A candidate announces....

In light of current situations surrounding corruption and lack of action on key issues, it seems likely that the 10^th district may have another candidate for its congressional representative.

Chicken Little

The announcement caught me off guard, but it seemed to be a logical step for long-time political pundit and observer, Chicken Little.

As of now, the race is a two-person race between incumbent Bob Dold and Democrat Brad Schneider.  The entry of another candidate is likely to stir the pot.

But why now?

“I’ve been giving it some thought for a long time,” said C.L. “and I just think there many issues that need my attention.”

Such as?

“Well, you know the cost of feed continues to rise and there are many chickens who think they’re getting clucked over.”

I told him that while these appear to be valid issues in some form, they seem to be centralized based on his own issues.  “You don’t seem to understand,” the fine feathered fowl said, “there is a ground swell of support for these concerns – sort of an Alliance.”

But if this alliance does not represent the needs of the constituency, just how effective do you think you can be as a congressional representative?

“These are things people need to know.”  Granted, I pointed out; there may be some concern about them, but what about the real issues facing the people.

“You mean like the economy, education, job creation, the debt crisis and the Cubs?”  Well, four out of five isn’t bad because there’s not much anyone can do about the Cubs.

“Hhmmm,” clucked C.L., “you may have a point here.  But what about my own agenda?”

Candidates at all levels have their special interests, but they can’t put the cart before the horse.  They need to be both aware and sensitive to everyone they serve.

“So,” noted the fine fowl, “I’d have to listen to Col. Sanders and Frank Perdue?” 

Theoretically, yes.  Some people may not agree with you, or do what you want them to do, but you never know, they may have an idea.

“I suppose,” C.L. noted.  “But what can I do for a campaign slogan?”

How about – A chicken in every pot.

“Don’t count on it.  Maybe I’ll take a sensible approach.”

Now there’s a concept.

Maybe we should listen to Juliet....

As Shakespeare once wrote, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

If wild Bill lived in Buffalo Grove, he may have written, "What's in an address? That which we call Buffalo Grove By any other name would smell as sweet."

Don’t believe me? Ask Matt Rapaport.

Buffalo Grove Chief Terry Vavra and resident Matt Rapaport
present accommodations to members of the
 Buffalo Grove and Long Grove
fire departments.

Rapaport is a Buffalo Grove resident whose wife found him passed out on the bathroom floor and then called paramedics – which arrived from Long Grove and Buffalo Grove.  Rapaport, who lives in the single family homes in The Crossings subdivision, is closer to the Long Grove Fire Deportment then the nearest Buffalo Grove fire station.

Doesn’t matter.

Units from both departments responded and, quite simply, revived Rapaport.

Rapaport told his story at the June 4 Village Board meeting where Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Terry Vavra cited the efforts of the Buffalo Grove and Long Grove crews that responded.

So what?

As the village people like to cite the services offered to residents, Vavra presented accommodations to crews that did more than offered – the delivered.

Yes, I know I’m “late” with citing these efforts, but this is a stunning example of better late than never.

Buffalo Grove entities – school districts, park districts and the beloved United State Postal Service – are served by several addresses.  That does not matter, however.

In fire and police circles, it’s called mutual aid.  What it really is, is mutual support.

All you had to do is listen Vavra and, with all due respect to Vavra, more importantly Rapaport.  His story is amazing and represents how working together can make a difference.

The village provides outstanding services – but like everything  -- a little support can make a difference.  The efforts of the Long Grove and Buffalo Grove fire departments represent the forms of collaboration.

A puff piece? Yeah, maybe.

But then again, maybe not.  All you have to do is ask Vavra.

Cooperation can go a long way and make a big difference.

All you have to do is ask Rapaport.

CSI*: Buffalo Grove

* Crime Scene Insanity

Wonder if she left the light on…

Resident reported that her estranged husband, who has moved out of state, gave permission to an acquaintance to stay in the apartment that is leased by the resident. The resident does not want the acquaintance to stay there and he was asked to leave. The acquaintance requested several hours to clear out and the time was granted. 

So much for an after-school treat…

School bus driver requested assistance for an out of control juvenile on the bus. Officers found the boy hiding under a seat and had difficulty dealing with him. The boy was transported to the police station, and his mother came to pick him up. 

Open wide and say ah….

Center official reported that an intoxicated male white subject came into the center looking for a dentist office. The subject then began speaking with customers and making a nuisance of himself. Officers located the subject and gave him a ride to his dentist’s office. 

Was May pick-on-a-dentist month?

Dentist reported that when he arrived at work, he found that someone had knocked the security camera from its mounting on the rear of the business. The dentist has also found graffiti on his storage shed and numerous empty beer bottles around the building. The dentist has requested a check of the property on the weekends. 

Empire today, sidewalk tomorrow?

Resident reported that someone unknown dumped a rolled up carpet between the walking path and the Chevy Chase Golf Course. Officer inspected the carpet and found nothing rolled up inside and no indicators of ownership. A work order to remove the carpet was issued. 

Unexcused tardy?

Dad reported that his son was refusing to go to school. The boy stated that he was tired and wanted to go back to bed. Officer spoke with the boy telling him the importance of school and the consequences for not attending. The boy took a quick shower and dad drove him to his classes. 

A good reason for a car wash…

Resident reported that someone wrote vulgar and derogatory words in the dust on her van. The resident does not know who did this but has had on-going neighbor problems.

Huh?

Resident stated that a neighbor walked her dog in front of his house, and the dog sat on his parkway. The resident then stated that the neighbor yelled at him but he could not hear what was said because he was cutting the lawn. The neighbor told the officer, yes to walking the dog by the house, and yes the dog sat on the parkway. She stated that she said nothing to the resident because she was on the phone. The neighbor is upset because the resident files complaints over nothing and she feels this is harassment. 

Unexcused tardy – Part 2

Father reported that his 16-year-old son was refusing to go to school. After some conversation dad drove the boy to his classes. 

There’s comedy in this…

While on patrol, officer located a black Craftsman three ton capacity floor jack, sitting in the middle of the street. The jack was placed into property at the police station. 

Love was a many splendid thing…

Employee stated that she has an order of protection against her ex boyfriend and he has sent an instant message profession (ed note – do you think he meant professing?) his love for her. Now the employee is receiving sexually explicit web sites on her work computer, and she believes the ex is sending them. Officer found nothing specifically that indicates the ex is sending the emails. 

Huh?  Part 2

Complainant reported a group of youths that were carrying sticks and one stated that he would put a knife into another. Officers located a number of youths who stated that one flipped out because he though another took his IPod. The youth that had his IPod taken had a sharpened stick in his hand and refused to put it down when the officers told him to do so. The youth resisted and argued with the officers refusing to do as he was told. The youth was arrested and charged. 

Not the dreaded loose poodle...

Citizen saw a small white poodle running loose. When the citizen opened his car door, the dog jumped in. The dog had a collar and tags and was reunited with its owner. 

Well, at least they cleaned up...

Resident reported that teens were drinking in the park and left beer and wine bottles all over the place. The resident also stated that the teens draped toilet paper all over the swing set. When the officer arrived at the park, the park was clear of bottles and toilet paper. 

At least it didn’t come postage due…

Resident stated that she received a letter from an inmate of the Hill Correctional Center, in Galesburg. The letter requests the resident be the inmate’s friend and to correspond with him. The resident has no idea how the inmate got her address. The resident was instructed to contact the correctional center and request officials to have the inmate stop writing to her. 

Ex marks the spot

Complainant stated that her ex boyfriend took her keys and drove off with her car. It was determined that the ex boyfriend drives the car all of the time, and it is actually owned by the complainant’s ex husband. 

Huh?  Part 3

Resident reported a woman screaming and asking someone to call the police. The resident stated that he heard this from his balcony but did not see anyone. Officer located a male subject who stated that he and his friend had been drinking and argued over one using too many briquettes in the grill. Both apologized and were fine. 

And there’s a good deal on swamp land in Jersey….

Resident received a phone call advising her that her husband won $200,000.00 and that she needed to wire $2,850.00 to cover the taxes before the prize could be processed. The caller provided an account number and a routing number to a bank, and the resident sent the money. A second call requested an additional amount of $3,563.00 to cover fees, which was sent. A third call requested and additional amount of $3,587.00 to cover additional taxes which was sent, but then cancelled when the resident became suspicious. The phone number the caller used is an unlisted number from Washington DC. 

A Mexican jail in Canada, eh?

Resident received a phone call from a person saying he is her grandson, that he is in a Mexican prison, and needs $2,500.00 to get out. A second person spoke with her stating that he is a prison official and instructed her where to send the money. When she went to purchase the money order, another person in line picked up on the story and told the resident it was a scam. The resident then called her daughter who verified that her son was not in Mexico. The phone number of the caller comes back to Ottawa, Canada. 

Imagine what they would have been doing if they were watching the Cubs?

Little League official reported some adults drinking alcohol while watching a little league game. When the officer arrived the game was over and people were leaving. Officer reminded the remaining adults of the prohibition of drinking alcohol in the parks. All stated that they understood. The officer did not witness anyone drinking.