Time for local candidates to prepare

Many of us are trying to shake off the election hangover, the after-affects of a dizzying campaign that stretched on for nearly two years and culminated with to the historic vote to elect the country's first African-American to serve as president.

To be sure, it was a seemingly never-ending campaign season of debates, pundits and wonks. Illinoisans and the rest of the country were bombarded with charges and countercharges, issues and candidates messages on television and radio, in our mailboxes and on billboards. Each urged us to pay attention and asked for our support.

Mixed in with all of that is a war in Iraq and Afghanistan and a tattered economy that claims more layoffs and foreclosures by the day.

Yes, it was historic. And the elation felt by many was real. But, after two years, you're also probably glad the Nov. 4 election is history.

But just when you thought it was safe to focus on other things - the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are only weeks away - a new batch of candidates are gearing up for the April 2009 consolidated election.

Nominating petitions are now being circulated by local residents who want to be on the ballot for a chance to serve on municipal, school, township, park and library district boards.

There's still several weeks before the new campaign season starts humming, but ballot hopefuls can make good use of that time to ensure they will be effective candidates.

•Do some homework: Be a thoughtful candidate by identifying issues that will be important and critical to the government agency you want to serve on and the constituency you would represent. Develop ideas to address those issues, and provide details about your positions. We see far too many candidates who are unprepared and fail to take the time to learn what's important in their community and how they can help.

•Stick to the issues: There was enough negative campaigning on all levels in the Nov. 4 election to last a lifetime. Let's avoid mudslinging, name-calling and misleading brochures and ads that confuse, rather than inform. Instead pledge to base your campaign on clearly telling voters about you, your background and your stance on issues important to them and the community.

•Learn how government works: While it's admirable for a candidate to be spurred to action by a single issue facing his or her neighborhood or school, keep in mind you'll have to represent the entire community served by the board seat you are seeking. Attend board and committee meetings and take note of protocol and procedures. Learn duties and responsibilities of the board seat you are running for and the geographic area it covers. That understanding will be critical for you to be a prepared, knowledgeable and informed candidate.

Running for elected office requires commitment, ideas and energy. Spending a few weeks preparing for what is ahead will allow you to run a positive, informative campaign that will give voters plenty to think about when they go into the voting booth next spring to make their decisions.

They'll thank you for the extra effort.