Saturday, October 17, 2009

Nothing Happens Without Signatures

Many of us lament the lack of choices when election time rolls around. Now is the time we can do something to change that. There are numerous candidates running and every one of them would appreciate an hour or two of our time to collect signatures. Winning a spot on the primary ballot spot is the first contest and doesn't happen without signatures.

State Reps need a minimum of 500 signatures; Senators need a minimum of 1,000. I've checked with our locals and their challengers and everyone has their signatures. But county and statewide candidates need thousands and thousands more. That's why, at this point in the schedule, I encourage people to pick up a clipboard for a county or statewide candidate. Especially for the challengers. Without them, the machine moves on unchecked.

There are two particularly deserving challengers this cycle. Clint Krislov and Andrea Raila. Clint is running for State Comptroller and Andrea is running for Cook County Assessor, challenging Joe Berrios who is chairman of the county's Democratic Party and commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review.

Consider this: If Andrea doesn't get on the ballot, the seat will be handed to Berrios. That alone is a compelling reason to help gather signatures. Because even if you're a fan of Joe Berrios, you have to know that the lack of competition doesn't help him be any better in his job. Competition keeps our elected officials sharp and responsive.

People who want to pass for these candidates should contact me at elder.inbox@gmail.com or call 773-718-2822. I have a budget ($$) and room on the team for paid passers.

Thanks,
Suzanne Elder

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