Vote 'yes' for DuPage County forest preserve referendum
DuPage County is blessed with a rich tapestry of forest preserves encompassing more than 25,000 acres. These public lands enrich our quality of life and provide outdoor recreation areas for citizens to relax, unplug, and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of nature. These lands need to be protected for present and future generations. We must continue to maintain and expand these lands.
In this general election, voters will be asked to support the invaluable forest preserves of DuPage County. The forest preserve district is asking for a small levy increase to maintain, restore, and expand existing forest preserves, to add recreational amenities such as trails, and to enhance public access. Since the pandemic, many forest preserves have nearly doubled their attendance as people continue to discover the many benefits forest preserves provide to our lives and our communities.
If supported by the voters on Nov. 5, the forest preserves will be better able to improve air and water quality, to purchase additional land, to restore and create more wildlife habitat, to improve flood control, to expand public safety, and to create more places where children can experience and enjoy nature.
We can do it now at a cost for the average homeowner in DuPage County of only approximately $3-$4 per month. We ask that you support our forest preserves on Nov. 5 with a "YES" vote, and encourage your friends, neighbors, family members, and network to support it as well.
To learn more, visit www.voteYESdupageforest.org or www.dupageforest.org/referendum2024
Steve and Liz Van Arsdell, Naperville
Suppost DuPage forest preserves
On Nov. 5, DuPage County residents will have an opportunity to positively shape the future of our communities by supporting the DuPage County Forest Preserve’s referendum.
Numerous studies from around the country have shown that permanently protected natural areas, such as forest preserves, positively impact property values. People like living near open space and are willing to pay a premium to do so. I know this is true because I work in real estate.
Besides enhancing the real estate values of existing homes, forest preserves and other natural areas influence the evolving character of DuPage County. More aesthetic surroundings and favorable living environments upgrade the quality of the homes constructed.
If approved, the forest preserve will preserve more land, provide more trails and access, and keep our forest preserves clean and safe. These forest preserve lands also improve our water and air quality, and provide natural flood control. All of this for about $3 to $4 a month for the average homeowner.
Land is being developed at an all-time high rate of speed, with plans underway for even more. We must act now to preserve the last remaining open spaces and natural lands for our children and grandchildren before the land becomes too expensive or is lost forever.
I use the forest preserve trails and love to explore these open natural spaces on my bike. Please join me in charting a beneficial course for our county and legacy for our children and grandchildren by voting “yes” for the DuPage County Forest Preserve referendum.
John Gormley, Downers Grove
Roberson is wrong about armory
As a lifelong resident of the Southwest Side Clearing area, I know bull when I hear it. After reading City of Chicago Chief Operating Officer John Roberson's op-ed regarding the proposed new police district near Midway Airport, I call bull.
To state that this building is too tall and too close to the end of runway 4R-221 is ridiculous. This building has been there since the 1940's and has never been considered a hazard. In fact, my home, built in 1929, is taller and is much closer to this runway than this building.
Roberson states that as a police district open to the public, it would present safety and security concerns. This implies that the Chicago Police Dept. is incapable of providing security for the building and airport.
This site is perfect. Big enough to accommodate a police district, with ample parking for police vehicles and the public. It can also provide a hanger for police helicopters and drones, a maintenance garage for police vehicles, and add additional security to Midway Airport.
And what is the state of Illinois asking for this property? One measly dollar.
The residents of this area are in desperate need of another police district. Obviously, Roberson is just parroting the views of the anti-police Mayor Johnson.
Jim Dulski, Clearing
Get real about Social Security
Is there no one in the Republican Party who has the slightest idea how Social Security works?
Social Security is entirely self-supporting. It is not part of the federal budget, it does not contribute to the public debt or any budget deficit. Trying to reduce the budget or debt by reducing Social Security benefits is like trying to reduce your grocery bills by telling your neighbor to buy a cheaper car.
And now, Republicans are promising to eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits. Either they are disastrously ignorant, or spectacularly dishonest: federal taxes on Social Security benefits paid out are one of the system's three revenue streams, the other two being interest on Treasury paper and payroll taxes shared by employees and employers. At the same time they cry poor, they're proposing to yank the rug out from under the single most popular federal program ever.
If you want to vote for Donald Trump or other Republicans, that's your choice, but don't do it if you hope to have anything resembling a comfortable, independent, retirement.
Howard Pyle, Homewood