NIPSCO has a Herculean task to restore power to northwest Indiana after the recent storms. The downed power lines, fallen trees and impacted transmission connections all contribute to delays in completing repairs and restoring service. As an alternative to this “damaged, then repair” routine, the electric utilities should consider burying the utility lines. That might prove to be difficult, if not prohibitively expensive or just impossible, in urban areas with sewers, gas lines, fiber optic cables and whatnot installed beneath streets, parkways, sidewalks and paved alleys. But in more rural areas, it could be worthwhile.
Although costs would be considerable, over the long term, it would save the costs of replacing transmission connections, reinstalling poles, restringing wires and clearing debris whenever there is severe weather, which happens fairly often in our neck of the woods. It would also eliminate all those V-shaped trees we see after the utility companies trim trees growing under wires. And, customers would not be left in the dark, heat or cold for days or weeks.
We rely heavily on electricity to power our 21st century activities, so there must be a better way than leaving critical utility lines swaying in the breeze waiting for the next storm to take them down.
— Karen Meehan, Chicago
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Weather is beating up roads
Kudos to Yunus Emre Tozal for the op-ed “Chicago keeps filling same potholes. Stop the cycle with smart fixes” (Aug. 11). With all the rain from storms recently, our streets and roads are disintegrating faster.
The methods proposed to mitigate this problem should be no different than painting: Good surface prep, primer and finish coatings would produce results that wouldn’t delaminate like what’s happening now. Engineers need to cure the sickness, as applying bandages to the wound just isn’t working.
One other thing to be considered is that asphalting adds to the urban heat island effect. With July setting the highest temperatures ever recorded in the U.S., what lighter alternative materials can be employed for the future?
— Fred J. Wittenberg, Evanston
Enforcing new e-bike rules
In response to Ben Nagy’s letter “Regulate e-bikes, e-scooters” (Aug. 19), I feel his pain, having experienced near misses as a pedestrian, especially from speeding motorbikes delivering food.
I did an online search and found that, according to the Chicago Municipal Code, it’s against the law to ride motorized vehicles on Chicago sidewalks. My alderman’s office was sympathetic and advised me to take a photo of the lawbreaker’s license plate and send it to the Chicago Police Department.
To underscore the seriousness of the matter, the Illinois legislature passed new statewide legislation (SB3484) to regulate electric micromobility devices, including high-speed e-scooters, e-bikes and e-skateboards. The proposed law, awaiting the governor’s signature, establishes uniform age minimums, bans sidewalk riding, and sets road and bike lane rules across the state.
The real roadblock, at least so far, seems to be the lack of enforcement and penalties. Let’s hope a solution is found before someone is seriously injured or even dies.
— Chris Ruys, Chicago
Risks of e-bikes, e-scooters
Parents are aware of the importance of correctly installed car seats. They pay attention to recalls of toys, food and formula. Cribs must be properly sized. Blankets and bumper pads are not advisable in cribs. No sleeping babies on their tummies. The list goes on.
Why then, I must ask, are some parents willing to buy e-bikes and e-scooters for their children? I have seen young teens this spring and summer sail along as if nothing could touch them. Some of these bikes have slots for phones so they can stay tuned to all the clatter that fills their minds. They are not paying attention.
Who thinks that this is OK? Whatever was wrong with bicycles that had to be pedaled? Is there a cutoff age for child safety? I think not.
It is a tragedy when a child is injured or killed using these vehicles.
— Cynthia Marks, Palos Park
Skyrocketing property tax bill
To the Tribune Editorial Board, I just checked my Cook County property tax bill. It went up 35%! The editorial board has to do another feature on this assessment cycle. My tax bill is almost as much as my mortgage now (I bought my home in 2020).
How can the county justify this?
— Michael Pennisi, Palatine
When Kennedy, Reagan debated
If you’re a post-baby boomer, I understand why we boomers frustrate you. We don’t have to embrace the same movies, food, music — or politics. But most of us have been around long enough to miss things such as bipartisanship among lawmakers and general civility.
You’re busy, but when you have a moment, please Google “When Bobby Kennedy and Ronald Reagan Debated.” Ronald Reagan was then California’s governor, and U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was the father of the person who is now our health and human services secretary. As you listen, compare Reagan’s reasoning with today’s conservatism. What are your impressions of Kennedy after watching and reading about his son Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in recent years?
I won’t tell you what to think. I know better. I wonder, though, if we have more in common than we realize.
We might be nostalgic over the same things.
— Jim Newton, Itasca, Illinois
Tie a ribbon to show support
I read that families of service members aboard the USS Lincoln are tying a yellow ribbon to a tree to show their support.
Let me propose that we all tie a yellow ribbon to a tree to show our support, care, concern and thanks for these brave Marines and sailors and all current military personnel in the Middle East.
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— Elizabeth Butler Marren, Chicago
How reading ‘Roots’ affected me
Rick Kogan’s piece in the Aug. 18 issue (“50 years ago, ‘Roots’ burst into American lives”) was very interesting. I was one of those who encountered “Roots” the first time around, reading it in the fall of 1976. It had a profound impact on me and is most definitely my all-time favorite book. Alex Haley seamlessly wove together the stories of each generation of his family in a way that still evokes deep emotion for me.
I remember reading the very first part about Kunta Kinte. The moment he was taken from his homeland broke my heart. But I was hooked. I could not put the book down.
Regardless of how Haley obtained his material, he made every character come alive and told a story that I’m sure is familiar in some way to every African American family.
It is a classic tale, masterfully written, about a huge part of our American history, and I think every American should read it.
— Judy Weik, Oak Park
Note to readers
Construction on Chicago streets and bridges this summer has created headaches for many drivers. We’d like to hear from you about your frustrations with the delays and the city’s management of the closures and detours. Send a letter of no more than 400 words by Wednesday, Sept. 2 to [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name and city/town.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].