Rated E for Everyone

Tuesday November 4 is just over two weeks away as I write this. On that day millions of Americans will go to the polls and cast their vote for all manner of offices, from the President of the United States on down to the proverbial Dog Catcher.

And millions will not.

I'm always amazed at the reasons people come up with to not-vote. It sometimes reminds me of someone trying to get out of a blind date - "I have to wash my hamster" and such.

Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, "Tip" O'Neill used to say that "All politics is local." Never has this been more true than in 2008. Last Tuesday there was a public forum at City Hall for mayoral and council condidates. Tomorrow evening there will be another forum held for school board candidates. Both events are televised on local cable. This is your best chance to interact with these local candidates before you vote.

The School Board is especially influential on local life. A good education is essential to a continuing democracy. The students in our schools are the leaders and workers of tomorrow, and their success is critical to the ongoing success of our community.

Beyond the academic success of our students, District 110 is a top employer in the area, with over 200 teachers, over 70 paraeducators, and dozens more support staff. It is also a huge consumer of goods and services in the community.

You get to choose three members for four-years terms. There are three incumbents and three newcomers in the race. What do you know about any of them? Can you name them? If you are counting yard signs, you will be disappointed. I have not yet seen even one - that's right, six candidates, no advertising.

This election is rated "E" for everyone - sure we all get tired of ALL the commercials on TV and radio and sometimes it seems the yard signs out number the falling leaves. But don't lose sight of the fact that it is your responsibility to vote. Not just show up and check a box, but to actually form an opinion and vote your conscience.

I hope to see you at the polls in a few weeks. And if there are long lines, don't be discouraged, be encouraged. There are few times in your life that you actually get to watch democracy at work.

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