Mount Prospect primary confusion:

Mount Prospect will ask voters in the February primary - when no local races will be decided - if they want to go back to a non-primary system. They'll also ask if the village should raise the threshold for getting on the ballot. Both are in one oddly worded, grammatically incorrect question. Confused? So are we. And this referendum is only going to cause more confusion. It should be dropped.

A valuable resource:

We recognize that local leaders are making tough budget decisions, but we are sorry to see Rolling Meadows end funding of its Police Neighborhood Resource Center. For nearly two decades it has served a population struggling to overcome poverty, crime and language issues. Let's hope the city will continue to pursue grants to keep some of its vital programs running.

Remember the animals:

Long-embattled Pet Rescue in Bloomingdale finally lost its license this week, effectively shutting down the site after years of allegations about neglected and mistreated animals. While we're dismayed the Illinois Department of Agriculture took so long to act, we hope immediate efforts are taken to provide care and seek homes for the animals housed at the former shelter.

Remember the animals, part II:

A pet food drive sponsored by three Barrington-area pet rescues is aimed at keeping down the numbers of abandoned dogs or cats. It's an excellent idea - and timely. Keep our furry friends in mind as we enter the season when hearts tend to turn generous.

Rough road ahead:

Construction crews have spent the last few weeks cutting out blocks of pavement on Route 31 through a goodly stretch of West Dundee and replacing them with new concrete, squeezing traffic into one lane in either direction. It's great that the concrete is nearly done curing, but as motorists try out the new northbound lanes, they're treated with a ka-thump- ka-thump, ka-thump ride. It's worse than before.

Flip your wig:

It's not that we lack a sense of humor. But we believe Illinois' problems are complex and expect gubernatorial candidates to take them seriously. Andy McKenna's "Hair today" campaign blames the ousted governor for all our state's problems. That's naive. You're going to have to do more than trot out bad wigs to win votes.

Flip your wig, part II:

Come to think of it, that goes for every candidate for governor - Republican or Democrat. Rod Blagojevich isn't your opponent. Give us a campaign that show us you understand the problems and can offer real solutions. Voters are smart. Don't treat them like they're not.

Whiz kid:

Congratulations to Stevenson High School junior Zach Blumenfeld, who made it to the semifinals this week in the "Jeopardy!" Teen Tournament. Zach, a 16-year-old Lincolnshire resident, will appear again at 3:30 p.m. Monday on ABC 7. Since the show was taped weeks ago, we can't really wish him luck ... but we have our fingers crossed.

Recognizing a gem:

Congratulations to the educators who helped make Illinois Math and Science Academy worthy of the top honor in Intel Star Innovator Awards. The Aurora institution bested 700 schools, taking home a $25,000 grant.