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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Flag not flying on its day
in Country Club Hills

As a resident of Country Club Hills since 1974, I must admit I was very surprised and upset that the flag — yes, the big, beautiful one — was not flying proudly June 14, the official Flag Day.

The flag has special meaning to me. I watched it being raised with my mom, the very first time, when my mom was battling cancer. She smiled with delight as it was raised. She has been gone for three years, but I can still see her beautiful smile as we watched it fly. For one brief moment, we were not thinking of her cancer.

So I went there today to see the flag and remember Mom — and no flag. I called the mayor’s office, and after three people passed me on, Dawn finally at least listened to my complaint.

What a shame. Whether due to maintenance, poor timing or whatever, Flag Day is one day a year to be honored. Shame on you.

Missy Mason

Country Club Hills

Retirement employment can be easy to come by

Our retired mayor is now employed by a law firm that has done considerable work for the city of Chicago.

I guess you could call such employment “payback time:” for the millions of dollars of fees the firm enjoyed in the controversial lease of the Skyway, parking meters and other nefarious deals.

The firm surly didn’t hire him for his legal skill, as he never has represented a client in litigation, or his fascinating oratorical abilities. He and the firm both stated that he would not participate in or influence litigation in city of Chicago matters.

I believe that as much as I believe Chicken Little stating that the sky is falling.

John Culloton

Chicago

Orland fire district should be about transparency

The new board of the Orland Fire Protection District was given a very clear mandate in the last election: to trim costs, make the district more transparent and end nepotism and insider preferences. That was the foundation of the two new board members’ campaigns. Now that the election is over, the new board, with the two new members and one incumbent member, have begun to change the district along these lines. The new board is intent on making the district more transparent, and as that begins, the taxpayers may be shocked by some of the things that took place.

People should respect the wishes of the taxpayers and support the changes, not obstruct them or confuse the issues to protect their friends.

The fire department and firefighters are an important part of the community. They put their lives on the line every day to protect the community. That respect and support for their dedicated work will never change.

But the new board is intent on changing what a small group of people are trying to protect.

The public deserves to know what has occurred at the board and to be informed fully as the new board moves forward.

Ray Hanania, spokesman for the Orland Fire Protection District

Orland Park

Thanks for helping in fight against hunger

The National Association of Letter Carriers would like to thank all the residents and business sponsors who helped “Stamp out Hunger” in Oak Forest on May 14.

With the help of many volunteers, we collected 12,500 pounds of food. The St. Damian Food Pantry supplies food to more than 150 families in Oak Forest.

We would also like to acknowledge Mike Ankola, of Foremost Liquors, for his generous donation of food. In 2001, Ankola donated his first 600 pounds of food. Through the next 10 years, he increased that amount to 2,000 pounds. Ankola truly cares for the people of Oak Forest and is always ready to supply food anytime the pantry is in need. Thank You!

Denise Holub, food drive coordinator

Oak Forest