Editorial endorses merit reforms and jury choices in Cook County
The piece urges merit selection and end to subcircuit confusion while outlining favored candidates in South and Southwest Suburbs races. It highlights David Donnersberger, Kenneth J. Wadas, Paul W. Groach, Paul J. Nealis, John A. Wasilewski, Geoffrey C. Miller, and Frank Castiglione with notes on their experience and impact in domestic relations and felony courts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cook County
David Donnersberger
Kenneth J. Wadas
Fraternal Order of Police
Paul W. Groach
Oak Lawn
15Th
Paul J. Nealis
GOP
Nealis
John A. Wasilewski
Sheila Murphy
Geoffrey C. Miller
Homewood
Frank Castiglione
Castig
MWRD Race Heats Up As Dems Compete For Three Seats
Thirteen Democrats vie in a contest seen as possibly the district’s last at large election. Incumbents Kathleen Meany and Frank Gardner are highlighted for their bids. Gardner seeks lease policy clarity and a potential shift toward an independent profit center, while Meany pushes Deep Tunnel and fiscal oversight. Three Republican nominees run unopposed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Metropolitan
MWRD
Kathleen Therese Meany
Frank Edward Gardner
Gardner
Cal Sag Canal
Riverboat taxes and airport plans spark local concerns
Adrienne Levatino of the Illinois Riverboat Gaming Council argues riverboats could fund education with more tax, while Kevin Gorman of Monee describes residents near the Peotone airport buffer zone as anxious about moving or investing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Adrienne Levatino
Illinois Riverboat Gaming Council
Jim Edgar
Kevin Gorman
Peotone
Bloom Township referendum on March 19 to fund education
Angelo Ciambrone urges voters to approve a 79 cent tax hike for Bloom Township District 206 after years of budget cuts. He cites reduced courses, staff layoffs, and shorter days, arguing the crisis threatens local schools, property values, and community growth. He backs Superintendent Patton and appeals to Bloom and Bloom Trail families to vote yes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Angelo A. Ciambrone
Bloom Township
Bloom
Bloom Trail
Ronald Patton
Supt
Patton
Chicago Heights
South
Chicago, Heights
Steger
Sauk Village
Ford Heights
Lynwood
Glenwood
Deputy Chief Gerry Billups Praised for Service in Chicago Heights
A reader lauds Deputy Chief Gerry Billups of the Chicago Heights Police Department for lifelong dedication to law enforcement and community service. The letter highlights his career from African American recruit through captain and deputy chief, noting resilience amid bias and impact on youth, plus praise for Mayor Ciambrone’s diversity program.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago Heights
Police
Gerry
Billups
Horatio Alger
Bloom High School
Chicago Heights Police Department
Police Department
Chief Billups
Board of Education
Powers That Be
Tru
Angelo) Ciambrone
Ron Harper
John Meyers honored by Chicago Heights Park District tribute
Bloom High School graduate and longtime Star sportswriter John Meyers is remembered for promoting local sports through his "The Hot Corner" column. A past testimonial dinner celebrated his work, and colleagues consider Bloom High Hall of Fame recognition fitting. Meyers now lives with his daughter in Valparaiso Indiana.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago Heights
CHAA
Chicago Heights Athletic Association
The
Star
John
Johnnie) Meyers
Bloom High School
Bloom
Valparaiso
Ryan's his own man for 79th District vote on March 19
Letter supporter urges residents of the 79th District to vote for Robert L. Ryan for state representative. The writer praises Ryan as independent honest and capable, promising he will listen to constituents and bring their concerns downstate. March 19 election is highlighted.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Robert L. Ryan
Bob Ryan
79Th
Robert Ryan Jr
Star Seeks Signed Letters to the Editor Policy
The Star invites letters to the editor and will publish the writer’s name. Writers should include their name and telephone number for verification though not published. Names of persons or organizations must be complete and spelled correctly. letters may be edited for legality brevity clarity and style.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Star
Otto Boulevard
Chicago Heights
Also Mentioned on This Page
James
Meine
Sexton
Presiney
Sane M. Zerkel Features
Edrror
Meany
Matteson
Chicago
CIA
District 206
Angelo Ciambrone
ITC
Ilinois Theater Center
Park Forest
Scott Simer
Mr. Billips
M.S. Bruno
Thanks, John Meyers
Ryan
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