It's grading time for those in office

Election time brings calls from both parties seeking to stay in office. This is the best time for voters to show their appreciation or disappointment in the candidates, but equally important it is doing their duty to vote. Whether they are doing a good job or bad job, too many of these politicians retain their positions. Too many uninformed or unconcerned voters vote a straight party ballot. Worse yet, too many citizens neglect to vote at all.

Voters always get what they vote for or allow to happen. The huge influence that both parties have (money, power, support) is terrifying. Negative political ads giving the worst possible picture of an opponent rather than saying what a candidate can do to improve the current problems in government should disgust everyone.

Voting can grade our politicians, rewarding them if they deserve it or to removing the inept and dishonest ones. The solution is in three simple steps:

Ÿ Become aware of whether our elected officials are doing a good or bad job.

Ÿ Get information from reliable sources about the political problems and suggested solutions.

Ÿ Never shirk your duty to vote. It is a privilege that many have died for in order to preserve it.

Many names on the judicial and other ballots may be unfamiliar. Read the local papers they spend time and money to help us know which candidates best fit our choices. Take your list to the polls. Neither party has all the best candidates. Voting a straight ticket can hold back good talent from the other parties. Think for yourself.

To avoid runaway government and rule by money and lobbyists, we need independent thinking by a majority of voters. Give your opinion, grade your leaders, get out and vote.

William McNutt

Des Plaines