Naperville Sun needs to diversify opinion columnists
I have subscribed to the Naperville Sun for the past few months and have noted a lack of diversity in the opinion columns. Specifically, they weigh heavily, if not entirely, on the New York Times and Bloomberg as sources.
I recommend a more diverse set of sources so readers can see both sides of issues and have better information for decision making. My recommendations would be the New York Post or Wall Street Journal for world events. Illinois Policy Institute for Illinois events. The IPI is especially good at reporting on the poor financial condition of Illinois.
Steve Cushman, Naperville
Intergenerational housing ideal for 5th Avenue
Regarding affordable housing for those with special needs, I have two important things for serious consideration.
First, the facility should incorporate all ages. It should be more like a true neighborhood. Each age group would be inspired by the others. Families with children would find schools within walking distance. Seniors perk up when with children. Our college graduates who grew up in Naperville need a place they can afford to come back here to live.
People with disabilities would thrive from being integrated into the general public. They could have jobs within walking distance. This blend of all ages would make the facility “alive.” Intergenerational housing would be truly inspiring for all the residents.
Second, the location should be exciting with lots of opportunities right there. For families, a location near downtown would mean access to two parks, plus the DuPage Children’s Museum. Seniors could attend the Thursday night band concerts in the park. Everyone could go to the library. All these amenities are within walking distance.
No car or bus is needed to transport them into town. Residents would not need to own a car.
This facility should be on 5th Avenue, which has laid there vacant for over 20 years. This land belongs to the city, meaning it belongs to us. We should be the benefactors. It should not sold for $$$ to a developer so he can reap $$$.
Let’s have an alive intergenerational home with lots of walkable facilities and no more cars or buses needed.
Naperville is just the city to be a leader for this. We have the perfect location, and the perfect plans for this happy home!
Bev Patterson Frier, Naperville
Park district volunteers applauded for their work
April 17-23 is National Volunteer Week, a time set aside to encourage and recognize volunteers. As an organization that relies heavily on the time and talents of our volunteers who support many different areas of the Naperville Park District, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you.
In a typical year, nearly 3,000 individuals give their time and talents to help the park district provide excellent recreation programs and beautiful parks for our community. During the pandemic, volunteers continued to help where they could, from sewing face coverings to assisting with modified youth sports programs.
Volunteers support a variety of activities, including special events, park maintenance, youth sports teams, citizen committees, senior programs and special projects. This month, in honor of Earth Day, many volunteers will help beautify our parks, mulch trails, pull weeds and much more.
Thanks to each of you who has found time in your busy schedules to volunteer with us. I speak on behalf of the entire park district staff and Naperville Park Board when I say we greatly appreciate you and thank you for your support of the Naperville Park District.
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Brad Wilson, Executive Director
Naperville Park District
Residents heard on need for help from rising prices
Thank you to the many who responded to my March survey on managing our state’s expected $2 billion revenue surplus. Via your survey comments and the follow-up calls I had with you, a clear narrative emerged: You see that people are truly hurting from rising prices and you want families and those struggling the most to get the relief they need. You’re also concerned about our state’s fiscal health and want to make real progress to dig out of decades of mismanagement.
Your voice was my voice in the budget negotiations room. Your voice ensured that not only did we provide grocery, gasoline and property tax relief, but that we also provided a back-to-school sales tax holiday and increased the tax credit for teachers spending their own paychecks on classroom supplies. You helped make sure that we increased the Earned Income Credit, lifting tens of thousands of children in Illinois out of poverty.
Your voice paved the way for us to pay down our state’s entire bill backlog, saving almost $150 million per year in interest payments, as well as socking away $1 billion in a rainy-day fund and contributing almost $10 billion ($500 million more than required) to long-starved pensions. These actions will save billions for Illinois taxpayers and give us a much-needed cushion when times inevitably become less flush.
I’ve seen this repeatedly as your state representative: Our community has so much heart for those in need, and that includes making the tough tradeoffs and the responsible short-term decisions that set the stage for future prosperity. It remains an honor to represent all of us.
State Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville
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