In this country, and especially in Illinois, holiday parades have traditionally been an excuse for politicians and political organizations to see and be seen.  Park Ridge’s annual Memorial Day parade is no exception.

This past Monday gave us Mayor Howard “Let’s Make A Deal” Frimark riding in a convertible while the City Council members walked a safe distance behind.  Maine Township and Park Ridge Park District officials marched under their respective banners, the latter tossing promotional t-shirts to the crowd.  Rumor has it that Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky was also on hand, but she must have flown under our radar.

One new thing on the Cumberland Avenue parade route this year was the presence of signs voicing opposition to the Cumberland Avenue extension championed by Mayor Frimark.  Another new thing were smaller signs that read: “We Welcome P.A.D.S.”

We here at PublicWatchdog favor anything legal that promotes the open discussion of ideas, especially public policy issues and any project or plan that will significantly affect our community.  We hope that both sets of signs displayed Monday will further that goal. 

Although if those pro-PADS signs end up in house windows, we’d much prefer that they read: “Homeless Welcome Here,” perhaps with the image of an open door showing that the occupants are willing to host a homeless person for an evening.

Then maybe we could end the PADS debate and focus on the Cumberland extension.