What’d they say?

Soapbox: Who’s Sandbox is it?

OK, we get it: Carpentersville’s trustees and village president do not get along. But, please. Can’t you all leave the sandbox, shovels and rattles at home? We’re all sick and tired of the petty bickering, the constant upheaval and the downright nasty behavior. When you show up at a board meeting, you’re there to do the work of the people, not to rant about one another. One frustrated observer likened the latest theatrics to a group therapy session. Therapy, actually, would be good. Just don’t do it on the taxpayer’s dime.

Good idea — and we are sick of the “petty bickering”. It is interesting to note, though, that when the Village President does something, they are certain to mention his name. But, when Trustee Sigwalt does it … well, that’s a different story, isn’t it?

Next, there were a number of people who were critical of a letter written by the Village President which mentioned potentially giving licenses (or driving certificates) to those in our country illegally. Finally, a letter that makes more sense than any of those:

Letters were published this week about Bill Sarto’s response to Chris Bailey’s column on unlicensed/uninsured drivers. Those letters offer examples of problems, but the writers failed to consider several factors.

These drivers are already on the road in spite of current laws punishing those without a license or insurance. Drivers without insurance are fined $1,000 and given a minimum three-month license suspension. While intended as a deterrent, it does not address the expense of accidents caused by these drivers.

Is towing additional vehicles an adequate solution? It should be obvious. If the cost to retrieve the vehicle is greater than its value, it will not be claimed. In all likelihood, the offender will be out on the road with another vehicle within hours. Though part of current law, threats fail to deter such drivers.

How shall our roads be made safer? The federal government is letting people into this country through “leaky borders” to provide businesses with cheap labor. Because they need to get to those jobs, allowing these drivers to obtain licenses and insurance could lessen both the problem of untrained drivers and of licensed and insured drivers having to foot the bill in accidents with them. This seems the purpose for Illinois considering such a measure. By considering the root of the problem, it intends to solve much more than does simply the threat of a fine and loss of one’s vehicle.