Alvarez ignores Koschman case

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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:21AM

Mark Brown said it best: Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez’s mind is made up on the David Koschman case. It’s been clear from the beginning that Alvarez has no interest in a special prosecutor or getting to the bottom of what happened to Koschman back in 2004.

Last week, Alvarez said, “It’s about always seeking justice,” but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. As a policeman who deals with the state’s attorney’s office, I find they usually get it right. And we are taught as policemen to follow the evidence. But that didn’t happen here. Richard Vanecko was never interviewed by police and yet he was the prime suspect. Makes you wonder if being the nephew of former Mayor Richard M. Daley played a part.

Richard Barber, Beverly

Not a bright idea

Most new cars today come with extremely bright high-tech headlights. Unfortunately, too many low-tech drivers are oblivious that their high beams are blinding oncoming drivers.

I suspect that many don’t know where the low-beam switch is located and are clueless as to why so many drivers are flashing their headlights at them.

Ken Greenberg, Skokie

Compassionate care

Contrary to the very incomplete picture the article painted [“Rape Victims Get Short Shrift in Illinois,” Feb. 5], Illinois hospitals are seriously committed to providing the most compassionate and highest-quality care to every patient, including survivors of sexual assault. On Oct. 19, the Illinois Hospital Association and Illinois attorney general held a press conference to announce a collaboration to increase the availability of sexual assault nurse examiners for victims of rape and other sexual assaults. The IHA and attorney general have partnered to double the number of SANE nurses in hospitals to 150 and to implement a SANE program in each of Illinois’ 11 trauma regions by this fall.

Many hospitals are striving to achieve 24/7 coverage in their emergency departments. Some are working on creative ideas for increasing SANE coverage, including a regional approach where several hospitals can share the services of SANE program nurses. Furthermore, Illinois hospitals are committed to increasing the practice of SANEs, and are encouraging nurses to complete SANE training.

Illinois hospitals will continue to work with the attorney general to strengthen SANE programs to ensure that survivors receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Maryjane A. Wurth,

president and CEO,

Illinois Hospital Association