Election Day is not for clowns

Being from a certain generation, I remember an irreverent comedy troupe, Firesign Theatre, which was popular when I voted for the first time. Their comedy was very clever, with some out-there satire, back in the 70s. The fourth album (remember those?) was named, "I Think We're All Bozos on this Bus." The phrase stuck with me and I've used it many times over the years. You may wonder why I'm writing about them at this particular time, and referencing ridiculous people (Bozos) near an Election Day in Lake County. Well, maybe one Bozo in Gurnee on that bus was dropped off at the Warren-Newport Public Library.

You might have caught a number of news stories about the library board in the recent past. The meetings have been a real circus.

Unfortunately, this isn't an exciting election year. There aren't big contests to be considered and this means a lower voter turnout. No important questions, directly corresponds with the number of people venturing out to their polling place. If people don't vote, situations arise where write-in candidates can be elected with 31 votes.

Yes, it happened on Warren's school board two years ago, with trouble ever since. I can't tell you who to vote for on Tuesday, but I can offer some tips. Get educated and find out about the candidates before you enter the booth. Don't pick someone because the name sounds familiar, or they're an incumbent.

Find out if the candidate's views align with your beliefs. Go to board meetings regularly, before the election. If you can't attend a meeting, ask someone you trust for their opinion or view the minutes on record. Check-out Facebook, look at who endorses them, and read the news.

Say no to the Bozos, do the research, and vote smart.

Odie Pahl

Warren Township