Night spent at Hesed House shows life of the homeless
Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to share in a unique experience. The staff and supporters of Hesed House staged a campout on their front yard, showing passersby and those gathered what the future of the homeless could look like if the proposed DHS budget cuts take place.

Aurora takes strong action to deal with foreclosures
I read with interest the article appearing in the June 21 Beacon News titled, "American Dream Dies Hard." The subheading stated "from Aurora to Yorkville and beyond....." and addressed the impact of residential foreclosure in cities throughout the Fox Valley.

City government's response to recession fair, measured
The city of Aurora is to be given a lot of credit for doing two things in regard to its projected $4 million deficit at the end of 2010.

Young moms should act to save Batavia's Quarry, a hidden gem
Twenty-three years ago, when I first moved to Batavia, all the young moms trucked their kids to Geneva or St. Charles to swim. The word on the street was that the Quarry in Batavia was dangerous, not maintained, and populated by "the wrong kind of people."

Citizens need health, not just wealth, protected
By Gerald Jones and Paul Kuehnert It's time for Gov. Pat Quinn and members of the Illinois Legislature to end the impasse over the state's budget and hammer out a document that is fair, economically sound and socially responsible.

Transitions program helps make students' dreams come true
Last week I interviewed Maureen Zarrella, Transitions coordinator at East Aurora High School, District 131. Maureen is in charge of making sure that students gain the skills, training and education to become successful, employed adults by the time they leave high school. The following is an interview about the Transitions program.

We're all vulnerable when a home sits empty
The words "neighborhood watch" have a connotation many take to suggest residents should be on the lookout for signs of crime -- from drug sales to prostitution to gang influence. But the phrase is taking on new meaning as foreclosures take their toll on communities throughout the nation.

Social services held as budget hostages
'Pay me the ransom money or I'll hurt the hostages!"

Ethics reforms approved; budget work looms ahead
Our state is facing many challenges but, despite economic and other hardships, I am committed to serving as a strong voice for our community in Springfield, and remaining accessible here at home. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the progress and challenges of this past year in Springfield.

Cadillac of lawn mowers is the Edsel of his life
Three years ago I bought a brand new red lawn mower. Not any ordinary lawn mower. It was equipped with an electric start! After all those years, I had made it. Not only was it an electric start mower, but self-propelled to boot. I ask you, can it get any better than that!

New state rep gets an 'eye-opening education'
I returned from Springfield with quite an eye-opening education to the state's budget process, as well as how to survive on minimal sleep. It is so great to be back in my district to catch up with the people I represent in Springfield. I can honestly tell you that my experience in local government and public service in Aurora and Naperville was extremely significant in preparing me for my role as a state representative. In fact, the state leaders in Springfield could take lessons from local leaders here about how to run government.

Why should taxpayers be penalized for helping schools?
With the state's financial problems dominating the agenda, Gov. Pat Quinn can be excused if other matters aren't taking priority. However, we'd like to remind Quinn there's a piece of legislation on his desk that deserves his signature.

Relay for Life tomorrow will aid cancer research
Summer is a terrific time for charitable organizations to hold walks to raise money. The American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" is a great walk that happens in Oswego this Friday night.

Small-business owner asks Foster to fight 'card check'
Pragmatism is a quality I admire in a lawmaker. As the owner of FlagSource, a small flag production business based in Batavia, I greatly respect the thoughtful approach my Congressman Bill Foster (D-14th) has taken on many issues in his first few months in office. In this regard, I would like to ask the Congressman to reconsider his support of an ill-conceived bill that I fear will increase intimidation by union organizers in the workplace.

City Council must find way to cut expenditures
On Monday, June 1, like many of you, I was writing checks for our property tax bills and wondered "how could these be so high?" My own home's property tax bill has increased 27 percent over two years. As an alderman, I have heard the blame to include school districts, park districts, township, county, Waubonsee Community College and the city of Aurora. Ultimately, it comes down to the cost of living as a whole within the city of Aurora.

Quad County Urban League continues on 'Path to Power'
This summer the National Urban League will hold its annual conference in Chicago.

Local fallout from state funding mess soon to hit
The sky is falling.