Seize opportunity to hear candidates

Did you know that your vote counts more in the primary than in the general election? Why? Because fewer people vote in the primary. Those who do have a bigger impact on the choices that are made.

Sometimes races are uncontested so that it seems there is no reason to vote. Other times there are a number of good candidates running. It may be difficult to determine which candidates will represent you best in the upcoming fall general election.

You can find information in newspaper articles and interviews. You can read campaign literature and commercials which give necessarily slanted information.

Wouldn't it be great if you could hear the candidates in person and ask them questions?

That opportunity does exist if you live in the 10th Congressional District and the 66th State Representative District. There is a candidates forum at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Arlington Heights Library, 500 Dunton Ave., 2nd Floor.

There, Democrats Jay Footlik and Dan Seals will debate for the opportunity to oppose Mark Kirk, U.S. Representative of the 10th Congressional District. The forum also includes Republicans Laura Bartell and Christine K. Prochno who are vying for State Representative 66th District as Carolyn Krause is retiring.

If you live closer to Northfield, you can hear Footlik and Seals debate earlier at 7 p.m. Thursday. The candidates will appear at New Trier High School's Northfield Campus Happ Road, Building C, Room 234.

Both of these events are sponsored by the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan organization dedicated to registering and informing voters. The League follows strict rules that create an environment where a thorough airing of viewpoints occurs in a polite and civil manner.

I hope you will take advantage of at least one of these forums and on Feb. 5 make your vote count. You could have a big impact on those chosen to run in the general fall election.

Susan Spengler

Palatine