Ladies and gentlemen, I have a question that really perplexes me. If we are advancing in technology and equipment, and everything else and most of the manufacturing is being done by robots, the labor cost has come down considerably—these robots work double shifts for a fraction of the costs of human labor costs, then why is the automobile costing so much? The cost of the automobile is what homes used to cost. This is ridiculous. And nobody is addressing this issue. Are they ripping us off? Are they making exorbitant profits? Are the CEOs getting too much money in comparison to the average worker? You bet they are. I don’t think they’re worth it.

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I’m curious as to why Lombard never enforces the overnight parking. I drive through Lombard, I work second shift, and I see the same cars and trucks, especially on Fairfield Avenue, parked there every night, seven days a week. It would bring in much more revenue. The cops really need to do something about that at nighttime.

Your comment was sent on to the Village of Lombard, which provided the following response: “The Lombard Police Department issued over 2,000 parking citations for overnight parking violations in 2014. Based on the current number of citations issued so far in 2015, the department will once again issue more than 2,000 tickets. Residents can call the police department at any time to report concerns about overnight parking violations by providing us with a specific location at 630-873-4400. In addition, the Village of Lombard practices openness and transparency in its reporting of government statistics and activity.  An annual report is prepared by the police department and is made available on the village’s Web site at www.villageoflombard .org/annualpolicereport. If any citizen wishes to know our police data, they can visit our Web site or even just call the village hall at 630-620-5700.”—blm

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Are Lombard and Villa Park police ever going to start enforcing the hands-free cell phone ordinance state law? It’s been in effect for I believe 18 months, since January 2014, and every second car I go by or that goes by me has someone on the phone. Usually a housewife, but someone. And if you get on the tollway, you take your life in your hands. People get in the left lane and then they slow down to 65 or 55 and other traffic is going 70 or 75. It would seem so obvious to a policeman that somebody’s on the phone. Do they have other things to do than serve and protect? It’s a matter of protection.

Villa Park Police Chief Robert Pavelchik responded: “The Villa Park Police Department does enforce the hands-free cell law along with other traffic violations. We also patrol the streets of the village and respond to both emergency calls and many other services requests. We do not patrol the tollway system.”—JAC

The following is the response received from the Village of Lombard: “The Lombard Police Department has been actively enforcing the hands-free cell phone law since its inception. Lombard police officers issued 900 citations for this offense in 2014 and have issued almost 500 citations this year. Additionally, the police department has conducted special enforcement campaigns where violators of the hands-free law have been the complete focus. Although we have been vigorously enforcing this law, and will continue to do so, we cannot apprehend every violator. The Lombard Police Department urges residents to drive responsibly and to never text while driving. In addition, the Village of Lombard practices openness and transparency in its reporting of government statistics and activity. An annual report is prepared by the police department and is made available on the Web site at www.villageoflombard.org/annualpolicereport. If any citizen wishes to know our police data, they can visit our Web site or even just call the village hall at 630-620-5700.”—blm

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Former trustees Breen and Fitzpatrick constantly preached about fiduciary responsibility, financial obligations, government waste and budget cuts. Where were they when the former village manager’s pension was being padded at taxpayer expense? They voted for this item.

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Thank you Marie for addressing an issue that needs to be addressed,  “What happened to dressing up for Sunday church?” I too have given this issue some thought, but you did better than me and addressed the issue. Thanks. So glad there are doers among us. As Catholics we believe Christ is truly present with us during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Surely he deserves better than, “dress like they’re going camping or to a ball game.” It would appear that casual Friday has invaded Sacred Sunday. You have given us a heads up; may we all consider your timely message.

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A big shout out for Jerry at Office Depot. It was about my fourth trip in trying to get my fax machine to work and he spent a considerable amount of time and got it to work. I’m very happy and there was no charge. So, Jerry is the assistant manager, according to his name tag, and a big shout out to Jerry.

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I went to the UPS store this afternoon to mail a package for my niece’s baby shower; baby clothes. The clerk asked, “What’s in there?”I said, “Baby clothes.” She said, “Well, you can’t use that box. It could be carrying hazardous stuff.” She said, “You can’t use a recycled box. We’ll sell you a new box.” I went to the post office and had absolutely no problem mailing my box of baby clothes. I didn’t realize that baby clothes presented a hazard.

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My question is this, to the village president, the newspaper, the Congress, senators or even the president of the United States, what is BP trying to do to us? It seems they are trying to control the cost of fuel. They bought out Standard Oil, and now they apparently want to control everything. When they spilled oil in the oceans, they paid a hefty fine for it. We all have to pay extra money at the gas pump. I think there should be an investigation of this. It looks awfully suspicious.

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Hi, this is Villa Park calling about the south end of town. There’s a large German shepherd and a white dog not on leashes rushing out and scaring and barking at school children going by. This is not fair. Please respect the leash law. We do not like seeing the children crying as we’re driving by. Thank you.

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Lombardians, Illinoisans, Americans, humans. What has happened to us? We care about rodeo animals, and seem to have forgotten the human being. Some of the world’s most prominent scientists and physicians testified to a U.S. Senate committee that human life begins at conception. Fourth week: Size of a mustard seed. Thirteen weeks: This is the last week of the first trimester. The baby’s tiny fingers now have fingerprints, and the veins and organs are clearly visible through the skin. Fourteen weeks: Your baby’s brain impulses have begun to fire and he’s using his facial muscles. His kidneys are working now, too. If you have an ultrasound, you may even see him sucking his thumb. Fifteen weeks: Your baby’s eyelids are still fused shut, but she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight on your tummy, she’ll move away from the beam. Ultrasounds done this week may reveal your baby’s sex. Nineteen weeks: Your baby’s senses—smell, vision, touch, taste and hearing— are developing and she may be able to hear your voice. Talk, sing or read out loud to her. Twenty-seven weeks: This is the last week of your second trimester. Your baby now sleeps and wakes on a regular schedule, and her brain is very active. Her lungs aren’t fully formed, but they could function outside the womb with medical help.

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What have the Democrats and Republicans done for the American people besides picking up a paycheck? The answer? Nothing but seemingly feather their own nest. Immigration, health care, Social Security, Medicare, tax reform; these are problems and there are more. Their performance in Congress is not criminal—it’s shameful. That is why Donald Trump is so successful. The American people are tired of apparently being lied to and ignored. It is our government, not the politicians’. We don’t understand that yet.

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To the resident who sends anonymous letters to neighbors about issues like blocked sidewalks by parked cars. What’s with the anonymous letters? We live in one of the best neighborhoods in town and in a fantastic community. I’m sure this community was not established and consolidated through anonymous letters but through hard work, communication, respectful decision making and respectful problem solving. Teach your children to be active members of the community who solve problems through communication, seeking for understanding and constructive criticism. I believe you send letters to the wrong address, and if I knew who you were I would have worked with you to resolve the issue. Thank you.