Some ideas for reforming elections

I'm writing to protest all the mudslinging in the campaigns. It's all about what is wrong about the candidates' opponents and not what they'll do for us. They campaign for too long and spend too much money. Money is what gets them elected. There should be a limit on money spent and length of campaigning.

Those in office should be paid only when they are on the job like everyone else. They get elected and start to campaign for the next election. There should be a limit on terms in office. Someone at age 85 does not belong in office.

When there's a primary election we shouldn't have to declare party affiliation. I don't vote for the party but for the person best suited for the job. There are no ballots for independent voters and therefore fewer people vote.

Whose brilliant idea was it to mail real estate taxes after the election? We are not stupid.

Jobs stay here first. CEOs don't need bonuses for letting people go. Don't tell us to buy American-made goods when most merchandise is made elsewhere.

All politicians should remember that this country was founded on freedom of religion. Ninety-five percent of Americans believe in God in one form or another. It takes one atheist to get his way. Why?

Helen Szybinski

Streamwood