Letters to the Editor: Impaired Driving Month in Lemont, LHS-113A Partnership

Lemont Patch is , which will be posted on the site weekly. If you're interesting in submitting a letter, e-mail Lemont Patch Editor Amanda Luevano at amanda@patch.com.

Lemont Community Needs to Support Education to Salvage Reputation

It is certainly an understatement to say that Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A has been the subject of much talk around town these days. From the questionable actions of school board members to failed referendums, District 113A has been quite the hot topic. Now, District 113A pops up in our news feed once again, this time under the headline, 

While it is definitely a nice change of pace to hear the community making an active effort to participate in local news talk, the debate surrounding District 113A has also created a sort of negative connotation to prospective Lemont homeowners. A reader of the Lemont Patch website, who is both a resident of Lemont and a local real estate agent, commented recently that a new home buyer who was considering the purchase of a home in Lemont turned to a different community because of the school district's financial situation. A prospective homebuyer in Lemont need not do extensive research to determine the controversial nature surrounding District 113A.

Lemont is a growing community, and we want it to continue to grow. But unless we want to scare our future neighbors away, it is time to get our acts together and come together as a community to put our school districts – and our reputations – back together. Step one is to readdress the financial situation, both through the use of tax anticipation warrants and through the successful passage of a referendum. Step two is to invest ourselves in the April election – and make sure we elect the right candidates to the School Board.

Charlene Recio
Lockport, IL

Impaired Driving Month in Lemont

During the most recent meeting of the Village of Lemont Board of Trustees, Mayor Reaves proclaimed December to be Impaired Driving Month. In 2009, motor vehicle crashes killed 911 people in Illinois; 319 of those deaths involved driver impaired by alcohol. More than one-third of motor vehicle deaths in Illinois involved an impaired driver.

December is traditionally a time of celebration and holiday cheer. Many of us are in our cars a lot during this time of year, whether we are out shopping for presents or visiting with friends and family who have come to celebrate. Yet, driving is especially dangerous during this time of year because of the high winds and icy roadways. The most recent snowstorm reminded us of that danger. 

In honor of Impaired Driving Month, please take extra precaution this winter season by not drinking and driving. If you're hosting a party, don't overserve your guests. If you find that your guest is too impaired to drive, don't let him or her get behind the wheel of a car. Or, if you're attending a party with friends, volunteer to be the night's designated driver. 

Don't let this time of celebration turn tragic with a decision to let a person drive drunk.

Charlene Recio
Lockport, IL