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PAGE 2 - PLA1NDEALER - FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 1984 News and Views Capitol Update: Seniors to state boards The luxuries bf retirement Retirement is more than an excuse to ignore an alarm clock. It is the opportunity to think about things that are totally unimportant, a luxury of the mind not permitted in the busy life of a newspaper office. We have been sitting here this morning wondering how long the helium will keep a "happy retirement" balloon soaring to the ceiling, dragging behind it some colorful, smaller, garden variety balloons that have stood the test of 12 days afloat. And we wonder too, how long we can maintain the blooms on several plant s which show signs of imminent demise. Because assure initial thrill M lisifT &, anderin BY KAF they share with the balloons a rather momentous milestone in our life, there is a force that impels us to help them live 'every minute possible. Beyond the confines of home, on some rather leisurely rides hround town, there are other matters of little importance on which we have had time to dwell It is sometimes sur­ prising that in the pace of a working day we have neglected to take note of changes and innovations. Now, with deadlines only a memory, we wonder how they could have » reaped attention. Silt ing in front of a pet store Easter Monday morning, we saw two bunnies in a cage in the window. Miraculously, they had fate of brothers and the loving who had the )t the know-how to survival after the of owning a live bunny had passed. In the window they were safe and their meager needs met. Only the freedom of the outside world seemed better for these furry, gentle creatures. The opportunity to be about town more frequently also puts us in touch with a wild duck population that is both a joy and an impediment in spring. As the young drake's fancy turns to love, he is known to be drawn to rather imprudent action such as claiming the street as his own as well as the "lady". Just an hour before midnight last Monday we were driving in the Green Street business section. With no thought of confronting such an unlikely obstacle as wildlife, suddenly three ducks appeared directly in the middle of the road as they took their late night stroll. With a hard foot on the brake and a sharp swerve a death was prevented. Only our nervous system suffered as the intrusive wildlife continued as though this was their God-given right. These are only a few of the inconsequential things that have been part of our life in a week's retirement. Will we choose to set our mind on more serious matters in the future? We sincerely hope so, but for the moment we are thoroughly enjoying the in­ dulgence of small talk and small thoughts to which we feel anyone is entitled after a long working life. Legislation requiring senior citizen appointments to 25 state boards and commissions was recently approved the Illinois House according to^fetate Rep. Dick Klemm (R-Crystal Lake). Sent to the Senate was House Bill 2509, which adds one member over age 60 to such advisory boards as the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, State Employees Retirement System, the Health Facilities Planning Board, Illinois Arts Council and Community College Board, according to Klemm. Also of interest to the elderly was Illinois Secretary of State Jim Edgar's endorsement of a 50 percent reduction in vehicle registration fees for senior citizens and disabled persons who qualify for the state's Circuit Breaker Grant. If the plan becomes law, more than 255,000 persons over age 65 could qualify for the reduced fees. The proposal will be incorporated into Senate Bill 1607. In other action during the week, the House moved to passage stage HB 2345, which exempts social security income from state income taxes. Under a new federal law, certain social security recipients must pay taxes on a portion of their benefits. This bill "de-couples" Illinois from the federal law, so that those same senior citizens do not have to pay state taxes on their benefits. lawmakers also reviewed a third and fourth special message from Governor James Thompson. These two, the latest in a series of messages the Governor plans to issue during the 1984 session, concerned utility regulation and funding for local public works projects. House Republican Leader Lee A. Daniels applauded Thomp­ son's latest messages, calling the proposals "realistic and workable responses to in­ creasing costs and technological change." In committee action during the week, the House Insurance Committee sent to the full House legislation requiring all motorists to carry insurance. The measure, HB 2545, is vir­ tually identical to a bill which passed the House last year, but which was killed in the Senate. It Would require drivers to show proof of insurance when ap­ plying for vehicle license plates. Several important proposals were also intoduced during the week. Those included: VICTIMS' RIGHTS (HB 2918)-This measure, requested by Governor Thompson in his State-of-the-State message, would guarantee that crime victims have a right to enter testimony into the court record before a criminal sentence is passed UTILITY TAXES (HB 2944)- Provides a state income tax deduction of up to $600 for gas or electric utility expenses. EXIT POLLING (HB 2952)- Bans opinion polling within 100 feet of any voting place. The bill seeks to curb abuses in "exit polling" the practice of asking voters whom they cast their ballot for as they leave a voting place. MEDICAL MALPRACTICE (HB 2975 - HB 2985)-This comprehensive package seeks to control rising medical liability costs brought on by high damage awards and insurance Board credited for decision on township mosquito control Workshops tell financing Local government officials can learn more about obtaining financing for ^community an<J economic development at April 28 ami ivlay 10 workshops sponsored by the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA). The April workshop will l»e held9a.m. to2p m. at Belleville Area College. Registration can be made in advance by con­ tacting Larry Sehmalenberger. (.18 235-2700, or on the day of the workshop The workshop is free of charge. The May workshop is at the Fast Peotia Holiday Inn from 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Registration can IK* made in advance by contacting William Mudra, 309- 694-5385. This is the final of a four-part series of local government workshops offered through Illinois Central College. There is a registration fee. "Historicaly, the smaller communities have trouble identifying financing resources. These workshops will provide basic information on public and private dollars that can be used for community and economic development," said DCCA Director Michael T. Woelffcr. DCCA personnel will be on hand to discuss various finan­ cing sources including industrial revenue bonding, industrial tax abatements, small business growth financing and tax in­ crement financing. State and federal grant programs will also be uiscussed. "Editor: "The McHenry County Defenders commend the McHenry Township Board for its decision to use Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti) rather than malathion to control * mosquitoes. "Bti is much safer than malathion and its effects are limited mostly to the target population of mosquitoes. Malathion is a broad spectrum pesticide that affects beneficial insects as well as mosquitoes and may cause health problems for sensitive individuals, those Create a mood of elegance Occasional Tables MEET THE STAFF with respiratory ailments, and the elderly. "Their decision illsutrates concern for the well being of their constituents. "The Defenders recommend that no spraying of tJ3ti, malathion, or any other pesticide be done on natural areas included on the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory. Some of the inventory sites now are managed by the McHenry County Conservation District. We think that these areas should he managed with as little in­ trusion as possible in ac­ cordance with strict, ecological principles. Although Bti is relatively benign, we believe that its use should be limited to developed or disturbed areas and that, in the absence of epidemics, unique natural areas should be left alone. "Greg Lindsey "executive director "McHeitry County "Defenders" "V (Mir rln<ic o of lop styling: Artistically rlchcd bonier design on glass inserts in solid hnrdw<M»d tops ()r, high prrsMirc Uiminnlo lops in matching f rnitwood finish. i iut< d legs willi distinctive carvings. Finished in warm I rnilwimd tones * hot, l.nllv,,,! I Oval ( ocMAII H69QS •g "v.11 I'n,J la ( -Jti'wti v illi •11 * IN I IHIHM-.MI finish) Round l amp lablr Bridaerxxt I Sofa Table I8495 nriiiR new beauty and convenience to your hoinr. C raftsmansliip. fine wood quality, and exquisite decorative detailing . tables you will enjoy for years to come. A variety of harmonising designs to help you create your own special room Come in, see and toiu h these lovely tables. k k Vr MARTIN'S HI WAV njrmirunE V. 890 LAKE AVE., WOODSTOCK (815) 338-0404 DAILY 9 TO 5:30, MON. & FRI. 9 TO 9. CLOSED SUNDAY Carole Humann Circulation Secretary All subscribers to the McHenry Plaindealer can have Carole Humann to thank for efficient delivery. The 27-year McHenry resident has been cir­ culation manager at the newspaper for nearly five years, which involved si«> up new subscribers, cancellations, billing and posting checks for renewals. Recently the circulation department has ex­ panded and Carole works as secretary to the cir­ culation manager. Among their projects is a partial transition from mail to carrier delivery of the Plaindealer. Carole is a member of St. Mary's of the Assumption Church and the Women of the Moose. She and her husband Don have five daughters and eight grandchildren. In her free time, Carole enjoys reading. "y«t Cwc Cwwd 0»< UU . . •••••• Jpll McHenry ItM P'ti fttvSMP* Crowp premiums. The bills would limit attorneys fees, establish pre­ trial screening panels, place limits on non-economic damage awards (such as "pain and suffering" and "loss of con­ sortium") and subtract in­ surance benefits already paid from damage awards. HAZARDOUS WASTE (Bill numbers to be announced)- These bills would create a penny-per-gallon tax on hazardous waste, force defendants to pay attorney and court costs when they lose a hazardous waste suit brought by the Illinois Attorney General and halt alL "deep-well" disposal of hazardous waste until further studies are con­ cluded. PAPERWORK REDUCTION (HB 2957)-Creates a Statewide Paperwork Management Program to simplify and reduce the number of forms issued by state agencies. DRUG PROFITS (HB 2860)- Expands the Narcotics Profit Forfeiture Act to include Class 3 felonies BUY AMERICAN (HB 2861)- Forces all public agencies, including local units of govern­ ment, to buy only American- made cars and trucks.' NURSING HOMES (HB 2878)- -Revises licensing procedures for nursing homes and adds new abuse and neglect reporting programs for nursing homes. SEAT BELTS (HB 2888)- Requires all new school buses to be equipped with passenger seat safety belts. MISSING PERSONS (HB 2852>-Requires local law en­ forcement agencies to enter missing person reports into the statewide Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) as soon as the minimum information needed for entry is collected. HANDICAPPED INFANTS (HB 2910)-Gives the state Department of Children and Family Services additional power to intervene in cases of suspected medical neglect in­ volving newborns or infants, such as when the parents of a severely handicapped infant choose to withhold medical treatment form the infant. W6 0ONT m HOUSE ~ i 'vlv gJCF" *2 I mi mm* Traffic enforcement on private , . •>»•*«• Tvur ,irj f;:t> roads is subject of legislation Local authorities will be able to enforcc traffic laws on private subdivision and park district roads, under legislation spon­ sored by State Rep. Dick Klemm (R-Crystal Lake). "I have been meeting with the residents of more than 30 private subdivisions who are asking for changes in state law to allow for enforcement of motor vehicle laws on private roads," Klemm said. "When a person is driving on one of these private roads, they can't be cited for reckless driving, driving without a license, or any other violations because the laws don't apply. That can create dangerous situation, particularly in areas where children might be playing." Under current law, private roads in subdivisions and in park districts are not considered "streets" or "highways" for the purposes of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Klcmm's bill, HB 1128, changes the law to allow local authorities to define these roads as "highways" for the purposes 1 of enforcing traffic laws. "One of the key provisions of the bill is that the subdivision must make a written request to its local authority, be it city or county, asking that an ordinance be passed Cor the purpose of enforcing the traffic laws of the Illinois Vehicle Code. This makes the law permissive, ratlier than creating another state mandate, and gives the county or city the opportunity to determine if the request is proper WARSAW INN 217 N. Rt. 31 r McHenry, (1 Mi. South of Rt. 120) "A delicious Polish-American smorgasbord" --GROUP PARTIES WELCOMED-- Join Us Mother's Day, May 13th For an "Enjoyable Old-World Family Dining Experience." Our Menu Will Include: Chicken Soup, Roast Pork Loin. Turkey Dressing, Roast Beef, Baked Ham, Fresh Polish Sausage, ' Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes. Stuffed Cahb"9®' Potato Pancakes. Piergoi (Meat Cheese Cab | bage). Blintzes (Meat, Cheese. Apple). Sauerkmut I Ocean Perch, Sweet Potaloes. 15 Salads, 15 Desserts: S£RV|NG FROM ,, am Til 8 PM PARTIES OF 5 OR MORE PiEASE^HONE FOR RESERVATIONS ^;3O-2-3° --BANQUETS WELCOMED- *WEDDINGS*SHOWERS*GRADUATIONS •BIRTHDAYS*ANNIVERSARIES*OTHER SPECIAL OCCASIONS 344-0330 Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:30-2:30 Dinner: Tuesday-Thursday 4:00-9:00 Friday and Saturday 4:00-10:00 Sunday and Holidays Noon-8:00 FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 344-0330 Closed Monday 6