Homeowners could pay for ComEd tax relief

Commonwealth Edison is asking for a 90 percent reduction on the nearly $2 million in property taxes the company is paying to DuPage County, raising concerns for some County Board members who say homeowners would have to make up the difference.

Board member Paul Fichtner says he will introduce a resolution before the board asking ComEd to pay its current property taxes.

If ComEd won the tax relief, homeowners would see an increase in their property tax bill because they would have to make up the company's reduction. The increase would come on the heels of a 26 percent increase in individuals' ComEd bills over the past year and another 10 percent increase requested for next year.

-- Paige Winfield

Teenagers may volunteer at the DuPage Convalescent Center through the "VolunTeen" program.

Located in Wheaton, the center provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care for more than 350 residents between the ages of 21 and 100. Teens may help with a variety of activities including recreation events and outings, in-house transport, playing games, gardening, special events and animal assisted visits.

For more information, visit www.dupageco.org/convo or set up an interview by calling 630-784-4260.

-- P.W.

Area Girl Scouts will simulate the functions of Wheatland Township officials at the annual Youth in Government Day on Thursday. Sponsored by the township's youth committee, the event will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Wheatland Township Center, at 31 W. 236 91st Street in Naperville.

-- P.W.

DuPage Against War Now has been chosen by the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization to receive the 2008 Kit Pfau Voting Rights Award.

Established in 1993, the award is given to those who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in working toward encouraging voter registration and advocating reforms in the electoral process.

Based in Glen Ellyn, DAWN is a peace organization formed in 2002 to oppose the war in Iraq.

-- P.W.

The Naperville Fire Department's plans for the future Fire Station No. 10 earned a speedy endorsement from the Plan Commission on Wednesday night.

Commissioners approved a request for a major change to the Naperville Crossings planned unit development to allow for the construction of a fire station on the north side of 95th Street near Rosecroft Lane, just west of Route 59. The new station will serve the city's southwest side.

During the public hearing, Acting Fire Chief Mike Zywanski said a meeting was recently held with residents of the nearby subdivisions to explain the plans and address any impact.

"We do intend to be a good neighbor," Zywanski said. "We take very seriously the use of sirens and lights."

The plans now move forward to the City Council for final approval. In March the council hired Naperville-based Charles Vincent George Design Group to design the facility.

-- Kathy Cichon

Government Watch is a weekly column of news and commentary by Sun staff. To submit an item for consideration, e-mail thesun@scn1.com