Election
reflections...
The
March 16 primary election season was a rewarding experience
for me. I got to know Joe Wiegand, the Republican challenger
for the 70th District of the Illinois House. It is
refreshing to know that people like Joe are willing to serve
in our government.
I am an
independent voter. In fact, when I placed my vote for
Joe it was the first time I had ever voted on a partisan
ballot. Even if he had won the nomination I would have
remained independent.
I
believe in our two party system but I am sick of the way the
system is practiced. Partisanship, to the degree it is
played in Washington, Springfield -- and certain local
governmental units -- seems to survive only to discredit the
opposition party. The attacks ads just keep getting worse.
And its deflating to make a choice for the lesser of two
evils.
Joe
Wiegand ran a clean, issue oriented campaign. What impressed
me most about him was he actually ran against being
"politically correct." In these times of not right nor wrong
but politically correct it was inspiring to hear a political
candidate give direct posit and answer to whatever question
was asked of him.
In his tenure
on the DeKalb County Board, Joe had worked to get the
current tax cap laws on the ballot to empower the people to
decide. He'd like to give voters the same power to
decide whether or not a school voucher system would produce
a better, more efficient, education. I know of no better
definition for representative.
The solution
of education finance reform offered by Wiegand is one that
needs to be considered on merit and not special interests.
A majority of informed voters always make the best choice.
No further
proof is needed that DeKalb County is blessed with lots of
great people than knowing the voters in the 70th District
will choose between longtime residents Bob Pritchard-R, and
Bob Brown-D. There will be no shortage of character.
Mr. Pritchard
became quite vocal about taking the job to fight for
property tax relief, create jobs and make Illinois more
business-friendly. It will be interesting to hear his
ideas on how he will accomplish those goals.
And now that
it is Mr. Brown's turn to step into the spotlight, I am
eager to hear his views and ideas. It's fun being an
independent. :-)
Mac McIntyre
