So, whatcha got to say about that?!
Ever read a column or a news story and wanted to add your two cents on the spot?
Now you can.
You may have noticed the new "Reader Comments" line right below our stories and columns. We welcome your thoughts on our copy, the issues of the day or your concerns. Just sign up and post away!
I am proud to say the first two comments on one of my columns came from the heads of the McHenry County Democratic and Republican parties, Thomas Cynor and Bill LeFew, both with interesting comments about voting.
How's that for bipartisan dialogue?
Let's chat
As always, if you have a comment you'd like to make just to me, a story to suggest or a question to ask, give me a call at (847) 931-5725 or e-mail me at amack@dailyherald.com. Don't worry -- I won't include your name in the column unless you OK it.
Know that I love to hear from you, no matter what forum you use. What's going on in your world that you'd like to share? Is there someone or something you think we should be writing about? Are you wondering why no one has fixed that darned pothole? Or when that new restaurant will open? And, why, oh, why did they do that?
Got a tip about some no-good so-and-so who's misusing his or her public position? Or a hidden hero who makes our lives better? We want to hear it all.
Bad mom trifecta
After seeing three stories about bad mommas atop our news site Thursday, I'll bet lots of people are talking about the Algonquin mom charged with throwing a drinking party for kids, the former Lake in the Hills mother charged with not preventing her baby's death and the drunken driving arrest of the Westmont mom who killed her child in a prior DUI crash. OK, be honest: How many of you other moms are thinking "at least I wasn't that bad"?
Comment away …
Wow!
I heard from the fabulous McHenry County Bunco for Breast Cancer committee this week and, boy, am I impressed. With your help, they blew away the previous year's already record-setting $30,000 by raising $40,000 at October's Bunco for Breast cancer event at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn. It was only the third year for the event. "On behalf of all breast cancer victims, we humbly thank you," one organizer, Laura Littner, wrote to the donors. On behalf of women everywhere, it is we who thank you!
Top to bottom
Speaking of women, it's pretty cool to see a woman running for president, isn't it? No matter who I ultimately vote for -- and, no, gender will not be my deciding factor -- I just think it's exciting that my children will find a woman and a black man among the presidential candidates on their ballots Feb. 5. My parents, the ardent Democrat and equally ardent Republican, sure have a lot to discuss at the dinner table these days.
Now if only those candidates would act like candidates for president instead of the Jerry Springer Show.
You in?
Apparently lots of people are talking election these days. I hear there was "an unbelievable" turnout of people taking advantage of the final day to register to vote in the February primary at county clerk offices Tuesday. If you missed it, you're out of luck for the primary, but you can still register for the November general election.
So far, more people (1,372 to 1,240) have pulled Democratic ballots than Republican in McHenry County, which traditionally has boasted at least a 70 percent GOP vote. It appears to be a trend across the region, said a surprised McHenry County Clerk Kathie Schultz.
So are Democrats coming out of hiding? Republicans crossing over? Everybody just more interested in the Hillary and Barack show knowing both are originally from Illinois? Whatcha think?