Letter to the Editor: Failure to Recognize Mental Illness Led to School Shooting

In a Letter to the Editor, Grayslake resident and attorney Jerry Novak writes that he feels the Newtown, Conn. school shooting was not the result of a lack of gun control, but a failure to recognize and treat mental illness.

Well by now I'm sure all of you are aware of the tragic school shooting in Connecticut. Its terrible. 27 lives lost. Why? Because of military "assault style weapons?" Because of high capacity magazines? Because guns are too easily obtained? Because we live in a "gun culture?" No. None of those reasons. Twenty-seven lives were lost because we as a population failed to recognize mental illness. We failed to recognize that some young man needed help. Help that he wasn't able to ask for. We failed to recognize his silent cries for help and we failed to help him deal with the terrible silent disease of mental illness. The disease won and we all lost. We lost our sense of safety for our children in school. We lost our ability to reason. And many…

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Xander Crews

7:45 pm on Tuesday, December 25, 2012

If you read closely, I propose no laws. People don't need the government to tell them what they already know--having a violent psycho in the home SHOULD mean no more guns in the house. If there is a child/adult with tendencies of a pyromaniac, matches and gasoline should be put out of reach. does there need to be a law saying that? Probably not. If you have a sociopath for a child, with violent …   more ›

Letters to the Editor

Braiman is 'a Beacon of Public Trust'

Letter to the editor

For the past 10 years, I have had the honor and privilege to work closely with Jeff Braiman. Given my up close and personal experiences with Jeff, I can unequivocally say that he will be an outstanding Judge for Lake County.  If there were two words to describe Jeff and to demonstrate why he would be an exceptional Judge, those words would be Independence and Integrity. During Board deliberations, Jeff always listens to the facts at hand and never comes to the table with a preconceived opinion. This is a critical trait for someone who will be entrusted with the responsibilities of justice and ensuring that each and everyone of us is treated fairly and equitably. I know Jeff has talked throughout his campaign about his refusal to accept …

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Letters to the Editor

Braiman 'is Well-Equipped for Success' as Judge

Letter to the editor

I have had the privilege to know Jeff Braiman for many years in a variety of capacities – as an attorney, as an elected official and as a friend. I have observed first-hand that Jeff is well-equipped for success as a Judge. He has shown himself to be an outstanding professional. He is intelligent, a creative thinker and a strong communicator. He is a patient man of impeccable character and integrity.  Jeff has been a highly effective public official, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community. He has a record of literally decades of exceptional public service. He has demonstrated great sensitivity, generosity and compassion when dealing with the public on difficult matters. He has shown a talent for effective …

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Letters to the Editor

There's 'No Question' in Mathias' Leadership

Letter to the editor

Sid Mathias is an independent, thoughtful representative who deserves your vote for re-election.  He has the guts to disagree with his party on issues important to him and his constituents. There is no question that he advocates for fiscal responsibility and has been fighting for a true balanced State of Illinois budget. He is for quality education in our schools, and is a sponsor of legislation to reduce our taxes. Mathias is opposed to increasing our property taxes by shifting the State's obligation to fund teacher pensions to local school districts. There is no question that he has earned the respect and praise of  surrounding  Village Mayors such as  Braiman and Hartstein of Buffalo Grove, Byrne of Vernon Hills, Mulder of Arlington Hts…

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Letters to the Editor

Shanes is 'the Real Deal'

Letter to the editor

Judge Daniel B. Shanes — the real deal.  Every once in a while you meet the real deal. A Judge earning the honor of receiving the highest recommendations of his peers at the bar associations. A father committed to being actively engaged in the lives of his children — baseball coach as well as midnight madness master of homework assistance. A dedicated husband of over 20 years. A supportive and friendly neighbor, who is interested in building a sense of community.  His commitment to justice and the community does not end on the bench. Over the past several years, Judge Shanes developed programs encouraging students to make healthy choices. As a Judge he knows that sharing his experiences with our students helps them understand every …

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Letter to the Editor: Schneider for Congress

Former Lake County Board Member Carol Spielman supports Brad Schneider.

I look for leadership in deciding who I want to represent me in congress.  I also look for someone who stands up for the issues important to me.  Women’s health issues is high on that list. Any assessment of Congressman Bob Dold’s stance on women’s health issues is that he does not  lead or stand up for women when it matters. I was there in 1973 when women were granted the right to make their own decisions about their own bodies.  This momentous decision for women will always need legislative reinforcement.  Supporting that right should include supporting the institutions that care about women’s health by providing basic health services.   Bob Dold voted for the “Protect Life Act” - also known as the “Let Women Die Act.”  This amendment …

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Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Brin for Court Clerk

Incumbent Sally Coffelt endorses Keith Brin to succeed her.

I’ve been honored and humbled to be your Lake County Circuit Clerk for the last 8 terms, but in 2011 I made the decision not to run again and instead retire at the end of this term. Since the first day I took office we’ve worked under a certain philosophy: do more with less, stay within our budget, and make customer service a priority. I could not have asked for a more perfect opportunity in a more perfect job, and I have the people of Lake County to thank for allowing me to work in public service to the best of my ability for so long. Shortly after the last election I hired a bright young man, Keith Brin, to be my Chief Deputy. As an attorney, Keith brought in a different perspective, and with it, additional creativity and innovation. …

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Letters to the Editor

Elect Schneider for Continued Recovery

Letter to the editor

I believe all elections are a referendum on what kind of people we are and what kind of people we want to be, and the November elections are no exception. I am especially focused on the Congressional race in my district which pits Democrat Brad Schneider against incumbent Republican Robert Dold. A vote for Congressman Dold is a vote to keep Republicans in control of the House of Representatives and a continuation of abhorrent practices such as imposed inequality (marriage is rationed only to those approved by the GOP) and militant opposition to compromise as a solution to an electorate that is evenly split on nearly every issue. As a veteran and a citizen who believes in national service for all, I am also disgusted with a Congress that …

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Michael Melcher

1:13 pm on Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Sorry Stevie, I'm Jewish and wouldn't vote for Schneider if you paid me to do it. There is a plane leaving for Iran today, please be on it!   more ›

Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Thank You for a Successful Fundraiser

Readers weigh in on a community issue. Have something to share? We want to hear it! Email: Chi-an.Chang@Patch.com

Dear Editor,   On behalf of Libertyville's Brainerd Community Center board of directors, I would like to extend a very heartfelt "thank you" to everyone who helped make this past weekend's Wine, Beer, Cigar and Food Festival a resounding success, for a second year in a row!    I am excited to announce that over 1,500 people came out to participate in the celebration held at the Brainerd football field.  The success can be directly attributed to those who made the decision to show their support for the Brainerd Community Center/Brainerd Building renovation project.  I would like to specifically thank Bob Stemper from S&S Wine and Spirit Warehouse and Brainerd Community Center's John Snow. This event would not have happened without Bob's …

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