In Depth Election Coverage written like a horse race

Today is the official election season kick off.  Early voting started this morning and this leaves some scrambling to find out about their local candidates. 

This weekend hundreds of signs supporting Cozy Nash have been spotted.  Many people are asking who is he and what is his platform.  We wish we could tell you, but he has yet to release his campaign promises to the media for viewing.  He could be running on name recognition alone, but most people want to know why they should vote for him.  He is the only one from the local Democratic Party to run, as they did not form a slate this year.  This is like the horse that came out the gate in the middle and fell behind.

Another contender for Village trustee is Ken Cygan who has taken the most heat during this election.  He came out swinging at the watch dog groups, but has never taken a swing at what is wrong with the way the elected officials have run this community into the ground.  This has led some to feel he supports what the current trustees do as rubber stamp central.  However, the current Trustees running do not support him either, leaving him in an awkward position entering this election.  Some say he is all talk about what he CAN do, while all the others are leading campaigns about what they have done and will continue to do.  This is like the horse that came out of the gate strong but couldn't finish the race.

That leaves the two strong party group contenders.  The Republican Party is running the incumbents, but will have a hard time getting them re-elected this year.  Two of them were due to retire four years ago and are still running.  One of those (Leroy Brown) holds two governmental jobs and the other job should take precedent.  The second one (Schanks) is the proud holder of being the most rubber stamped trustee to sit on the board in Bolingbrook's history, voting for 40% of the votes to create Bolingbrook's extreme debt $468 Million debt.  Their third candidate, Tricky Ricky Morales has his hardships, trying to prove he is not in his position solely for financial profit and to line his own pockets.  This leaves the Republican party holding an empty bag.  All three are running on the same platform of "leadership".  They are not running to fix the problems of debt, rubber stamping, or growing the community.  They are not running on the foreclosures, lack and cutting of service workers, or anything people want to see.  They are running on the platform that they are "leadership" and they think they look good.  It is no wonder Bolingbrook is in the condition it is in now!  In the horse racing world, this one came out of the gate close to last and is not gaining speed as they round the first corner.  Some of these candidates might not even cross the finish line!

The Independent Party is running three candidates that are three strong holds and well known, going into this election.   Bob Bowen is an incredibly strong candidate who has been speaking at the Village Board meetings for the past 2 years.  He has recommended over $10 Million in money saving ideas to the Village that would have saved 42 police, fire, paramedic, and public works jobs that the incumbent Trustees chose to terminate.  He came out strong out of the gate and is continuing to build momentum as he walks door to door in the Village.  He is known as the "guy who informs the public" at all the local board meetings.  He is nicknamed Bob the Bull Dog of Bolingbrook for not giving up on attending meetings for two years consistently.  He has been strong on his stance that he DOES NOT like what the current admin has done with the debt and money in this town.  He is not a fence straddler and because of this, we believe he will finish strong.  He has gained the hearts of every Democrat, Tea Party, and Independent and most Republicans.  His views are right in line with what Bolingbrook needs.  He is heavily supported by Bonnie Alicea and assisted in her campaign last year.  We feel he will run run strong and finish as a winner.

Rhonda Reed Slaughter is a top pick amongst residents.  Her "I won't tell you what I will do, I can show you what I have done and will continue to do" stance had her first out of the gate and finishing strong.  Her devotion to the number crunchers web site and local watch dog connection, plus a strong platform of reform and change, are forcing this candidate ahead in the race.  Her knowledge of the finances are stronger then the current trustees who have serviced for over ten years!  Her betting odds are this one to win one of the 3 top slots.

To "show"/ third place would be Joe Napionello with the Independent Party.  This fun loving, smiling and confident man came out of the gate mid-pack but has picked up great speed.  He is like the Philly that is running a first race and could take the race entirely.  He is a marketing and sales expert for small businesses and the village needs that for the Golf Course, Americana Estates, and the Airport.  Nobody in 10 years has stepped forward to help in this crisis area.  You cannot help but like him, and he means what he said.  He is dedicated to the cause, and he wants to participate because he feels it is a duty he can handle and improve upon.  This in one guy that has no grudges or sides with anyone, he just wants to get in these businesses and get them profiting so that the tax payers will get a break and the residents can be proud of our Village.  He is truly a public servant and is all heart and smarts. 

Joe, Bob, and Rhonda all run on the same "I will show you what I have done and will continue to do", touting their experience and their dedication.  These are serious contenders and it is hard to figure out which one will land in the top position come election day.  These three will need to watch for Cozy Nash once his platform arrives and will have to watch over fast approaching Leroy Brown.  These are the five picks of the week.  Start your bets! Watch our coverage the next three weeks, as anything could show a change as the candidates round the first corner of election season.