I see that Trustee Peter Breen has filed to run for state office, while still in term as District 4 trustee. Does he want to be our trustee or a state representative? I would ask that he resign now as trustee so he does not use this position for his election campaign material. If he loses this election in November 2014 is he going to turn around and run for re-election as trustee in April 2015, knowing that he does not want to be in Lombard, but Springfield? District 4 residents need to see that he does not want to be here and is just hanging around until he can get elected to a state office. If that's the case, please leave now.

Your comment was forwarded to Trustee Breen, who responded: “Our state is on the verge of financial collapse, and our representatives seem more interested in padding their pensions than fixing the mess. I’m running for state representative to bring to Springfield the same common-sense reforms we’ve implemented in Lombard. Some believe that Springfield is beyond hope, but I’ve seen how much one person can get done based on what we’ve been able to accomplish in Lombard, from freezing property taxes after 20 straight years of increases, to cutting a half-million dollars from the budget and permanently eliminating the annual vehicle sticker and fee, to drafting and passing the strongest financial transparency policy in the state. I was able to lead the effort to get these things done, even though at times our board of trustees has been deeply divided. We need new leadership in the state capital to rein in the out-of-control spending, stop the tax and fee hikes, and make Illinois government accountable to the people's interests, not special interests. I would be honored to be the first person elected from Lombard to represent the people of the Lilac Village in the General Assembly. I’m proud to be serving the people of District 4 as their trustee, just as I was proud to serve every Lombardian as their acting village president earlier this year. Contrary to the caller’s supposition, I love being in Lombard and want to better serve my neighbors and fellow residents in a place that needs serious reforms and much greater government efficiency and transparency. Policies coming from Springfield have been among the greatest difficulties facing municipalities, including Lombard. I’m proud of my public service and record of accomplishments on behalf of the people of our village. It is precisely what I will share with voters faced with making a very important choice next March and again in November, nearly a year from now. I will also continue to be a responsive and loyal representative to the people of District 4 and the entire village.”—blm

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You know, when I was a kid, we would be out playing from dawn to dusk. We had to come home before the street lights went on. But through the educated individuals in the United States—stranger danger, lock the doors, don’t talk to anybody, stay inside—what is strange is, I was watching the football game and they just came out with the No. 1 priority, to play 60 minutes a day. Well, educators, very intelligent people, you did it, and I don’t know how you’re going to undo it. Thank you very much.

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The Tri-Town YMCA’s Two Rivers Federation Y elders would like to wholeheartedly thank the businesses of Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace and Villa Park who donated items to be used at our inaugural candlelight bowl, which will be Feb. 1, 2014. This event is a fundraiser to help support the parent-child programs of the Tri-Town YMCA. Without the community support such as this, these programs could not exist. If you would like more information about the candlelight bowl, you can visit tworiversfederation.org, click on the calendar page and click on the candlelight bowl event, and you’ll find more information about registration. Thank you once again for all of your support.

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This is for the good news of SPEAK OUT. On Sunday, Dec. 8, I was returning from Wilmette in the snow storm. The roads were terrible everywhere, including the toll road. They were wonderful when we finally got to Lombard and that was about 11 p.m. So, kudos and cheers to the people who clean the streets in Lombard. They did the best job of any place we saw between Wilmette and here. Thank you so much. Bye bye.

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Lombard calling. Merry Christmas. Just calling to thank all the wonderful people, the volunteers who did such a wonderful job at Lilacia Park. It is an enchanted place to walk through. People of all ages would love it. Thank you so much, whoever contributed to doing that. Merry Christmas to all.

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This is in response to the person who called in about Ken Loch in the last SPEAK OUT. You need to get your facts straight. The park board’s and village board’s hands are tied as far as Ken Loch goes. That property is not under the jurisdiction of the village or the park district. It is under the jurisdiction of DuPage County. So to say that the park district and village board are made of nothing is ridiculous, because they have absolutely no power to do anything about that property. Get your facts straight.

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Homage to Larry Lujack, a famous former Lombard resident. He even talked about the lilac-colored vehicles on-air. Condolences to his family.

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I was just wondering if the village is exempt from village ordinances. The sidewalk obstruction is a village ordinance and the snow plows keep blocking the entrances to the sidewalks, which is also a safety issue, because people have to walk on the street. Thank you.

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Lombard calling. My president may have shook hands with leaders of Communist countries, but that is because he had the manners and doesn’t use a funeral as a political statement. Your president doesn’t shake hands with Communist leaders, but he definitely knows how to hold hands with the Saudi oil sheiks, like he was taking them out to prom.

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This is Lombard calling. Mr. Z’s, we’re glad you love us, but how about putting a closed sign on your marquee? Also, how about being respectful to our flag and either light it up at night or take it down? Thank you.

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This is Villa Park calling. I watched the village board meeting on television and noticed that two trustees are often late or missing. The same two trustees all the time. There used to be an ordinance on the books in Villa Park that said if they miss more than three meetings they don’t get paid. I hope these two characters are not getting paid for the meetings they’re missing. That’s all I have to say. Thank you.

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I just want to say to all the Democrats who apparently sold their soul, I hope that you enjoy your bushel of free stuff and your new insurance policy, that you may not be able to afford, but everybody else has to deal with it as well. So I just want to thank you for that and I hope there is a nice hot seat for you when the time comes. So, enjoy, enjoy, that you helped destroy this country. Thank you.

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Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas. Thank you to the park district for a wonderful Polar Express. It was enjoyed by almost all. One lady with a maybe 2-year-old daughter spent the whole time playing peek-a-boo while her daughter screeched, so we did not hear the book being read. That’s different from a baby crying. Babies cry, but to have a parent encourage the child to play peek-a-boo? Bah, humbug.

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Our governor wants to raise the minimum wage. What would really help this whole nation would be to restore the 40-hour week. The only way that can be done is to repeal Obamacare. Let’s demand that our representatives serve the people. Repeal Obamacare now.