Submitted by the Leagues of Women Voters of Highland Park/Highwood, Deerfield, and Lake Forest/Lake Bluff:
Leagues Urge Local Residents ‘Cut Thru the Spin … Be Informed’
Highland Park, IL – The League of Women Voters of Highland Park/Highwood is pleased to continue its long tradition of presenting unbiased, nonpartisan information about elections, the voting process, and issues affecting local citizens by hosting a series of public debates between candidates who are running for crucially important local, state and national offices. Scheduled to begin at 1:30PM on consecutive Sundays, October 14th and October 21st (details below), these debates will offer ample Q & A time with all candidates. Debates are free to the public and free parking will be available.
“We don’t endorse candidates and we aren’t affiliated with any political party,” explains Barb Lippai, president of The League of Women Voters of Highland Park/Highwood. “These free, public debates give area residents the opportunity to see candidates from both parties up close and personal, and have their questions answered to their satisfaction. It’s a powerful and vitally important moment for voters and for the community as a whole.”
Without the direct connections facilitated by public debates, many timely questions may never be raised publically, and people would not be adequately informed about the experience and intentions of the candidates regarding key decisions that will impact all of our lives.
>> Plan now to attend the following public candidate debates:
DEBATE #1: October 14 at Lake Forest High School, 1285 North McKinley Road in Lake Forest, IL
Beginning at 1:30PM, the following candidates for office will participate in a series of open debates:
10th Congressional District
Robert Dold (R)
Brad Schneider (D)
29th State Senate
Julie Morrison (D)
Arie Friedman (R)
58th State Representative
Scott Drury (D)
Mark Shaw (R)
Lake County District 11
Laura E. Lambrecht (R)
Steven Warren Mandel (D)
Lake County District 13
David Barkhausen (R)
Sandra Hart (D)
Lake County District 21
Arlene Hickory (D)
Ann B Maine (R)
KEY ISSUES OF THIS DEBATE: – The 10th Congressional race is of particular importance because first-term incumbent Congressman Robert Dold (R) is being challenged by Brad Schneider (D) and the outcome of this vote could impact the congressional power structure on a national basis.
Additionally significant is that the two state races are for open seats being vacated by longtime State Senator Susan Garrett (D) and State Rep. Karen May (D). The State Legislature is of great importance to everyone as it will be dealing with issues such as reform of the pension system, a woman’s right to choose, gun control including access to assault weapons and concealed weapon legislation, as well as overall fiscal policies in the state of Illinois.
DEBATE #2: October 21 at Lake Forest Senior Center, Dickinson Hall, 100 E. Old Mill Rd in Lake Forest, IL
Beginning at 1:30PM, the following candidates for county office will participate in a series of open debates:
States Attorney
Chris Kennedy (D)
Mike Nerheim (R)
Circuit Court Clerk
Keith Brin (R)
Rupam Dave (D)
Recorder of Deeds
Bob Bednar (R)
Mary Ellen Vanderventer (D)
Coroner
Thomas Rudd (D)
Steve Newton (R)
KEY ISSUES OF THIS DEBATE: – Chris Kennedy (D), will be squaring off against Mike Nerheim (R) for the office of States Attorney. The contest to decide the next Lake County coroner is also closely contested.
The Debates are co-sponsored by The Leagues of Women Voters of Highland Park/Highwood, Deerfield, and Lake Forest/Lake Bluff.
>> Warm Up For The Debates by visiting lwvhp.org after October 5th and clicking on ELECTIONS > VOTER’S GUIDE to meet the key Republican and Democratic parties’ candidates and learn their answers to key questions on the issues.
PUBIC FORUM – OPENING MEETING: Thursday, October 11th at 7:30PM
Residents can also become more informed about important educational issues facing Lake County voters by attending this free event at the Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road in Highland Park.
This educational forum features Dr. George Fornero (Superintendent District 113 – Highland Park/Deerfield high schools) and Dr. David Behlow (Superintendent District 112 – Highland Park/Highwood elementary schools). The Superintendents will share their visions for, challenges of, and successes in delivering first class education to today’s students. Community members can then get answers to pressing questions during the Q&A dialogue that is scheduled following the forum’s opening remarks.
About The League of Women Voters of Highland Park/Highwood
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League never supports or opposes any political party or candidate.
The League of Women Voters has two separate and distinct roles.
· Voters Service/Citizen Education: we present unbiased nonpartisan information about elections, the voting process, and issues.
· Action/Advocacy: we are also nonpartisan, but, after study, we use our positions to advocate for or against particular policies in the public interest.
