Hello, Lombard. I would like to know, what is the fine for parking on the sidewalk, blocking the sidewalk when you park, and the second question is, if the citizens call in the violation, can they do this anonymously, because it is very awkward to report a neighbor without possibility of bad results if they were to find out who called it in? In regard to that topic of parking across the sidewalk, remember all the strollers who have to be forced into the grass or off into the street when you park there. Here’s another idea; allow all the people who have more cars than driveway space to purchase a special pass to park on the street, rather than block the sidewalk and then you can use that money for these passes to benefit the city and other taxpayers and also for funding the big pensions that are required for the public officials.

Lombard Police Chief Ray Byrne related that “Residents may call 9-1-1 to report parking violations and they may remain anonymous. The fine for this parking violation is $25.—blm

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I had a bird house stolen from me. This was a memory of my wife, whom I lost recently. To this thief it’s just another crime. I hope every time you look at this stolen bird house you have a guilty conscience.

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To the person who was griping about the news stations reporting on the snow, who asked why it was such a big deal to mention it: Yes, we know that living in the Midwest means snowy weather, but consider that people want and need to know what’s going on so they can adjust their travel times or plans accordingly. Bigger stories out there? Sure, but I want to be forewarned so I can get to my destination—work or otherwise—as safely as possible. I could ask, isn’t there something bigger to gripe about than the news people doing their job by informing the public?

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The following comments and questions are directed to the communications department of Glenbard High School District 87. Recently an article in the Lombardian reported that District 87 Superintendent Meissen’s quarter-million-dollar salary benefits package has been frozen for the next two years. Does this same action by the District 87 school board apply to all certified employees of the four high schools comprising District 87? After the Thanksgiving break, the certified staff and students attend classes for a few weeks and then start their Christmas or winter recess. Are the aforementioned vacation periods included in the 180-day school year for 2010-11?

Peg Mannion, community relations coordinator for Glenbard Township High School District 87, responded: “In August, the Glenbard District 87 Board of Education approved extending Superintendent Mike Meissen’s contract through June 30, 2012. Dr. Meissen’s salary is frozen for the 2010-11 school year. Dr. Meissen has an individual contract with the board of education. Certified staff members work under a contract between the board of education, Glenbard Township High School District 87 and the Glenbard Education Association.” Mannion further stated, “Glenbard District 87 follows the DuPage Regional Office of Education’s recommendation for a calendar of 176 days for student attendance and four institute days. This calendar includes Thanksgiving recess and winter recess.”—JAC

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To the seemingly superior person who contributed the comment about global warming in the Dec. 29 SPEAK OUT—thanks for your insight. You are obviously an expert scientist. Please tell us ignorant and uneducated people about your scientific background and your advanced degrees, and give us more expert commentary on how the conditions in Greenland affect our weather.

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I had a wonderful experience recently. A group of teenagers came from Jericho Road Church in Wheaton. They cleaned all the leaves up, then brought the bags to put the leaves in. It was such a wonderful experience. I have lived here for 50 years or more and have never had such a thing happen. I’m a senior citizen and it was so nice to have all those leaves picked up. I have five trees and there were tons of leaves. They wouldn’t take any money. I just thanked them and they said if you have anything else, we’ll be happy to do it for you. It was so nice to see these youngsters being so kind. I thought it would be a nice way to acknowledge a big thank you. They went to other seniors in Lombard as well.

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This is in response to the government employee who called in to gloat that he or she got the day off on Columbus Day. If that’s not typical government attitude; this person said that if we wanted Columbus Day off, we should have asked for the day off. Well, I know this is hard for a detached government employee to understand, but when those of us who don’t work for the government don’t work, we don’t get paid. You get paid for not working. And as for your whining about not having had a raise in a couple of years, I would get down on my knees and thank God if I could be making as much as I was a couple of years ago.

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Lombard calling in response to the person with comments about President Mueller and the Downtown Plan. As you asked, I am calling because I completely agree with you. Lest President Mueller forget, he was barely re-elected two years ago with the downtown Lombard revitalization issue the flash point of his near loss of office. You’ve got a bright, passionate and industrious woman in Karen leading the Lombard Town Centre and the dedicated board on the LTC. All they need is your support, Mr. President. Lest you fail to realize that the people of Lombard are pretty much demanding that something be done, so there is an alternative to Yorktown, someplace that the majority of Lombardians can visit within walking distance of their homes; someplace they can take their families year-round and enjoy a sense of community; someplace they can be proud of, being part of as opposed to avoiding Yorktown and jumping on a train to another downtown that exhibits all they wish their downtown did. President Mueller, if this mattered to you, you’d be a little more industrious to see that it happened, instead of employing the same “we can’t” mentality that keeps the downtown dark and empty.