Quiet election in Hoffman Estates

While other villages are gearing up for Election Day, it's quiet in Hoffman Estates.

When Mayor William McLeod in February 2008 formed his slate, which included former rival trustees Raymond Kincaid and Karen Mills, few could have imagined an uncontested election on April 7. Maybe it's a sign that residents are happy with the government. Perhaps they're just fatigued after the presidential election. Maybe they're focused on personal matters with the soured economy convincing potential candidates they lack the extra time for political office.

Village Clerk Bev Romanoff said only 10 people visited village hall on Monday for the first day of early voting. Park District Board President Craig Bernacki voted on Tuesday afternoon and said he counted about 20 early voters. The park district does have a contested race with incumbents Bernacki, Scott Triphahn and Kaz Mohan running together. Incumbent Loretta "Lollie" Guiney is running independently. The final candidate is the "new guy," former park board commissioner Wendell Howell.

Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 has three seats up, but only three candidates for the uncontested race.

You know what best describes the lack of buzz for next month's election? Before Monday's village board meeting, the Boy Scouts from Holy Family Parish's Troop No. 461 made their way to sit in on the meeting to satisfy a merit badge requirement.

While walking behind the last row of seats, one of the young scouts turned to a friend and said with a smile: "Maybe I should run for mayor."

Too bad candidates have to be 18 years old. The youngster's candidacy certainly would have spiced things up this election season.