As a parent of a Big Ten college student, I’ll blame the Big Ten if my child gets COVID-19

My child attends a Big Ten school, and I was severely disappointed to see that the conference caved to the demands of those who value football over the health and safety of their children, other students and the community.

My child’s life and future are just as important as the lives and future of collegiate football players. But my child does not play a sport, so I guess my child doesn’t count as much to the Big Ten, because neither of us had a voice in this decision.

Football players attend class. Football players attend parties. Football players go to bars. The decision to play football inherently increases the risk to all students, not just the players.

Perhaps the football players signed a waiver agreeing to hold the Big Ten blameless if they get infected. My child signed no such waiver, nor were they ever offered the opportunity to do so as part of what would have been a comprehensive process to educate my child on the risks of attending school during a pandemic.

So, let me share my voice now and be crystal-clear. My child is in a higher risk group for COVID-19 due to asthma. If my child contracts COVID-19 and that infection can be traced back to the Bog 10’s decision, I will pursue a legal remedy for this act of gross negligence.

I’m certain many other parents of non-football players feel the same way.

James Kennedy, Oak Park

Voting in person

My local bank, on August 29, mailed us some rather important documents, regrettably not by certified mail or even using a tracking number.

The bank is two miles away from our home. Twenty days later, we have yet to receive it. I’m assuming it’s lost in snail mail hell. With all due respect to the numerous postal workers who do a good job, I still would not trust the U.S. Postal Service to handle my vote in the upcoming presidential election.

I received a letter from the Illinois Secretary of State stating I haven’t submitted an application to vote by mail, with wording implying that’s the only option. But this is such an important election that I am going to make sure my vote counts by wearing my mask, armed with hand sanitizer and voting in person.

Barbara J. Piltaver, Schiller Park

Judge Toomin is beyond reproach

Congratulations to your editorial board for standing up for the independence of the judiciary. You were right on target.

Judge Michael Toomin is one of the best, if not the best of the judges in the entire county. His experience and reputation for honesty and integrity are beyond reproach. When many of us as judges had unique issues or questions, we would often run them by Judge Toomin for his opinion and knowledge of the law.

He was unfailingly honest and got directly to the point. Just what the voters of Cook County expect from our judges.

John Tourtelot, retired judge, Schaumburg