For the first time in The Hinsdalean’s history, there is a single contested race on the spring ballot.
Only Hinsdale High School District 86 has attracted more candidates than there are open seats in the Tuesday, April 4, election.
Asma Akhras of Darien, Andrew Catton of Hinsdale, Kay Gallo of Clarendon Hills, Cat Greenspon of Burr Ridge and Debbie Willoughby of Westmont are seeking three open seats on the board.
We typically begin covering the election in January so we have space for all of the articles we run on each of the races. This year, with just one contested race, we’ll kick off our coverage next week with a look at the top issues in District 86. We’ll also run information on registering to vote and early voting options.
For our second story Feb. 16, we’ll talk to current and former board members about what serving as a school board member entails.
In the March 2 issue, we’ll share basic biographical information about the candidates so readers can get a sense of who they are and also learn why they are running.
Each candidate will share their opinion on a variety of issues in charts that will run in the March 2 and March 9 issues. These charts will be compiled from 30-minute in-person interviews with each of the candidates and a written questionnaire.
Then, the paper will offer its recommendation on the three best candidates to serve the district in an editorial endorsement on March 23.
The Hinsdalean also is planning to hold a candidates night March 16 at The Community House so voters can have the chance to hear those running for office in person. More details on the event will be published closer to the date.
We are not ignoring the 13 candidates running uncontested for the Hinsdale Village Board, Hinsdale Public Library Board and Community Consolidated Elementary District 181 Board. We will run charts listing biographical information about each candidate and their priorities once in office.
Readers who want to express support for a candidate in a letter to the editor are welcome to do so. Read Pam Lannom’s column below for more information on that process.
April might seem a long way off, especially with the return to more wintery weather this past week. But the election will be here in less than nine weeks.
We hope our coverage and candidates night help readers get to know these individuals better. We want to give voters all the information they need to choose the candidates they believe will do the best job in office. While serving as a school board member might not seem very glamorous, local elected officials can have just as much impact on our day-to-day lives as senators serving in the nation’s Capitol.
For those who miss an issue or live outside of our circulation area, every election story will be posted on our website at http://www.thehinsdalean.com from the day it runs until the election.
Comments or questions? Please send them to [email protected].
