/singer Miley Cyrus and New York Times writer Paul Krugman were all cited as “raising this issue.” Wow — a real who’s who of “experts!”
I subscribe to the Naperville Sun, the New York Times. You sure print a lot from that newspaper. A few more columns like this and my subscription will be canceled.
Tim Dusing, Naperville
IASB lauded for evidence-based reading support
I lead an Illinois youth organization with 350 families across the state whose children are struggling readers. We are part of a broad network of educators, academics, advocates, and parents who support reading reform in Illinois.
The vote by the Illinois Association of School Boards at its Nov. 20 Delegate Assembly to overwhelmingly support a resolution for teacher preparation and licensure in evidence-based reading instruction is fantastic news. If this legislation passes, colleges of education will be compelled to teach evidence-based reading instruction to teacher candidates.
Reading instruction has not kept pace with decades of cognitive scientific research proving how the brain learns to read. It shows in the data.
43% of K-8 students scored below basic reading proficiency levels in 2019 in Naperville District 204
46% of third-graders scored below basic reading proficiency levels in Naperville District 204.
Statewide, 61% of 3rd- to 8th-graders scored below basic reading proficiency levels.
43% of Illinois university teacher education programs earned a “D” or “F” for how they prepared future teachers to teach reading, according to a National Council on Teacher Quality 2020 study.
Twenty-one other states have already passed legislation and we need Illinois to be next. We encourage all supporters to follow or join the Illinois Early Literacy Coalition at www.ILEarlyLiteracy.org.
Kristin Paxton, Naperville
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Underwood’s maternal health care bill’s passes
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, has lost no time at all in becoming one of the most effective members of Congress. This is only her second term, and already her eighth piece of legislation has been enacted into law. We in the 14th District are fortunate to have her on our side.
As a nurse experienced in public health, Rep. Underwood’s expertise makes her particularly qualified to address health care issues in Congress. This past week, with the passage of her “Protecting Moms Who Served Act,” veterans are now assured world-class maternal health care during and after pregnancy.
This will go a long way to improve the health of mothers, babies and families of veterans, many of whom live in the 14th District.
Barbara Lipkin, Naperville
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