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Kathryn J. Routliffe's avatar

I covered Skokie for 13 years, and saw a couple of concerted attempts to put slates opposing the Caucus Party's together. They generally lost because they were a) incompetent at creating platforms that weren't "we hate the old guys, (& they're not white enough") , b) incompetent at campaigning, even the ones with a fair number of dollars to spend, or c) provably not great at public service via previous stints on other boards. Some of them only started opposing slates after they tried for a Caucus position and didn't make the cut.

The folks in power have successfully kept more opposition slates from forming by finding potential opponents and bringing them into the Caucus fold. It's not, precisely, anti-democratic, but it's not, precisely, democratic. It's an odd duck, politically. However, I trust Schechter when it comes to talking about diversity and affordable housing and I trust her concerns about lack of slate diversity. I don't support term limits; I've seen what that can lead to. But I think staggered terms should be enacted. And while I don't believe in wards (a few meetings at Evanston city council impressed that on me), I like the hybrid board idea. I'll be interested to see what happens in this referendum effort.

Also, there's one thing that we as journalists need to emphasize in this sort of situation - the lack of local news coverage. Back when Pioneer Press was able to put 2 reporters on Skokie, and cover all the boards - including the Niles Township board - readers paid attention, and came out to vote. Lack of coverage inevitably leads to lack of transparency and lack of electorate interest.

Thanks for letting me yammer on; once again, your commentary made me think.

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LB's avatar

When I ran and won my seat in the School Board in 1995 there was no caucus, giving the residents a choice on who to elect and who can run. No one received payment for serving. I encourage everyone to get involved in their localities. It is so important. Great article!

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