PN’s tradition for the past 11 years during Consolidated Elections has been to feature the “signs of the times” from the West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Parade in the April issue, always aimed at driving informed voters to the polls.
Photographers snapped pictures of banners and signs and sent them our way. The first three pages of the April issue celebrate the good-nature and community spirit that come with so-called “silly season,” a term with a long history dating back at least to 1861, known to describe “frivolous and outlandish” behavior that sometimes appears in the media during election campaigns.
We hope the campaign signs that dot the local landscape also remind eligible citizens to head to the polls on Consolidated Election Day from 6AM to 7PM Tuesday, April 9.
What’s more, we hope the campaign signs will be removed, collected and out of sight by 7AM Wednesday, April 10, win or lose. Thank you very much!
Run to the polls on Tuesday
For some reason, local elections in the spring fail to attract voters the way a general election does in November. Yet, local elections are the ones that vote folks into elected office who are running to manage the budgets and set public policies with the biggest impact on citizens.
For instance, remember that school boards are responsible for budgets that impact about 75 percent of local property taxes.
We enjoy watching the political process at play every day of the year in the daily newspapers and at open meetings. Many times we have differences of opinion with our elected officials on all governing bodies from Naperville to Springfield to Washington. We have always found our local elected officials to be accessible to openly discuss their positions, even when we heartily disagree.
Naperville thrives from a huge network of volunteer citizens who serve on boards and commissions and local governing bodies as well as nonprofit social service agencies. This city’s quality of life is supported by members of many service clubs, faith organizations, homeowners associations and community groups, etc. Folks are welcome to become involved at all levels from planning fundraisers to attending events, the ways and means to raise awareness and private funds for many unmet needs, cultural amenities and more.
Voters Guide
The 2013 Consolidated Election features more than 125 names on the ballot in Naperville. An easy-to-follow candidate list is on PN’s website.
In nonpartisan elections, voters will select four city councilmen for 2-year terms; four District 203 school board members for 4-year terms, four District 204 school board members for 4-year terms, and one for a 2-year term; four Naperville Park District commissioners for 4-year terms; and two College of DuPage trustees for 6-year terms.
Voters will choose trustees in one of six townships that serve Naperville along party lines.
No incumbents marked & no special order
Because some citizens have said incumbents have an advantage, PN has not distinguished incumbents on its website. We also have not listed them as they will appear on the ballot. Ballot order has nothing to do with qualifications. It’s simply the luck of the draw for candidates who turn their petitions into the city clerk first.
We urge voters to become familiar with all candidates. Many are very qualified and come with open minds and innovative ideas. Plus, unlike many years, open seats are up for somebody new to fill the position on City Council and school boards in both school districts.
As we have opined in recent months, we’ve posted commentary online (Search “Consolidated Election”) where facts and constructive comments about pros and cons toward issues have been welcomed in the comment section of every web page. They still are.
Paying attention to local government and following through at the ballot box costs only time. It’s our civic privilege and freedom that in our view should never be taken for granted.
Thanks for spending time at Election Central where you will find the list of all local candidates as well as links to many of their websites and streaming videos of forums.
Now more about this upcoming banner year…
The Monday following the WSI St. Patrick’s Parade, during a press conference at Edward Health and Fitness, Edward Hospital announced it has signed a three-year agreement to be the title sponsor of the Naperville Marathon and Half-Marathon. The inaugural event is slated for Sunday, November 10.
During the announcement, the “start” banner for the Edward Hospital Naperville Marathon was unveiled by Race Co-Directors Dave Sheble, Bob Hackett, Pat Leonard, Tom Horvath and Craig Bixler; Naperville Mayor George Pradel; Pam Davis, President & CEO, Edward Hospital; Meghan Moreno, Executive Director, Edward Foundation; Dr. Mike Hartmann, Edward Emergency Dept. and Race Medical Director; Doug Krieger, Naperville City Manager and Brian Davis, Vice President, Marketing & Government Relations, Edward Hospital.
The inaugural race will begin at North Central College. The final race route recently was approved at a City Council meeting.
“With its reputation as a premier provider of healthcare services and a leader of in fitness, wellness and prevention, Edward Hospital is a perfect fit as our title sponsor,” said Bob Hackett, Co-Race Director.
Online registration for 3,000 of the 3,500 spots sold out in 14 hours this past January and is about evenly split between the Marathon and Half-Marathon. Another 500 spots for participates will be registered via the Charity Partner Program.
The rest of this story is featured on PN’s website where updates will be added as they happen.
About 60 percent of runners are from Naperville and 33 states will be represented in the Marathon. Race officials are working with the Naperville Convention and Visitors Bureau, to name a host hotel. Race officials noted many out-of-state runners are former Naperville residents.
For more information about the Marathon, visit www.naperville26.com.
For more information about many other local runs, fundraisers and Consolidated Election Night Parties, scroll down the “Naperville Events Calendar” on PN’s website.
–PN
