Super showdown spurs clerk's call for scrutiny
Nothing like having Super Sunday and Super Tuesday in the same week to mess with your sleep, eh? Most of us, though, likely caught more z's last night than many a county clerk.
McHenry County Clerk Kathie Schultz and her crew, who have been working six- and seven-day weeks for some time now, started their work day about 5 a.m. Tuesday. Staffers worked well into the night and Kathie, as she does every election, stayed until the final reports were tabulated. Sometimes that's meant seeing the sun come up. Literally.
An eye on the polls
By the way, I hear there was an extra set of eyes keeping watch at the clerk's office Tuesday.
Some of this year's races were so heated, Kathie -- known for her refusal to get involved in politics -- took the unusual step of asking the Illinois State Board of Elections to oversee the election process. A state board monitor arrived Monday and stayed throughout the day Tuesday to answer questions and advise the clerk on how to handle issues as well as monitor the counting process.
Normally, the McHenry County state's attorney's office is on call to answer the clerk's election questions, but, apparently, this year refused to be involved. Given the race to be state's attorney was the hottest race on the ballot, the clerk said she wanted to ensure the sanctity of the process.
"I wanted to be sure there would be no question as to procedure being followed in what could be a close race," Kathie said.
She may make sure she doesn't get involved in politics, but methinks this county clerk understands the game of politics quite well.
Sure, Mack
I, on the other hand, am not likely to be confused with anyone who understands or should ever predict vote turnout. Let's just say my bet that 50 percent of us would go to the polls was a bit grand. Maybe someday ...
Still, a whopping 4,719 McHenry County voters cast their ballots early, compared to only 1,746 in 2006, the first time early voting was available. Was that because more of us understood the process vs. higher interest? Don't bet on me knowing the answer.
Cream of the crop
Old-fashioned ice cream social, anyone? I've been hearing lots of chatter about the Huntley-area talent show coming up Feb. 10. If you're looking for a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon, get your tickets now for the 2 p.m. show at the Performing Arts Center at Huntley High School. It's $10 for adults and $8 for children and includes a complimentary ice cream social between the first and second acts. You'll see local professionals and students singing and dancing on stage and might even spot a school board member or two. The Education Foundation for Huntley Area Schools is raising money for scholarships and education. You can buy tickets at the door or by calling Rosemary Herringer at (847) 961-5668.
From the heart
Diane Fuqua wants you to know about a blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 16, at First Congregational Church of Dundee. With Valentine's Day planning and American Heart month in full swing, the church is teaming up with Heartland Blood Centers in hope we'll consider helping provide this vital resource. Call (847) 428-8211 for details or to schedule an appointment.
Red light
If you're seeing red these days, it might not be because your candidate lost. Centegra Health Systems has lit up the outside of its buildings throughout February to help remind us about the importance of healthy hearts. Maybe they should consider a red spotlight at the location of their coming medical center on Algonquin Road in Huntley. Naaahhh. We already see too many red lights out there, don't we?