As we approach the April 1 consolidated election in suburban Cook County, my office is putting out a call for Cook County voters to prepare to engage. This means casting a ballot in these local municipal elections, which have the most immediate and consequential impact on our communities and the services that taxpayers receive.
Whether it’s having your street plowed, sending your children to local schools, checking out books at the library, or having the peace of mind that police and fire service is just a phone call away, we rely mightily on our local community services and the elected officials who administrate them.
Unfortunately, many voters don’t make the time to cast a ballot in their local elections, and that is a sad statement for our democracy. While suburban Cook County sees an average 70% turnout in presidential elections, local election turnout struggles to reach 20%.
This must change because the votes that are cast in local elections have a direct connection to the fate of the funds that flow to local village halls, school boards, township offices, and police and fire districts, among many others.
Here is how local voters can engage:
- Check out the candidates who are running for office in your community. Visit our website at cookcountyclerk.com/elections to see a full listing of the candidates on the April 1 ballot running for municipal office, township government, school boards, park districts and more.
- View a sample ballot, check your voter registration, find your Election Day precinct and see the status of your mail ballot using the Your Voter Information tool at cookcountyclerk.com/voterinfo.
- Make your voting plan! Early voting is already underway at 55 suburban locations. Visit our website for a location near you at cookcountyclerk.com/earlyvoting.
Democracy is not a spectator sport — it thrives when we all participate. Your vote is your voice, and when more of us take part, our communities grow stronger, more representative and better equipped to serve everyone.
Make your plan, cast your ballot, and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. It’s your town, your vote, your future!
— Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, Chicago
Empowering independence
I am thrilled to learn that efforts are underway to ensure that the thousands of blind and visually impaired people who live in Chicago, and the many more who visit our great city each year, will soon be able to safely manage our streets and sidewalks (“Judge orders Chicago to install audible crossing signals for blind,” March 19).
It’s easy to take for granted how our healthy vision allows us to do such things as get to work, go to the grocery store, or simply visit friends and family. I’m proud to live in a city like Chicago that is making real efforts to expand the installation of audible crossing signals and thereby inclusively ensure that those who have limited or no vision can safely participate in our society actively and independently.
We applaud those advocates who fought to make this happen and all those who are working to expand the installation of these devices in our city. I hope this much-needed accessibility effort will serve as a model to others, expanding these efforts across the state and our country.
— Jeff Todd, president and CEO, Prevent Blindness, Chicago
Amnesia about senator
This collective amnesia about former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson is troubling. First, former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich delivers a paean to Simpson and now former Tribune publisher David Hiller (“Late Wyoming senator embraced a bipartisan spirit that we need now,” March 18).
Does no one care anymore about Simpson’s shameful treatment of Anita Hill, leading to the confirmation of one of the worst justices, Clarence Thomas, ever to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?
— Craig Mindrum, Oak Park
Defibrillators lifesavers
I support Willie Wilson’s op-ed on March 13 (“To prevent tragedies, Illinois should require AEDs in assisted living facilities”).
It’s an evidence-based fact that immediate high-quality CPR from a bystander using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can double or triple survival rates in people who have suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Recent American Heart Association data indicates that 39% of Americans are confident about providing CPR.
Unfortunately, most AEDs in the United State are not accessible to the public.
Gov. JB Pritzker and the General Assembly should seriously consider mandating AEDs throughout Illinois in assisted living facilities, gyms and sports facilities, stadiums, places of worship, shopping malls, post offices, public buildings, beach facilities and concert facilities and at large public gatherings.
— Dr. Vemuri S. Murthy, founder, Chicago Medical Society, Chicago
No shred of loyalty left
The editorial “The sad day Southwest Airlines became like every other airline” eloquently captures the situation left in the wake of the airline’s announced policy changes. Corporate greed, apparently, has once again triumphed.
Let me answer that callous question: “Where are they going to go?” They, meaning me and people like me, will evaluate alternatives. We are going to cut up our Southwest credit cards. We will shop prices and choose the most cost-effective carrier. We may even elect to drive instead of flying.
What we won’t do is have a shred of loyalty left for Southwest, since Southwest no longer gives a rip about us.
— George Pallas, Chicago
Passing of Jay Warren
My wife and I were saddened to read about the passing of Dennis Wolkowicz, also known as Jay Warren (“Theater organist, operator found magic in silent films,” March 13). My wife and I attended Jay’s silent movie organ accompaniments. Nothing beats the rumble produced by the old “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ at the Pick in Park Ridge.
Not mentioned in the obituary was Jay’s performances before the Pickwick Theater’s Classic Film Series screenings. Jay would always work into his performance a classic musical theme or two from the movie about to be screened. Best of all though, Jay was always happy to spin around on his organ bench and talk to folks like me about his music and the organ itself.
He was such a genial person. He’s a part of Park Ridge history that will be missed.
— Russ Haak, Park Ridge
Insights and lessons
Ron Grossman’s recollection of his Uncle Jerry (“Uncle Jerry taught me the power of books,” March 9) is a beautifully written tribute. Grossman’s Uncle Jerry, like so many of our own family members and friends, may seem to some to be quaint or quirky but in fact provides us with insights and lessons that are not always recognized prior to their passing.
Thank you to Grossman for reminding us.
— William L. O’Dea, Oak Lawn
Let’s emulate the kids
The photo the Tribune chose to place front and center on Friday’s Page 1 brought me such joy!
In an era when bullying seems to be the predominant governmental response to any situation, two young Chicagoans not only prevailed in the Spelling Bee but also in emotional maturity.
Winner Beatriz Whitford-Rodriguez appears to be thinking, “Wow! I’m so relieved and happy,” while in no way reigning over her opponent. And Kwame Boateng, I’m assuming the second-place winner, has turned toward the person who just beat him for first and is applauding her accomplishment.
May the adults learn from the kids!
— Linda Erf Swift, Chicago
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