I just returned from a candidates’ forum held by local community group JACOB at the meeting hall of Sacred Heart Church on Ottawa St. in Joliet. As is typical of these events, it seemed almost like there were more candidates than spectators in attendance.
But you can’t blame JACOB for that. At least they’re trying to do something to educate the public about the upcoming election. I don’t see anyone else picking up the ball to help people actually learn about their candidates. It’s just ridiculous that our local newspaper has nearly completely abandoned the job of reporting about local elections. If I ran a newspaper (and wouldn’t THAT be a perfect world!), I’d be smart enough to realize finding interesting stories in the local political scene is like shooting fish in a barrel. Instead, judicial races that will lead to someone being on the Will County bench for at least the next 6 YEARS (and likely 12 or more) are covered with a little questionnaire filled out by candidates with self-serving information. Lord knows, mine is self-serving. But as a voter, I sure wish someone in the press would look a little deeper. People don’t know the lawyers who are seeking the job of sitting in judgment over their legal problems for the next 6 years. They shouldn’t have to rely on the candidates’ own advertising. That’s not dependable information. Seriously, I’m not whining about it because I wish I could get more coverage (although I do wish it); I really just want to be able to cast informed votes at the ballot box. I need my local paper to help me. Our local paper absolutely does not.
That being said, kudos to JACOB members for bucking the trend. To them, I’m sure it sometimes feels like they are a lone voice in the desert, but it’s still worthwhile and important. Thank you, JACOB!
So, let’s get to the report. Who did well? Granted, it’s all show. You get 3 minutes to make an impression. And an “impression” is all it is. There’s little substance to it.
As for me, I’ll score myself an 85/100. I said most of what I wanted to get out, but not all. The alotted time of 3 minutes is tough to negotiate in a cohesive way. I think I did better than most about making a point that had a beginning, middle and not-so-great ending. That’s a killer for me! When I write, I pride myself on the “ah, ha!” ending. Today’s was OK, but it didn’t make anybody stand up and say, “You da man!”
Lissa Dow was good. I’m pretty sure her message has been weaned down to some specific, repeatable bullet points. It’s sort of like Jay Leno used to say about his standup act, when he would work out the jokes in small clubs, eliminating words until he found the shortest, most concise way to hit the punch line. Lissa seems to have done the same thing. But more power to her, she does it well. It leaves a good impression, for whatever that’s worth. Which in politics, unfortunately, is quite a lot.
Paula Gomora and Scott Delaney, who are running for judge in a different subcircuit than mine, were both pretty good. I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise when someone who’s a laywer displays the ability to string a sentence or two together. But still, it’s nice to see people be able to get up and make a good impression.
I thought Tim Baldermann, candidate for U.S. Congress, did a nice job. He’s pretty good with a crowd. If only he could make as good an impression on the guy who covers New Lenox for the Herald News, he’d be in business.
Of course, my perceptions are colored by the fact I already know these people (except for Baldermann). So my comments probably bear little resemblance to the impression made on first-timers. But I walked away happy when two women approached me afterward and told me they liked me! Really, after talking for 3 minutes, what more can a guy ask? If only I’d had that talent with women was I was 18!!
To reach Tim, write timplacher@yahoo.com
To learn more about Tim’s campaign, visit www.timforjudge.com
