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PAGE 12 - PLAINDEALER - FRIDAY. MARCH 4.1983 • PLAINDEALER^ Editorial Opinion Legislation Summary Good Gas News Some oil industry experts are now saying gasoline prices might drop another 10 cents. Some befieve the decline will continue for a year. One says the price per gallon may reach 75 cents. If prices dip another 10 cents, customers will be delighted, inflation will decline and buying power and savings will rise. In April, of course, a 5 cents tax will be added to the price, so lower prices are now expected to make this tax less noticed (except to truckers). Lowering gasoline prices are apparently stirring interest in larger cars, which use more gasoline. Last year's sales were higher than had been anticipated and 1983 sales are good. But the good news is that larger cars get good mileage compared to luxury models of the mid-seventies. Gasoline prices will probably never again fall to the 39 cents level Court Dignity Judges are traditionally associated with dignity and restraint. There is certain respect for judicial robes. The higher the judge, the greater the respect, awe or image. But some judges are making it harder for the average citizen to follow the script. In Florida a judge was recently convicted of involvement with drug smuggling. The first black federal judge in that state was also recently tried (and acquitted) on charges of bribery. A friend, an attorney, was sentenced to jail in the case. When the judge was acquitted, he staged a theatrical type setae. In California, judges have made news headlines with weirdo decisions. A judge in Washington, D.C. tried the man who shot President Reagan and had to render an innocent verdict because an insanity defense in his court got to the jurors better than he did. Respect for the courts and the judiciary is vitally important in a democracy. Anything which tends to bring either into disrepute endangers the system. But we need the judges' cooperation, too. investigation There is an unquestioned need for careful weighing of evidence in investigations of tragedies, accidents, mistakes and chicanery. That applies on the local, state and federal level. > Unfortunately, the trend in recent years is to string out investigations over weeks, months and years. If misdeeds are involved, sometimes investigations delay corrective action, hide the unpleasant facts or cover up evidence. In municipal, county and state decisions on new construction projects, the trend is to obtain a study or report from one firm or another, from somewhere, to decide the question. That gets elected officials, who make the official decision, off the hook. They can blame the study firm-from somewhere else, which cares little after being paid its nice fee, if something goes wrong. And it often does. If an air accident occurs, investigation can last almost a year. If two ships collide, it may be a year before blame is assessed by boards and investigators. On various levels of government also, a move to study a proposal often amounts to a death sentence-and the funeral cost is the cost of the study group assigned the task. Committees, special studies, investigations and reports all have their place. But it's good to see an elected official, occasionally, face the music and make tough decisions. It's good to see official bodies on all levels of government accept responsibilities. Roll Call Report (Your Congressmen's Vote) Changes in the juvenile court process, stringent election ballot restrictions, prohibition of age discrimination and the institution of job sharing for state workers are among the intents of bills introduced to the Illinois House last week, ac­ cording to State Representative Dick Klemm (R-Crystal Lake). Dozens of new pieces of legislation were introduced and assigned to the House committee on Assignment. They will be passed on to specific House committees for further con­ sideration during the weeks to come. One issue of immediate importance was a call by House Republicans for a prompt investigation of recent newspaper reports of alleged illegal business dealings by three of Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne's top aides. In a party line vote, House Democrats voted to delay an investigation of a reported attempt by the three city officials to arrange the sale of Con­ tinental Air Transport Co., a bus firm with an exclusive city contract to provide service at O'Hare Airport. News reports alleged a conflict of interest because the officials were said to have used their positions to force the sale of the bus company to a firm in which at least one mayoral aide was said to have a significant financial interest. House Speaker Michael Madigan and several downstate Democrats were among those voting to refer the resolution calling for the investigation to a committee, rather than have the investigation begin immediately. The Illinois Commerce commission must approve the sale of the bus company, and it is expected to take up the matter soon. House Republicans wanted the legislative investigation under way before the ICC acted. Among other bills introduced and awaiting committee assignment are: Truancy (House Bill 288) provides for prompt authoritative intervention for minors who are habitually truant and allows for court consideration. Informal Juvenile Handling (HB 289) Amends the Juvenile Court act to provide options for informal dealing with juveniles taken into police custody without a warrant. Prompt Ballot Delivery (HB 294) Requires election judges to deliver completed ballots within 8 hours of poll closing times. This bill further bans any election judge found guilty of negligent or willful misconduct from serving as a judge again. Age Discrimination (HB 299) Amends the Illinois Human Rights act to eliminate age as a criteria for determining eligibility in an ap­ prenticeship program. Job Sharing (HB 291) Creates a program of job sharing for all state agencies. The program would allow two workers to share the duties of one employee position in any Illinois state agency. Hearsay Evidence (HB 306) Provides that hearsay evidence is admissable to determine "probable cause" at a preliminary hearing. Judicial Protection (HB 304) Would make battery of a judge an aggravated crime if the crime oc­ curred as a result of the judge's performance of his duties. Aggravated crimes have more stringent penalties than non- aggravated offenses. _ •_ Small School Closing and Transfers (HB 287) Permits a school board to close a high school in its district and send the students to another district, provided the sending district pays tuition to the receiving district and voters in both districts approve of the transfer. Abandoned Mine Reclamation (HB 293) Allows the Abandoned Mined Lands Reclamation council to reclaim mined land which was not coal mined. The bill recognizes that mining other than coal mining can also have ad­ verse effects on the environmental safety of an area. Gasohol Tax Reduction (HB 265) Extends a reduction on gasohol tax from 7.5 to 3.5 cents per gallon. The bill provides that the reduction will be in effect until 1992. VDT Safety (HB 274) Provides statutory protection for video display terminal (VDT) operators, including mandatory rest periods, eye testing and education concerning possible safety hazards. Gun Ban Exemption (HB 298) Allows persons "passing through" municipalities which ban gun ownership to own or possess firearms if it is otherwise lawful for them to do so. . Compulsion and Necessity Defense (HB 303) Switches the burden of proof in cases where a defendant claims innocence by reason of compulsion or necessity to commit a crime to the defendant. The state must still prove the defendant committed the crime in question, but the defendant must prove that he was unable by reason of compulsion, to avoid doing so. Refunds To 40,000 Tax Filers Some 40,000 early-bird income tax filers have already been rewarded by receiving their refunds, according to Illinois Revenue Director J. Thomas Johnson, who noted that $2.9 million in refunds were issued last month. Another 58,000 refunds totaling $2.92 million are going out this week, Johnson added. The revenue director nuted that more than a million income tax returns have been received by the department so far this year. More than 4.6 million state income tax forms were mailed to taxpayers during December, Johnson said. Johnson encouraged taxpayers to file their returns as soon as possible. "Filing early is the best way to ensure prompt processing of your state income tax return," he said. "With nearly five million returns expected to be filed by the April 15 deadline, early filers will beat the crush of last-minute returns that flood the department during late March and early April. Processing time in­ creases as the volume of returns grows." Using the pre-addressed label that comes with the 1982 return which is mailed directly to the taxpayer also can speed up processing, saving extra steps by the department - and thus saving taxpayer money. Any corrections necessary should be made directly on the label, Johnson said. To avoid delay in the mail, tax­ payers should use the pre-addressed envelope included with each tax booklet, Johnson said. He reminded taxpayers to be sure to put the correct amount of stamps on the envelope because the post office won't deliver mail which lacks proper postage. Taxpayers who have ndt received an IL-1040 booklet because they moved or did not file a state income tax return last year, should contact the Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 3545, Springfield. State income tax returns are also available at district offices of the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, most county clerks and many legislators maintain a supply of these forms in their of­ fices. Seek Volunteers To Check Water Quality The Illinois EPA seeks local volunteers for a sampling program to help determine the quality of lakes in this area. Almost anyone can volunteer and almost any lake is eligible. Volunteers need some time, a desire to find out about the lake and a boat or some flotation device with an anchor. This is the third year that the IEPA has worked with volunteers in the Volunteer Lake Monitoring program, explained IEPA spokesman George Dillon. Monitoring will again be performed twice monthly from May through October. Volunteers will determine lake quality by noting the lowest visible depth of a secchi disc lowered into the water. Last year more than 300 volunteers assisted in gathering data from 128 lakes. The IEPA hopes to expand both the number of volunteers and the number of lakes monitored. The Illinois EPA will provide the secchi disc, a training session held in this area, and report forms. Volun­ teers will receive a certificate of participation and a report sum­ marizing the data collected. State park and conservation lakes, public supply lakes, and lakes previously monitored are especially targeted for inclusion in the program this year. Anyone who would like to volunteer to monitor a favorite lake in this area should contact Vanessa Musgrave, IEPA, 1701 South First, Maywood 60153. 312-345-9780. Mar. 15 is the deadline to sign up. The program is limited and offered on a first-come basis. Area training sessions begin Apr. 1. Washington - Here's how area members of Congress were recorded on roll call votes Feb. 10-16. HOUSE Contracts--By a vote of 294 for and 32 against, the House passed a bill to aid small businesses in their competition against big corporations for federal procurement contracts. The bill (HR 1043) was sent to conference with the Senate. At issue was whether bidding procedures are fair to smaller companies seeking a share of the $160 billion the government lets annually in military and civilian contracts. Debate also focused on whether the bill, produced by the Small Business committee, invaded the turf of the Armed Services Committee. The bill requires a lapse of at least 45 days between the advertising of a contract and the deadline for submitting bids, along with adequate notice in the Commerce Business Daily. Supporter Parren Mitchell, D-Md., said that "because (they) do not have lobbyists in Washington, small businesses are closed out from making any attempt to even bid on a contract." 'Opponent Samuel Stratton, D-N.Y., said the added paperwork and time {•quired by the bill would work a hardship on the Defense department, which accounts for about 80 percent erf the federal procurement outlay, and perhaps (jftlute the quality of goods and services procured by the military. ^Members voting yes wanted agencies to expand their contracting procedures with an eye to aiding small businesses. >Voting no: Philip Crane, R-12. *4 SENATE ' Norainee^The Senate confirmed, 81 for and 11 against, the nomination of Richard Burt, a New York Times reporter before he ioined the Reagan administration's State department, as assistant secretary of state for European affairs. Critics saw Burt as too liberal. And, citing his 1979 Times story about the classified U.S. spy satellite program, they questioned his ability to protect Sensitive information. The article was based on secret data leaked to Burt. Supporter Charles Mathias, R-Md., said he thinks the source of Burt's story - whom Burt declines to identify - was a Carter administration official engaged in the time-honored practice of leaking data to advance a policy goal. He is certain, Mathias added, that Burt will "preserve the sanctity" of official information. Opponent Steven Symms, R-Idaho, said that at State Burt has become "the chief architect" of U.S. policy toward the unratified SALT H arms-control treaty with the Soviet Union. That policy, Symms charged, consists of unilaterally abiding by SALT II while allowing the Soviets to ignore the treaty. Senators voting yes supported Burt's nomination. Alan Dixon, D, voted yes. Charles Percy, R, voted yes. PLAINDEALER™^ Letter to the Editor Public Pulse (tit* Holndsalsi invites the puWk to iim this column o< an expression of their views on swkiects of fenerel in­ terest In our community. Our only request is that the writers five signature, full address and phone number. We esk too. that one Individual not write on the same subject more than once a month. Wo roserve the right to delete eny materiel which we consider libelous or In objectionable tasto.) ALONE "Dear Editor: "We are marooned on an island one block from the city of McHenry. The township doesn't want us, the city doesn't want us and the county doesn't want us. I am referring to we who live on Ponca street, south of Lillian street. "Our street is a gravel surface and I fear that some day a car, truck, or even the Pioneer Center bus (county operated) will disappear into one of the many, many deep holes, never to be seen again. "We have been told that this is a private street but because of Geier blvd. which goes on through to Crystal Lake road, we have much through traffic consisting of cars, trucks, buses and even snowmobiles, our taxes are comparable to those just across Lillian street, yet avoiding the holes on our street is a nightmare. "The township tells us to bring the street up to specifications and then they will maintain it. Why do we have to bring our 'private' street up to specifications when it is definitely a through. street used by countless vehicles whose owners do not live here? "Sincerely, "Gerald J. Larkin" ALCOHOL PROBLEM COVERAGE "Dear Editor: "In reading your article in the Feb. 18 issue, I must applaud the coverage you gave our program. The alcohol problem in our society is at epidemic levels. "We at the Youth Service Bureau appreciate your coverage of this unpopular problem that plagues our country. If we can ever be of any help, please let us know. This article once again demonstrates your paper is a credit to our community. "Respectfully, "Michael J. Baber "McHenrv County Youth Service Bureau, Inc. "4719 W. Elm Street "McHenry" Running out of gift ideas? Take a symbolic event in the person's life and buy a tiny charm to commemorate the event. WHO KNOWS 1. What is dyslexia? 2. Who said, "To ease another's heartache is to forget one's own"? 3. Who was the CIA director in February, 1976? 4. When was the first American R.R. chartered? 5. When is the next leap year? 6. When did President Nixon make his famous trip to China? 7. Who said "Religion and morality lead to poli­ tical prosperity"? 8. Who isolated Vitamin C and when? Aanren to Who Know* 1. Impairment of the ability to read, often as the result of genetic de­ fect or brain injury. 2. Abraham Lincoln. 3. George Bush. 4. February 28, 1827. 5. 1984. 6. February 21, 1972. 7. George Washington, in his Farewell Address as president. 8. Dr. C. C. King, in 1932. BUDDY'S WORKSHOP Should hoi water healers be insulated during winter? What lypeof insulation? Hot water heaters should be insulated year-round to prevent heat loss. Use insulating material made especially for this purpose. It's fiberglass, about two inches thick with a vinyl outer layer. You can buy the material or buy a kit that is easily installed and cut to size. Do not cover the bottom of the heater or the controls. For Your In format ion Dear friends. Among the duties of a funeral director, he will arrange for the nece«sory certificates and permits, including tho.e that must be filled out by the physician and coroner. He will write and have published the ap­ propriate obituary and funeral service notices in the local and out-of-town newspapers you designate. Your funeral director also will cooperate with your spiritual adviser on the detailed arrangemen­ ts. Respectfully, PETER M.JIJSTEN ft FUNERAL HOME ARE YOU NEW IN The McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone New? We Would Like To Extend A Royal Welcome To Every Newcomer To Our Area 111 CALL LORRAINE MONAHAN 385-5475 1 4 mm mitinf °&LlG No aTiqn »w »*•« r--* "" in»< *"*" ROYAL WELCOME Know Your Area-Royal Welcome Does It Best Serine profes810* pirectory JACK WALSH, AGENT EARL R. WALSH, BROKER INSURANCE & BONDS Rr», Auto. Farm, Ufa RCLIABU COMPANIES MIS W. Elm St., McHenry DENNIS CONWAY AUTO. UK. FUNE State Farm lis. Co. 33I9W. Elm Street McHenry. IU. 3*5-7111 JAMES M. MclNTEE, LAWYER AVAILABLE TO PRACTICE IN: Personal ln|ury/Trial* Business Corporations WlHs/Probate Divorce-Real Estate Workmen'! Commentation MM W. Elm Street. McHenry. N. t phono: M5-M40 Form Equipment George P. Freund, : Ine, 4102 W. Crystal Lake Rd. McHenry Bus. 3B5-0420 Res. 385-0227 McKMtY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES. SERVICE B RENTALS Mon.-Sat. 9-5:30 Friday til 9:00 93 Grant St.. Crystal lake Phone: 459-122* ML LEONARD BOTTARI 1303 Richmond Rd. McHenry Eyes Ixomlned-Contact Lenses Classes Fitted Men., Tues., Thurs.. Prl. 4-4pm Tues.. Thurs., Frl. 7-9 pm Sat. 9:30-3 pm Phone: 3S5-415I or 3B5-2252 McHENRY DENTAL CENTER DR. CJ. LUDFORD DR. KEVIN WE6RZYN OPEN 3 EVENINGS A WEEK UNTIL S:)0 P.M.* SAT. 385-1360 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Jj^ATERTOCOWAIBD^ l l R E L U RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europo Motors, Inc. 2318 Rt*. 120 115385 0700 SERVICE LINE McHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3*5-4300 FAMILY SERVICE ft MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 4302-G West Crystal Lake Rd.. McHenry. II. 60050 115-335-6400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE McHenry County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Parents Anonymous meetings on Tuesday. Call 315-344-3944 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-3660 Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. week days (Ever had a problem involving the federal government and not known where to call? And than been given the runaround or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how'to help? Ten specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: 300-972-6004 (For confidential conversations on problems dealing with run-away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone 300-424-9213 (Complaints about intarstate moving by companies, buses or trains. Sponsored by Interstate Commerce commission.) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 800-424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether a particular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used car.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES 24-Hours Child Abuse Hotline TOLL FREE: 800-252-2878 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 800-638-2666 (Operates five national lines. Answers inquires about or reporting on the safety of products from kitchen appliances to children's toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING INFORMATION CENTER 800-523-2929 P.O. Box 1607, Rockville, Md. 20850 (Dispenses information on solar systems for heating and cooling to anyone from architects to home owners looking for a sun-powered hot-water system.) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312-793-3580 Chicago, III. BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Help? Counseling Service. 385-2999. 24 hours Answering Service. YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU FOR McHENRY COUNTY 4719 W. Elm St.. McHenry Phone: 344-3240 24 hours Crisis Intervention and Confidential Coun­ seling for youth and families. ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phone: 217-522-5514 Answer to questions on gover- ment regulations. MENTAL HEALTH 1-800-892-1900 Crisis Center Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number and professional staff wil answer your call. Sponsoring agency McHenry County Comprehensive Mental Health Service System. NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION Post Office Box 17400 Washington, D.C., 20041 Phone (703) 471-0404 • McHENRY COUNTY CETA OUTREACH CENTER 666 Russel Ct. Woodstock.il. 60098 (11$) 338-7100 JOB TRAINING OFFERED McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCATION FOR THE RETARDED Robert G. Lambourn, Executive Director Phone: 344-1230 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (815) 455-3311 McHENRY COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL 800-892-3272 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PRAIRIE STATE LEGAL SERVICES. INC. 800-942-3940 . Free legal representation in civil cases to low income persons. Landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence or improper denial of benefits such as Social Security, Public Aid, Food Stamps, General Assistances Unem­ ployment Insurance