Anyone have any opinions? I was surprised to get a piece of campaign material the other day and find that one of my kids' friends' dad is apparently a township official. So I'll probably vote for him, but I wondered if anyone had any reasons why or why not to vote for any of the particular candidates?

Too bad voting to do away with the township entirely is not an option. . .

Does anyone know why these folk vie for these positions? Is there a stipend or other benefits involved? Or do they really think that township governance is the way they can make a mark on the world. Just thinking, unless I viewed it as a stepping stone to some other office, if I were interested in elected office I can't imagine why I would choose the township.

quote:

Originally posted by jombl:
Mostly the township runs a Highway department with its requisite construction, plowing and maintenance.

Their website mentions approximately 90 miles of roads. For that they have a Commissioner, Administrative Assistant, Foreman, JULIE Coordinator/Dispatcher, and 4 crew members. Comes out to 10 miles of road a piece!

quote:

Originally posted by jombl:

I know that you, I and a couple of friends would be hard pressed to maintain a 90 mile stretch of highway, parkway, trees and sidewalks year around.

Just think of all those cool TOYS they have to play around with!

Like I said, the one guy I know who is involved is a fine guy, and I intend to give him my vote. I was mainly surprised that I had no idea he was in any way involved in politics.

I'll ask him next time I see him, but do you have any thoughts about why these folk do it? I know - public service. But it just seems to me like a kinda odd little area in which to choose to serve - not to mention going through the expense of having signs and literature printed up.

Being a Chicago-boy, I can't help thinking of patronage and slushfunds, tho I'll readily accept your assurance that that is not the case.