I shake my head when I read some of the critical comments about Gov. Rauner in SPEAK OUT. He’s been in office for about four months. Have some of his critics been asleep for the last 12 years, when the state was run by Democratic governors and Democrat-dominated state legislature? The critics make it sound like Illinois was on sound financial footing back in January, and that Rauner is messing things up. Wake up, people. Our state is in terrible financial condition, and has been for some time.

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This is in response to the people calling the last few weeks about banning leaf blowers. What I have to say to these people is: May you never get old or end up having arthritis because when you do, the leaf blower is a godsend. It cuts sweeping time, I was going to say, in half, but it’s more like one tenth of the time you’d be out there sweeping. And if you have arthritis, it makes it even worse. Why complain about someone using a leaf blower? That person is showing they care about their property. Let’s start complaining about people who don’t take care of their property.

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Hi, this is someone from the Village of Lombard calling. We’re encouraged, no forced, to switch the incandescent light bulbs to the long-life bulbs that contain mercury. The higher wattage incandescent bulbs are getting harder to find so we have to use the mercury-laden one. Mercury’s a toxic substance, so all the new bulbs are to be recycled, not put in the trash. Ace hardware store no longer accepts the mercury bulbs and suggests I call the village hall. The Lombard village no longer collects them and suggests that I call Woodridge or Oak Brook. I decided to call DuPage County. They advised the recycling center at 156 Ford Hill Drive in Naperville, but they’re only open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seems like abusing more energy driving to Oak Brook, Woodridge or Naperville than I would have had I stuck to using incandescent bulbs.

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This is Lombard calling. I was cleaning out my front garden the other day and noticed my brass American Legion placard has been taken. If somebody reading this took it, please return it, no questions asked. It’s been in the garden for seven years. Thank you.

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Villa Park calling. Now with the outbreak of dog flu and also lawns that are being covered with chemical fertilizers, why do people still take their dogs out in public without using a leash? Nobody really knows if any dog is healthy or not when it runs loose and meets another dog or what it gets on its feet or eats when it runs across private property. Also, why urge a dog to climb up and down playground equipment? Keep kids and pets healthy. Say something or call the police on these people. Maybe they will spend $5 on a leash and take better care of their dog if they know someone cares more about their dog than they do.

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I would like to thank the manager at the Jewel store at St. Charles and Ardmore. He kindly gave me a ride home when I locked my keys in the trunk by mistake. I really appreciated his kindness. Jewel is lucky to have him and so was I. Thank you.

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Our government has become an unconstitutional police force. Obama has been responsible for laws that are also unconstitutional. Example: Homeland Security is a federal police force, used here in the United States against citizens. Look at what the Corker bill, a constitutional perversion, used for home invasions and intimidation against citizens for Gov. Walker caused. Read about it in the National Review by David French, April 20. See what can be done anywhere, not just in Wisconsin. All this under our dictator who wants green-card holders to vote. He’s apparently changing laws so illegals can become citizens before an election. Also, register and vote the same day. No wonder North Dakota is naming a 650-acre landfill the Barack Obama Memorial Landfill. Count me with them.

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Lombard calling. Recently my wife became suddenly ill while walking at Yorktown. Within a few minutes she found herself being administered to by excellent paramedics from the Lombard Fire Department while members of the Yorktown security staff helped to provide a little privacy and discourage curious onlookers. I want to take a moment to thank everyone involved for the care that my wife received. Both the paramedics and security staff were prompt, efficient, professional and most of all, caring and concerned. I want them to know how much my wife and I appreciated their efforts. I also want to thank the other mall visitors, members of a morning exercise class, who were kind enough to stop and help my wife before the paramedics arrived. Thank you.

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This message is for a young lady named Molly and this is the lady Gloria you helped that day on the corner of St. Charles and Grace who you helped on the bench and I just want to thank you so very, very much for stopping and helping me. I don’t know your name or address but I just wanted to give you a special thank you. Thank you, Molly, from Gloria.

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This is Villa Park. Someone recently had put in SPEAK OUT about squad cars sitting on Ardmore while the trains are going by and finally leaving—as they have other things to do. You know, get more for your money than have them sitting there. The person made a statement about how people started running across the tracks illegally. What’s the point? It’s a simple thing. While the cat’s away the mice will play. So as the cop leaves, they’re going to do what they’re going to do. Simple.

Perhaps you misread the comments. If you re-read them, the person is alleging the police—while sitting in a parking lot—actually witnessed the individuals crossing the tracks and reportedly did nothing.—JAC

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It’s great to see Lombard’s doing crack filling on their blacktop streets. They used to do it all the time in the ‘50s and ‘60s and it seemed like the streets stayed together much better. Of course, in those days they did it much more cheaply; they didn’t hire a company. They hired high school kids or summer help. At least they’re getting it done, hopefully saving us a lot on road repair. Thanks, Lombard.

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This is a 65-year resident of Lombard. It is May 13, so why is there a Christmas banner hanging on a building? Get with the season; it’s Lilac Time in Lombard, not Christmas. Thank you and goodbye.

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Hi. I live in Lombard and I saw the play “Macbeth.” I think that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth did a phenomenal job on the program May 7. Learning a lot of lines. Kudos to them. You did a great job. I really appreciated it. Thank you.

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I have lived in Lombard for over 40 years and three different houses. Every time I looked for a new one, I ended up here. I have in that length of time visited Lilacia Park and been pleased to see the glorious tulips, etc. This year, after not having been to the park in some time, I went once again. I was pleasantly surprised to see the outstanding beauty and the improvement of all. I love the flowers and there were many varieties I had never seen. Everyone should take a walk through the wonderful gorgeous park we have right here in Lombard, Ill. And also, a big thanks to the tree trimmers on our parkways. P.S. No complaints.

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The Iraqis dropped their arms and ran in Tikrit, leaving U.S. weapons behind. This is the second time; retreat, complete retreat in Ramadi. General Obama the president isn’t. He and the Pentagon—let military leaders lead. If the Kurds had been armed, things could be very different now.

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Hello, Lombard. I just wanted to give a shout out to the Lombard Kiwanis Club. What a wonderful house walk this past Friday and three cheers for Corinne and Mary Beth, who constantly make this a better and better event for our village. Thank you.

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Oh, my goodness, just finished the Kiwanis house walk. Every year it’s more special than the year before. How nice that people open their homes to support such a wonderful cause, and the people from Kiwanis and all the different organizations—the work that is done by all is so appreciated. And the weather cooperated this year. It was such a perfect day and the little reception over by our beautiful new gazebo topped off the afternoon to perfection. Thanks to all who worked so very hard. Your labor of love is appreciated and I’m sure where the money goes, those people appreciate it even more so. Thanks again. It was truly my privilege to be part of the house walk.

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Good afternoon, Lombard calling. Last November, we all voted on a referendum that said we should raise the income tax on the super wealthy. That one passed in a landslide. Pass that into law and fix this pension mess. Thank you.

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“A Little Night Music” at Glenbard East and another outstanding performance by the string and vocal ensembles. A recent concept of jazz café was another winner. These musicians were rocking the night and even the wait staff and food served were superior. It is notable that Glenbard artists have won awards at both regional and statewide competitions and the music groups have performed at major concert halls in the United States and around Europe. How honored and privileged we are to have such talent playing right here in town and one more benefit for Lombard seniors—go to the high school and get your Glenbard Gold Card and you can attend these performances free-of-charge. So get off your rocker and roll to the auditorium with your friends and leave with a song in your heart.

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In response to the caller who objected to Breuder being placed on administrative leave instead of medical leave, it has been reported in the newspapers that with administrative leave, he cannot return to his duties unless he is specifically allowed to and he can have nothing to do with running the college. On medical leave he could come back any time he chose. Thank you, bye.

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When will the north side of Lombard get some new development? I’d sure love to see a grocery or other store up here. How about it, trustees and village president? From the empty Menards, we got a restaurant supply store that’s not even open to the public. Yea.