Thanks for visiting, please feel free to blog here regarding Kristen or rail safety.
June 10, 2006
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Thanks for visiting, please feel free to blog here regarding Kristen or rail safety.
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In 2005 there were 355 fatalities due to railroad crossings. (According to OperationLifesaver.com) All 355 of those who were victim to the neglegence of the safety of railroads had familys that were left to wonder how something like that can happen, why something like that can happen and what should be done to prevent something like this from happening again. Why is it that railroads only have crossings every so many miles away from each other, and no signals inbetween these crossings signaling when it is safe to cross, but every street corner has some kind of signal of when to cross. A train is more deadly if you get hit so why aren’t precautions being taken. People are forced to cross train tracks where there are no crossings so why shouldnt there be something eles there to protect us. I am one of the heartbroken family members of Kristen Bowen. I never relized the real danger that sat just at the end of the street of our home. We cant get rid of the railroads but we can get rid of the deaths that they cause by making it more of a priority to make safe communities.
Comment by missssssnu — May 27, 2006 @ 2:31 pm
we miss kristen and to stop this so nio ohter kids pass away we need to put new fences or a brige over the trains
Comment by nicole — May 27, 2006 @ 9:16 pm
Fences or a bridge are good ideas to keep us safe, but now it is obvious that we also need gates at the sidewalks of the railroads to protect the pedestrians as well. Arrrrggg
Comment by missssssnu — May 28, 2006 @ 11:42 am
we need to stop blaming the children for being in the wrong place at the right time.as adults it is our responsibilty to protect them.the railroad companies need to do more.some of these pictures are horrific.
Comment by choochoocharlie — May 31, 2006 @ 4:50 am
no one can be blamed for this.
everyone’s f#%*ed up once or twice.
this little mistake caused a big tradgedy.
she didn’t expect it. no one did.
we all miss her so much.
she was the happiest person anyone around lombard knew.
so sure, it was a mistake, and of course it could have been prevented.
but we need to think about now.
not blame anyone.
because all anyone wants is to prevent more occurances like these.
we love you kristen.
with all of our hearts.
you’ll be in our hearts until the end of time.
and that’s a promise.
Comment by missingkristen — May 31, 2006 @ 8:08 pm
I must respond to Richard James Sanders scornful comments regarding “Kristenslaw” in the Villa Park Argus. He sounds strangely sorry for the railroad and amazingly angry and spiteful regarding a young girl’s death. Jaywalking accidents HAVE spurred public concern, they DO take steps to educate and prevent accidents due to jaywalkers! They issue tickets to jaywalkers and have lighted signs telling people when to walk and when to wait at a light. He is surprizingly blind to many, many laws that are currently in place to protect people from their own mistakes of judgement or to protect people from preventable harm. It is because of people like the supporters of “Kristenslaw”, who question why and how we operate in this society, that we have action and reforms that try and make the world a safer place. People who like to criticize ideas of those involved in a problem solving efforts should really concentrate on bringing other viable solutions to the table. Does Mr. Sanders just dislike the idea of a fence? Does he have a better idea? Or, does he really think a train roaring past a children’s playground at 70 MPH is reasonable and safe? Who is being stupid now Mr. Sanders?
Comment by INDIMARGE — May 31, 2006 @ 8:51 pm
I cant belive that someone is that concerned with the whole building a fence thing especially considering the fact that they dont even live in the town that this is occuring. I dare him to say something like that to the family or friends of kristen he wouldnt be walking away unhamred thats for sure….. this law is the best idea i have ever heard and i hope that everyone ends on helping any way they can if it was possible i would give the whole amount to get that fence put up we need to make a stand for everyone not just kristen she just started the fight for us…..
Comment by annabanana — May 31, 2006 @ 9:10 pm
to richard sanders or should we call you “dick” obviously you have no children,please keep it that way !
Comment by choochoocharlie — May 31, 2006 @ 9:40 pm
Ladies and Gentelmen I wrote Kristens law only a few days after Kristens passing . I would like you all to know that it is not against the railroads or villages . The law is designed to protect citizens both young and old from the dangers of the tracks . Schools and parks are often bordered on the right of way . In the law it has 3 versions . Not one of them is totally foolproof but it is a begining . They are to be modified and changed in many ways before it every reaches the senate floor . I hope that a legislator will pick it up and run with it but we have to realize its not a fix its a deterant . The railroads are not totally responsible for saftey its is also the villages and we as parents . As you can see by recent events that the railroad issues are comming to light and the community is coming together as a whole to work on it together . I have lived here for 13 years and this is the first I can say I have seen community here . The gentelamn from Elmhurst had one thing right Kristen was in the wrong place . I belive we have found the perfect fence for the park and other hotspots and we are planning lots more education . Any teen or adult that would like to become a presentor please call me or officer Lyons at the Villa Park Police . We are working on getting teens to teach the kids in the classroom . My daughter wants to do 3 classes a month now add more to that the kids are being taught more than twice a year and will be more attenative to a younger presentor . I would like people to know that if you are trying to make this work you have to be pleasent and respectfull if you want anybody to listen . At way too many meeting I have seen individuals blow there stack and insult others , thats not how to be heard trust me I have talked with senators and state reps that are very much behind rail safety so please keep your cool and think before you speak dont let your emotions get the best of you there is progress being made so please be patient and be apart of it get involved . Please look at my site if you are interested . I will try and keep the operator of this site updated but most of all get involved and participate and for heavens sake if you see someone crossing the tracks talk to them or dial 911 . try this site for more info .http://home.comcast.net/~jwdavis34/Safteyinvillapark.html
Comment by jwdavis — May 31, 2006 @ 11:00 pm
Did you all notice on the Operation Lifesaver website that Illinois has the highest number of railroad crossing fatalities? We obviously need groups like Kristenslaw and John Davis’Safety in Villa Park focusing our area on railroad safety.
Comment by INDIMARGE — June 1, 2006 @ 9:55 am
I never knew Kristen but I’ll never forget her. Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. So many accidents like this are the kind that “Just can’t happen to me.” We all must learn that we are no more immune to the world than anyone else. I want to thank Kristen’s family and the creators of this website for helping raise awareness about not only train safety but also the everyday dangers in life. When I see a beautiful girl like Kristen lose her life simply walking past a train track, I realize how easily that could have been me. Kristen has made me a more cautious person and has perhaps saved my life. To everyone who has made me aware, who has allowed me to never forget Kristen, Thank You.
Comment by Jon — June 2, 2006 @ 11:49 pm
kayy. so that guy. whatever richard sanders whatever. first of all. he needs to get his facts straight. it happened on the 11 not the 8th. and second of all it wasnt her fault. it was really no ones fault. she just happend to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. yeah we all miss her soo much and we wish this never happend. but seriously hes not helping at all. were trying to do something for the good. and when cars drive its a little bit easier to stop when someones in the street then a train. and do you seriously think its safe for a train to be speeding by at 50+mph past schools park districts pools and parks. i think not. i hope this really helps and i thank you for making this site. its an extremely good idea.
Comment by katie — June 3, 2006 @ 2:58 pm
LI agree with you that a train should have a speed limit as well exspecially past public areas. So that if need be they can stop. Although other percautions should be talken such as a fence with some bobwire so kids can’t climb. i am very sorry for the tragidy and to the family for their pain and suffering. Stay strong Ray
Comment by luvbug — July 2, 2006 @ 4:23 pm
Kristen, We miss you on this birthday,
Not only for your smile,
But for all the joy and happiness
You gave us in such a short while.
Kendra, We miss you on this birthday,
seems youve been gone so long
We are your friends forever
We can help you to be strong!
Comment by choochoocharlie — July 13, 2006 @ 7:54 am
hi sweets.
i miss you more than anything.
i cannot believe it has been 6 months.
it’s longer than i could have ever imagined being without you.
without you it’s hard.
i’m still here, but i’m struggling without you here.
struggling at the worst.
well baby,
i love you with all my heart.
until forever.
Comment by iloveyoukristen — August 13, 2006 @ 4:24 pm
I would like to first introduce myself, my name is Marjorie McCaleb. I have been following the train safety meetings since they first began in April. Recently I had heard that some of the board members were against the fence, that kind of baffled me. When I was in middle school I had to walk from St. Charles Rd. and Ahrens to Jefferson, if I were to go around it would have taken atleast an extra 30 min. So my siblings and I walked across the tracks illegally knowing very well what the dangers of that would be. Honestly its pure common sense if you walk in front of a moving object yes you are going to get hit. I noticed that when the public works people had nothing intelligent to say, it was all about teaching train safety. I do agree there should be some teaching and working with. But, what about all those kids and adults who don’t want to walk, I think its an extra two miles, they are going to illegally cross. Anyone put in a situation like that would. Now if there was a fence it would make it impossible. I know that I would have never tried to climb a fence I would have walked all the way around. Yes there will be some who will go over and maybe even get hurt, but I know that once that fence is put up the numbers will be drastically reduced. People break the law all the time, and theres ways to help prevent it. Thats all we are asking you to do. Protect the citizens of Lombard. You cannot have hundreds of children living on one side of the unprotected tracks and a park just yards away on the other side of the tracks. Thanks for reading this I hope maybe you think about what we are really trying to do here.
Comment by iloveyoukristen — October 12, 2006 @ 4:59 pm
Maybe we should stop blaming people and start doing thing about it!!! We should get something up !!i know for a fact taht there are a millon of kid that cross thoughts track daily!! So to stop this we need too get somthing up facne something!!!! i lost a kristen too and it is hard but too stop that lets do something and not just sit her balming people and say the kids are dumb and should no better we do no better soo!!! we need to do something!! Thank You!!!
Comment by Anonymous — October 12, 2006 @ 11:12 pm
Thank you for your e-mail and concern regarding railroad safety. I turly beleive that everyone on the Village Board including myself is interested in the safety of the children in your area as well as the Village of Lombard. As with any issue there are always different options and that is why we have committee’s and resident’s serving on these committee’s to get input from them. We have over 100 resident’s that serve on various boards, committees and commissions. We will never get 100% agreement on any issue and that is good. However, we do get resident input and we listen. My only concern with the fence is that it does not go all of the way to Addison Rd. to provide what I feel is the safety needed in the area. I spoke again with the Village President of Villa Park yesterday to advise her of the action of the joint village committee’s and again asked her to support the action of the Village of Lombard with a fence from Westmore Ave. to Addison Rd. I am sorry to say that she does not support the fence on the south side of the tracks but assures me that Villa Park will make a decision in the near future regarding a fence on the north side of the tracks. If you have any further questions, please contact me via e-mail or at my office. My number is 620-5710. Thanks, Bill Mueller, Lombard Village President…..
Comment by iloveyoukristen — October 17, 2006 @ 2:25 pm
Thank-you for letter of concern about the railroad issue.
First let me say I am not oposseed to a fence going up along the railroad. My problem with this whole situation is the idea that this is an easy fix, by just putting up a fence. There is more to this than just that. Putting up a fence is not going to alleviate the problem, and at the same time, in my opinion ,is going to create other problems. I have no problem with the village being responsible to do its due dilligance in protecting village right of way from any danger. My issue lies with the rest. How much more do residents of any community want government to do/(This goes all the way to the Federal level)
There is a time when people have to assume personal responsibilities and parentel obligations to see that there children get thru life safely and become responsible and positive members of society. I believe that too much government is not a good thing. It erodes at the sanctity of our freedoms.
I’d like to tell you a story about my family. I have 5 children, 2 older boys from my wifes first marriage and 3 of our own. We moved to this present location as the 2 older boys were entering high school, so they were not aware of the problem we had with the 3 younger ones walking to the grade school. At the time West road was not a good road and had no sidwalks. The whole time they went to Park View they had it drilled into their heads that they were not in any way to walk along West Rd, and as far as I know they never did. They had to go around a longer way to get to school which they hated.
20 years have passed and now my grandson from the oldest boy comes by from time to time and wants to play with his friend who lives over on Woodland. My third boy (Park View grad.)who is now 26 reminds Brian that he is not to go onto West rd, even though we now have sidewalks,so he remembers the days and days of us telling him not to go onto West Rd.So education has had an affect. I hope the fence does not create a false sense of security for parents, and something for kids to conquor, and what are we going to do about the fence where it ends?I hope for everyones sake the fence provides a great deturent. In this case teaching railroad safety will have to be a higher priority than ever.
I hope this explaination has helped you understand my concerns
Reguards, Greg Gron Trustee Dist#1
Comment by iloveyoukristen — October 17, 2006 @ 2:27 pm
Everyone seems to agree that action is necessary at the East-West Railway District 4 in Lombard to improve safety. I searched for facts or statistics to back up the area residents in their request to the Village of Lombard to put up barrier fencing from Western Ave to North Westmore. With some board members convinced that public awareness and the education of our children is the key, I also searched for facts on educational programs and their impact on railroad safety.
I found several articles that addressed these issues reported on the Operation Lifesaver website. These studies analysized nationwide data on railway fatalities. After reviewing the data I spoke with the author of that study @ Northwestern University in Chicago, I also checked with Operation Lifesaver in Canada and found they have been developing guidelines for targeting trespasser fatalities. I’d like to present some of this information that is important to our decision here.
Railroad safety programs have reduced train related accidents and fatalities, this is a fact. But the bulk of this accomplishment is attributed to factors other than education and awareness. Operation Lifesaver, a public education campaign, can be associated with about 7% of the nationwide reduction in fatalities over the past 30 years, all of this benefit was at designated crossings. Even with a shift of educational efforts toward trespasser issues is it unlikely they will improve fatalities because of the nature of the trespasser. The trespasser would seem to be a victim of circumstance. It is not a lack of knowledge regarding railway safety that affects our choice to take a short cut across the tracks. It is an avoidance of going the long way around and a feeling that we can safely look both ways. A careful review of the circumstances surrounding pedestrian fatalities is the only key to developing effective countermeasures. The high risk circumstances at this Lombard location are many:
1). Repeated fatalities at this location
2). High Volume of Train Traffic
3). Elevated Tracks Making Spotting an oncoming Train Difficult
4). Proximity to Park/School/Playground
5). Multiple Lines of Track
6). Densely Populated Residential Area
7). Nearest designated crossing more than 1 mile away
8). Curves in the Tracks in both Directions again make spotting an oncoming train difficult
Another report gives a detailed analysis of the problem, why have trespasser fatalities been unaffected by railway safety programs?. It is a complex issue and focuses on looking at the demographics of the area where fatalities have occurred. Specifically looking at who the people are and why they are crossing the tracks. The people we are most concerned about are the children using the park and the school, and the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. Our situation is unique and does not represent the nationwide problem. Our problem stems from urban planners who did not anticipate the risks associated with the land use adjacent to the tracks. The article suggests that for areas where children are present a higher standard of care is required, erecting a fence is the only option beyond education and warning signs unless we can afford an actual pedestrian crosswalk.
More importantly they point out that in areas where there is a known problem with trespassers on the tracks the courts have taken the view that there is a duty to “anticipate further trespass”. This situation, where trespass takes place repeatedly, requires action to either prevent access by erecting a fence or by providing a regular crossing. The township or the urban planners who allowed this area to be developed as it has been must now deal with the consequences and dangers imposed by the trains. They have a obligation to act accordingly by providing the highest level of safety available. In Canada they are to focusing on analyzing problem areas that already exist, and preventing new areas from developing by using careful urban planning.
We know people are crossing the tracks here, we might a well call it a “crossing”. There have been many railway initiatives that have shown significant reductions in accidents at crossings, the only option with 100% results is the actual closing of the crossing.
There has been a huge nationwide push to close unsafe crossings. Vote to put up the fence and CLOSE OFF THIS TRACK..
Comment by MJ — October 20, 2006 @ 9:34 am
Do we need a fence to stop pedestrians from crossing this high risk area of tracks or is education the answer?
If we think education is the solution here, we must ask is education alone the solution to our many other high risk problems and dangers?
Our children face many serious life threatening problems growing up.
We educate in our homes backed with intense love for our children. Our schools educate with overwhelming determination. We educate in so many ways through programs too numerous to count—-and no one would deny the tremendous importance of education.
It would be nice if education was the solution. No need to worry, no enforcement of regulations and laws, rules would not be broken and we would have a perfect world out there.
However, sadly, we learn from our own experiences, or tragic headlines in the media, there are dangers threatening the very lives of our children that require more than the overwhelming amounts of education.
We all make mistakes—-make the wrong choices—make poor decisions at times cannot resist peer pressure.
So what do we do—-we attempt to protect our children, adults and senior citizens from high risk behaviors by going beyond education. Many educational teachings have been put into LAW to try and force people to obey them
We are required by law to wear our seat belts
Parental locks control the use of the internet and TV
There are locking safety caps on all our medicine bottles
There are fences around pools and playgrounds
Smoking has been BANNED in public areas
There are limits imposed on teenage drivers
Railway gates prevent crossing the tracks, this is in addition to signs/alarms and warning lights..
and this list goes on and on
So it is clear we attempt to do more when the risks of not following the rules is great..
In Lombard, we now have a need to do more. This high risk area of train tracks has an agonizing history of fatalities because it passes through a residential area that has a school and children’s park.
Increased education and patrolling the area are options that are variable. Will we? continue these efforts with as much enthusiasm in the future? Or will a few more years go by and mark another tragedy.
It is hard to imagine living in this area and not being tempted to take a short cut to the park.
We need to do more now because we cannot afford to loose another precious life while we wait to see if education will solve the problem.
There are situations where we cannot do more than just hope and pray the safety message gets through. But here we can do more, we can fence off the tracks.
We need to build that 6 foot steel fence that will remain a constant visual reminder of the safety education we are trying to enforce and of the danger the trains represent.
The fence will be seen by hundreds of commuters each day as the trains pass by the park and school. It will always be a symbol of the efforts being made by the Village of Lombard to improve safety and protect its citizens.
Comment by GrammaMarge — October 20, 2006 @ 9:36 am
Well all a fence is being put up. We have succeeded after all and we will continue to prevail. But let me comment on lombards jackass of the year mayor Mueller. First Villa Park is aggressivly working on the fence funding. The signs lombard uses are designed by a Villa Park police officer. Secondly jackass was invited to all the safety committe meeting but refused to attend. Now I am speaking soley as a citizen but this is how the phases will probably go. First phase close in NOrth Terrace park were 75% of all tresspassing occurs so if we close off the park we will stop basically stop tresspassing in that area chances of the tresspaseers walking down the track are very slim. Second phase close off the area behind Iowa community center down to the skate park another hot spot and then from there contiue installing fences on BORTH SIDES of the tracks. But you must remeber Lombard has only what 600 feet of fencing to care about the estimate for Villa Park is 6 miles !! But jackass didnt let people think about that he just wants to make Villa Park look bad. Before I was kicked out of the meeting trustee Sebby stated to myself and Ray that Lombard is pissed off that Villa Park is getting all the attention for not doing anything. But we have done everything and Lombard just uses our ideas that came down from the committe including the fencing ideas. So Lombard is acting like a spoiled kid who didnt get there way and is blaming everything on villa park. And for the funding lombard is using came out of the money they saved from not rehabing the theatre.Lombard has a large amount of revenue I would love to see just what they get from the york town mall. Villa Park is working on the funding so dont fret my friends it will all come together by spring time. Lets all contiue to work together and move forward and not let a few spoiled children stray us away from our cause and focus on what we have to do . Next we need to get Kristenslaw on the congress floor. Thank you all for your continued support .
John Davis
Comment by John Davis — October 21, 2006 @ 11:43 am
KUDOS TO YOU JOHN!!!! CONGRATULATIONS RAY AND FAMILY AND EVERYONE WHO HAS MADE THIS POSSIBLE. GOD HAS ANSWERED PRAYERS IN SO MANY WAYS AND HE WILL CONTINUE DOING SO. HAVE FAITH EVERYONE AND KNOW THAT KRISTEN IS STANDING TALL AND PROUD AT YOU ALL. I KNOW A GREAT LOSS HAS OCCURED IN YOUR LIFE RAY, BUT LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING, A COMMUNITY HAS COME TOGETHER AND MANY NEW FRIENDS HAVE BEEN MADE. I KNOW YOU’D GIVE IT UP TO HAVE HER BACK BUT THE FACT REMAINS THAT WITHOUR HER, NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE COME ABOUT. BE VERY PROUD OF YOURSELF AND YOUR DAUGHTER. SHE IS VERY PROUD OF YOU.
DIANA
Comment by diana jones — October 23, 2006 @ 8:05 pm
Keep watching all alot of things are coming just be patient……
Comment by John Davis — October 24, 2006 @ 4:29 pm
i just want to say that everyone is doing a good job… everyone is working so hard. GOOD JOB! LOVE YOU KRISTEN…. and the whole family over there…. you guys are SOOOO great…
Comment by Tiffany Davis — October 24, 2006 @ 9:28 pm
Kristen’s Law,
I would like to say thank you for staying strong in the face of such a powerful force, The Railroad. I believe that everyone knows the railroad is a necessity. Everything that we purchase has probably been on a train at some point. I am not angry with the railroad for existing, but am very angry that they are allowed to continue to run in such a dangerous manner. As a citizen, if I own a pool, I am required to have a fence. If I own property that is potentially hazardous, I am required to take measures to protect people from injuring themselves, and rightfully so! I am an Iraqi Freedom Veteran who served my country so that freedom remains and peoples rights are always protected. In no way do I enjoy the Government creating more and more laws and taking away peoples or businesses rights, but you would think that common sense would tell the owners of the railroads that actions need to be taken. Day after day, lives are lost, and the railroad continues to do nothing. It is their lack of action which forces people to take action and mandates that laws be created to protect individuals. The Goverment’s number one priority should always be to look out for the common good, but unfortunately money yields power and influences those that should be looking out for all of us. I am the cousin of Jonathon Jay Siwek (Pee Wee) who was killed on October 20th 2006 and love and miss him dearly. He has been a brother to me, my whole life, as has his two brothers Jim and Dan. When I was away at war he was the one who talked to me and gave me the courage to drive on when I thought all was hopeless. Thank You Pee Wee, we all have a lump in our throat and a burning in our chest. R.I.P You will never be forgotten.
Comment by Jesse Duffing — October 26, 2006 @ 2:21 pm
Well what do you know I guess Villa Park is getting a fence. And its going to close off the worst area for trespassers.
There is phase one. Keep the faith and work together as a community whether you are from Villa Park or Lombard work as a community and more good things will come of it. Please someone tell Meuller that community prevails be involved with the rest of us and work for better and safer towns. More to come folks just hang in there and congrats to you all for what has already been done . I also think a well thank you to the Villa Park police officers and President Stupegia should be commended on what they have helped accomplish. Lets continue to work with the village officials and the railroads so that we can go forward with saftey around railroad tracks. And let us not forget the person that led us to this point. God bless her she may have lost her life but because of her she will save others.
Comment by John Davis — October 27, 2006 @ 6:54 pm
Mueller also said the fence needs to go up as soon as possible. When he was in the area recently, he spotted more than 30 kids playing near a low-rise area on the Villa Park side, which made him nervous..this came from a newspaper article that is posted on this web site.
The question is did he call the police? The acutallity of having 30 kids by the tracks … unlikely 10 I could understand but hey nice try .
Comment by John Davis — October 28, 2006 @ 9:47 am
Hello folks . We are about to start installing fencing in both towns so we have alot to be thankful for . Thank you to Lombard village officials for getting it done . Trustee Sebby I know it wasnt easy but thank you it showed that you cared very much on this issue and it payed off again I say thank you. Also thanks to Union Pacific for donating the fence on the Villa Park side. Ray you need to post the newest stuff up first oldest last . Dont forget to vote this coming April all and remeber who has worked with you through all this . If I lived in lombard sebbys got my vote.
Comment by John Davis — November 21, 2006 @ 10:28 pm
kristens law thank you
Comment by jimmy 420 — December 19, 2006 @ 4:11 am
You are so quick to thanks Trustee Sebby, but to those who live in his District, this is the first thing we can ever recall he’s done. It comes as no surprise that it’s just before an election. Once the fence is built, we fully expect to see pictures in all the local papers of his smiling face at the site. How pathetic. It’s very easy for Mr. Davis, who admitted he doesn’t even live in Lombard, to talk about how great Mr. Sebby is, but those who do live here have nothing but empty promises from him.
It’s regrettable when someone is killed as a result of a train, but the real responsibility lies with parents to teach their children right from wrong and the dangers of trains. Why do we have to spend tax dollars for this? What’s to stop kids from climbing over the fencing, or going around? Who is going to mantain the fencing, and patch the holes kids put in them to cross the tracks? Again, it’s a true tragedy, but here’s something to ponder I saw on another blog. The writer mentioned more pedestrians are killed by vehicle traffic, so why don’t we build fences along roads such as Roosevelt, MAin or St. Charles? I see people crossing there illegally all the time, it’s only a matter of time before someone is struck and killed by a speeding vehicle. Where do we draw the line?
Comment by Bill M. — December 20, 2006 @ 9:19 pm
Bill M I am sorry that you feel that way. I can only comment on the help that he has given to our cause. Trustee Sebby was there to listen when other did not. He gained the respect of that particular area due to his devotion to those residents that lost a daughter, sister and friend. It might be due to election time but I would like to think that he was sincer in his pledge to those familes that he was going to help and I know it was an uphill battle for him just by talking with other officials in Lombard. But Steve held up his promise and soon fencing will be in place. As far as vehicle traffic that is a completley different situation. Trains come at a high rate of speed around a blind corner and with the no horn law its even more dangerous for the residents. We can in time close off the whole rail corridor from elmhurst throughout villa park and lombard . There was a traffic study from what I was told and there have been no fatalities on st. charles rd in over ten years … how many lives lost on the tracks in the last ten years? Although there are more cars on roads than trains on the track people just dont walk on the middle of the road they know cars are coming constantly but on train tracks trains arent always there and the people are misled to belive that they can either hear a train coming or move before the train gets close. Its always train time! So in closing I have to say that Mr Sebby helped in what was a tragic event to a community comming together to help one another. Mr Bill I invite you to patrol the tracks one day and see how many trespassers you will see. I dont know about you but we have lost enough lives to trains and I personally would not want to see another.
Comment by John Davis — December 24, 2006 @ 12:33 am
Mr. Davis,
The person who’s message you are responding to is a person that ran for trustee against Steve Sebby some 4 years ago. His real name is Jim Devitt and he no longer lives in Lombard. He left our community in shame after he forgot to staple his candidacy paperwork (as is required by law) when he submitted it and was forced to run as a write in candidate. Mr. Devitt was a puppet candidate for a radical preservationist group that lobbied hard for the taxpayer funding of the DuPage Theatre. Sebby was opposed to letting this group put the bite on the taxpayers and they attempted to have Devitt unseat him as trustee. The rest as you may know, is history. Devitt blew the election on a mental error and the theatre has since been demolished. IIn a matter of months after Devitt suffered the humiliation of defeat, he was caught by the village attempting to build a deck without a permit. The deck was in violation of village code because it encroached on his neighbors setback allowance. Devitt have to remove the deck after several embarassing discussions by the village board were aired on local cable television. Devitt was left with no choice other than to pack up his family and move to another town in shame. To give you a better example of what kind of a selfish and ignorant person Jim is, one only need to consider where he purchased his home. Because he is often unemployed, Jim purchased an house at a “value” in Woodridge. The house is located adjacent to some of the largest and most dangerous power lines in the Midwest. Jim has children, and he has compromised their health and safety for his own selfish agenda. So do not be surprised by his message. Although he has not lived in Lombard in years, he continues to harass residents through local websites by posting under fake names (like this one). He calls the Speak Out column at the Lombardian to spread more lies about Steve and others opposed to his preservationist agenda.
Comment by Bruce Watry — December 25, 2006 @ 9:23 am
Thank you John for agreeing to disagree with me, and doing so with class and respect. However, “Bruce Watry” was unable to do so, and his LIBELOUS statements should be removed from this blog, and he should be BANNED from posting on here. His lack of common respect should not be an example for ANYONE on here or anywhere else. It is an insult to what this blog was started for.
Comment by Bill M — December 25, 2006 @ 11:17 pm
Dear Mr. Bill M,
We have researched the information posted by Mr. Watry and determined that his comments are valid and can be substantiated by checking the minutes of the Village of Lombard Board of Trustees meetings. If you would like to verify for yourself you can find the info at http://www.villageoflombard.org
Thank You
Comment by Administrator — December 29, 2006 @ 2:28 pm
I am confused…Which comments that he made can be checked with the Village? Someone’s employement status? Their home value? Why they moved out of Lombard? Why someone ran for office? Why a campaign petition was declared invalid? Please do us all a favor and tell us which points could be verified by the Village, please.
Comment by Bill M. — December 29, 2006 @ 5:45 pm
We must apologize to Mr. DeVitt and his family, we did a little more research upon hearing from him and discovered that Bruce Watry’s post was a falsehood, full of incorrect statements. We apologize for any hurt feelings. We will be taking appropriate steps to make sure such fabrications do not happen again. Mr. DeVitt was very cooperatitive and explained Mr. Watry’s problems and agreed that he (Watry) must have quite a few more to have to stoop to such depths for his own amusement.
Comment by Administrator — December 29, 2006 @ 5:57 pm
Mr Devitt did build his deck without obtaining the necessary permits. We verified this through the village of Lombard minutes, as well as verification of his campaign attempt. We verified this through the DuPage County election website. We also spoke to Mr. Watry and Mr. Puzan (both members of T.E.A.R.S) who verified the other comments made by Bruce.
We are very sorry that you are upset, however if you continue to falsely post as the administrator of this website, we will have no choice other than to block your IP address. As of right now, we can only verify that you are posting false information, not Mr. Watry.
Jordan Mugavero
Comment by Administrator — December 31, 2006 @ 5:46 pm
Jordan,
Thanks for cleaning up this mess. This man goes from website to website posting his lies and hateful statements. It’s good to see that this website has the guts to call him out!
You and Tom have a very happy new year!
Comment by Bruce Watry — December 31, 2006 @ 6:16 pm
“Jordan”, I would like to meet with you to personally discuss the COMPLETE goings-on of these sick individuals. When could we meet? Please let me know, I would like to see a quick end to this!
Thanks!
BM
Comment by Bill M — January 1, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Wow, all that news is terrible about Mr. DeVitt, now that I re-read what happened. Jordan, could you please post the links where you found the info about him, the ones from the Village as well as the DuPage Election Comm. ones? I’m sure anybody who reads this site would like to read that info!
Thanks, Jordan
BM
Comment by Bill M — January 2, 2007 @ 9:38 am
In response to your request (whoever you are): http://www.dupageresults1.com and http://www.villageoflombard.org.
My boyfriend and I started this website to help prevent future railroad tragedies. Afer receiving e-mails from people about your posts, we have decided to stop responding to your inquiries. If you continue to misrepresent yourself or to use this blog for any other purpose than RR safety, we will have you blocked.
JM
Comment by Administrator — January 2, 2007 @ 11:43 pm
You know what, this is a mess. This site is about RR safety, someone posts their opinion about that subject, and slimeballs come on here and proceed to tear them about on totally unrelated issues. I have a very hard time believing that the “administrator” is even doing anything about it. All the posts attacking someone’s character, their town, job, etc. should be deleted and the person who posted them should be run off this web site for good!
Comment by George — January 3, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
I agree. Take this nonsense back to Lombard. I’ve heard about this ridiculous Devitt character. Steve Sebby is a good friend of mine and a respected elected official. Steve helped me with my last campaign and I heard all about the paperclip drama. As soon as I read his message ripping on steve, I knew who it was.
Kick them off here. This website is not the place for this garbage.
Comment by Doc Hensley — January 3, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
One more thing Lombard… Nice job with the whole theater fiasco! You could have had something great, but you let it slip right through your hands! We here in VP would give our eye teeth to have something like that in our town! Can you people do ANYTHING right?
Comment by Doc Hensley — January 3, 2007 @ 11:25 pm
Is that why you guys tore down the historic Villard theatre last month?
Comment by Bruce Watry — January 4, 2007 @ 9:22 am
We tore it down after a meeting with the President and Vice President of the Friends. They assured us that there was a plan in place and that the DuPage would be saved. We did not want to compete with them, swince by their admission, they were much further along then we were. I guess what we later found out is true, those 2 will lie to God Himself if it got their names out there!!!
Now why don’t some of you go away so we can concentrate on what a good job my buddy Steve did.
Comment by Doc Hensley — January 7, 2007 @ 11:12 am
I am a little confused as to what is going on. To whoever is claiming to have started this website is lying and to whoever is trying to block anybody is lying. My father started this website after my sister died, nobody else. And along with the people claiming to be part of T.E.A.R.S. i am the secretary and i have heard of no such names.
Thanks
kristens sister
Comment by iloveyoukristen — January 8, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Kristen’s Sister,
You should have Ray wipe this board clean of the phony messages. I would bet that the same person posing as Bill M is the person who is desecrating this website. He chose to switch the topic from railroad safety to trashing Steve Sebby. Read my earlier post. It will show he started all of this nonsense because he is a selfish bitter chap.
Your Dad knows who I am. Check with him.
Comment by Bruce Watry — January 9, 2007 @ 1:04 am
read post# 32 and #34 and you will see who started the trouble on this website.
Comment by Bruce Watry — January 9, 2007 @ 1:06 am
Actually, it was POST 34 that started the trouble on this site. All I did was offer my opinion, plain and simple, as this great Country allows me to do. You then proceeded to engage in slanderous accusations. (That means you lied!!).
Comment by Bill M. — January 9, 2007 @ 8:07 pm
It’s great to see the Village of Lombard doing something, although it’s just putting a band-aid on a bigger problem.. My question is why hasn’t the fencing gone up yet? Where’s Seby’s folow through? VP has already started on their fence, while Lombard is STILL waiting. He was more than happy to take the credit when the decision came down, but he’s diapppeared when the real work came. HAs anyone bothered to call him to see why the fence has not gone up yet? IT’s pretty typical of Seby, all talk no action. He promised the world to residents to get their vote last election, now he leaves having accomplishing NOTHING!
Comment by Bill M. — February 10, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
Fence up yet? Nope. SEBY DIDN’T EVEN KNOW THE STATUS OF IT AT LAST MONTH’S BOARD MEETING! He had to ask public works about it! For someone who tried to pass himself off as so concerned about it, funny how he disappeared as soon as the media went away! If he was as concerned as he says he (was) about it, he would have been SCREAMING to get it done!
Comment by Bill M. — March 3, 2007 @ 12:44 pm
Readed…
He who laughs has not yet heard the bad news…
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