Hats off to Denise Raleigh, other Elgin librarians
Today I’m writing about an Elgin woman named Denise Raleigh. Denise was a lawyer, but now is a librarian. She was hired by Gail Borden Public Library District 18 years ago and is currently the division chief of public relations and development.
This award-winning library includes a main library in downtown Elgin, two library branches and a bookmobile. Denise’s position affords her to work with Elgin businesses, churches, social organizations, schools and colleges. The personality she possesses has enabled her to get along with people of all ages, races and religions.
Over the years, Denise has brought ideas for programs and exhibits that have taken place and have been enjoyed by Elgin-area taxpayers, including Giants: African Dinosaurs. Hundreds of Elgin citizens and citizens of nearby communities have benefited from her work.
It is important that all of the people mentioned above be thankful for all the staff and employees in all of the Gail Borden library buildings. I extend a special salute to all female librarians this month and future months.
Ernie Broadnax, Elgin
A lot of unanswered questions about Richard Irvin
I’m confused. Richard Irvin, Republican candidate for governor, is running TV ads promoting him as a nonpolitician who only has the best interests of Illinoisans at heart. But then he uses every card in the traditional political deck (including the race card, the “I’ll fight for you!” card and the liberal vs. conservative card) in his bid to get elected. So, who’s fooling who?
On the other hand, there are now anti-Irvin ads that show the Aurora mayor as anything but a “man of the people.” Quite the contrary, it reports he’s made his substantial income as a lawyer defending bad people who do very bad things, including thugs, pedophiles and racketeers. Oh, my!
So which is it? Is Richard Irvin someone we can count on to keep ruffians off the streets or is he just another phony politician who’s much more likely to put them back in our neighborhoods? What’s more, is it really worth taking the risk?
Bob Ory, Elgin
Election workers deserve appreciation, not harassment
The League of Women Voters chapters in Kane County have declared Tuesday, April 26, “Election Worker Appreciation Day” in our county. We urge voters to thank our election clerks, election judges and countless volunteers who work tirelessly promoting safe and secure elections.
Recently, election workers have received unwarranted harassment and their difficult jobs have been made even more stressful.
Our democracy depends on each and every election worker. Their dedication during the pandemic, at the risk of their own health, ensured that votes could be safely cast and every vote was counted. Without their hard work, voters would have no voice.
For over 100 years, the League of Women Voters has worked to ensure voters’ access to the ballot box. We applaud and thank our election workers.
Bertha Baillie and Denise Elsbree, co-presidents of the Aurora Area League of Women Voters
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Jennifer Ford, president of the Elgin Area League of Women Voters
Patti Lackman, Jean Pierce, and Llona Steele, vice presidents of the Central Kane County League of Women Voters
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