Saturday Soapbox: Thanks, judges
Being an election judge isn't a glamorous, well-paid or exciting job. But it is necessary and important. To everyone who stepped up to assist last Tuesday, we offer a sincere thanks. And to those who voted for the very first time, don't stop now. Stay involved and informed.
Yes we can:
"Yes we can" should be the mantra for our age. It doesn't matter what political stripe you are. We're on the cusp of a long climb out of financial ruin and if history tells us anything, that can-do attitude - shared by all - will see us through it.
The White (Sox) House:
With a Sox fan in the White House, you have to wonder if the White Sox have enough political pull to get Barack Obama to throw out the first pitch at their April 6 season opener against Kansas City. If not, might we suggest the June 26-28 Cubs-Sox series on the South Side? Mayor Daley would love it.
Gutter ball:
Remember Dick Nixon bowling in the White House? We've seen Obama bowl. Stick to hoops, Prez.
Hoop, there it is:
And with all the talk about Barack Obama's love for basketball, any chance tee-ball games on the White House lawn will be replaced with a few basketball games? Most of us should follow President-elect Obama's example and set aside time for a daily workout as part of our own health-care reform.
No coal in your stocking, either:
With little or no money to spend on Christmas presents this year and Obama allegedly putting the coal industry out of business, what'll you put in your kids' stockings this year? We hear the Tribune still has some "This is the Year!" books on the 2008 Cubs available.
The Lake County challenge:
Keeping the Lake County Board a partisan-free zone. That's it in a nutshell. It won't be easy because the board's makeup changed Election Night. Gone is the Republicans' commanding 17-6 majority, which was replaced by a much tighter 13-10 split. Democrats now have the potential to be more than swing-vote status, trading on a few key issues. We urge board members to avoid partisan temptation and continue to work together. The last thing Lake County residents need is a county board that grinds to a halt amid party squabbling.
Weather watching:
OK, the World Series was played in freezing rain, but Election Day was balmy with temperatures in the 70s. That's nice, but we don't need that 54 days from now when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. Temps in the teens will be fine. Have you bought your long johns yet?
What does it mean ...
... when a tax increment financing district implemented by the Long Grove village board last February is rejected posthumously by Long Grove voters by an almost 2-1 margin? Does it mean trustees are totally out of touch? Or could it mean trustees are taking the long view, putting up with unpopularity for what they believe is in the best interests of Long Grove? Guess we'll find out in April, when several are up for election, how long the long view really is.