Because our General Assembly in Springfield thought it a good idea, a majority of the corporations in this state don’t pay their corporate tax, and some of the largest corporations—through the EDGE program—are allowed tax credits for creating new jobs. Following the demands of the state’s business leaders—they will pass a pension reform bill which is necessary because for decades, while giving huge tax breaks to corporations—the state has failed to pay its required contribution into the pension system. I think that while they are in Springfield that our representatives should be required to wear jumpsuits like the NASCAR drivers with the emblems of all the businesses that have contributed to their campaigns so we can plainly see whose interests that they are representing.

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There’s an old saying that goes on in all these departments that spend money, and it goes like this: It’s the end of the year and we’ve got $40,000 left over that we didn’t spend, so go out and find anything, because if you don’t, we won’t get that amount of money next year; our budget will be cut. So what’s wrong with that? Maybe it’s about time we start cutting the budget, start cutting taxes, start cutting spending, regulation, etc. because we don’t need to keep increasing wages. Stop giving too much to the department heads, the presidents, the governors, the senators and too many perquisites. They all get too many perquisites. They never get enough. They never spend enough, and this is why our country is doomed to go down in failure and it’s going to happen real soon unless some changes are made immediately.

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Hi, as a 12-month-a-year dog walker on the Prairie Path, Main Street East, I would like to thank whoever it was who made the tire tracks in the snow to make walking a pleasure. Again, thank you for making that bit of a snow path to walk. Thanks again. Bye.

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Just as one caller asked for positive things for the Christmas holiday, how about sharing some new year’s resolutions from readers? Not snarky sarcasm, but real ones for the coming year. I, for one, would love to hear from folks about what they hope to accomplish.

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Lombard calling. FedEx and UPS are not the only places having problems delivering. The week of Dec. 23 I haven’t gotten my mail any day this week before 8 p.m.

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I am not a Democrat but was appalled that someone would comment about Democrats having a hot seat waiting for them. That does not bode well for the cause. Talk about facts, etc., instead of making nasty comments on either side. Then at least there might be a reasonable dialogue.

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Hi, this is Lombard calling. Has anyone else noticed that there are no Christmas decorations on those expensive-looking antique light poles south of Wilson? Just another indication that south of Wilson, the village doesn’t seem to think we belong.

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Hi, concerned citizen for safety of your Lombard residents. Are you waiting for someone to die before you learn how to plow streets or salt streets? You salt streets when it’s dry out, and you don’t salt and let it get nasty when you should be out salting. You go to Villa Park, their streets are clear. I don’t know what’s wrong with this town. It’s ridiculous.

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It is Christmas morning. I am reading a SPEAK OUT in the Lombardian from a seemingly very mean-spirited spewing out hate for the Democrats, condemning the Democrats to an afterlife on a hot seat. Not only does this person reflect poorly on the opposite party, but makes other parties question motives. I don’t think that hot seat is reserved for Democrats. The seat might have somebody else in mind.

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As a resident of Lombard for 56 years and the caller about nice people, etc., I would like to add a great big thank you to the fire department and police department for their caring, kind and great concern for us, for all the many times over the 56 years that we have needed them. God bless you all and thank you again. Bye.

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Still laughing at the SPEAK OUT call where a sure-to-be Faux News robot said “hope that you enjoy your bushel of free stuff and your new insurance policy, that you may not be able to afford.” So is it free or expensive? Go back to your pacifier known as Faux Now.