A bit about Cook County judges' races

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The judges' races rarely make headlines, because, by design, they rarely include the controversy that the other elections do. This puts the responsibility back on the voters to work a little harder to seek out information about who is running for a seat on the bench.

Skokie residents are included in Cook County's 9th subcircuit. We will be voting for judges to fill two open seats. Candidates from Skokie include Scott Bagnall and Jeffrey Dov Greenspan. Others include Michael Ian Bender, Steve Bernstein, William Joseph Luby, Mary S. Trew, Dennis Michael Fleming, Geary W. Kull, Yehuda Lebovits and Abbey Fishman Romanek.

We only have until Tuesday, Feb 2, 2010 at the latest to do our homework and make our decisions, because that is primary election day, the last day to vote for judges. Early voting runs from January 11-28. To be eligible to vote, one must be registered by Tuesday, Jan 5. The Cook Country Clerk's office provides registration information, polling locations and election details.

Websites offer a certain amount of information, but nothing is better than meeting a candidate in person and asking your own questions. Check out candidates' websites for information about public events the candidates will be participating in.

For those interested in learning more about what judges do to become judges, this election and one candidate in particular, I'm hosting a coffee featuring Abbey Fishman Romanek.

When: Monday, December 28, 7:30-9 p.m.
Where: Community Room of the Metropolitan in downtown Skokie, 4953 Oakton, Skokie
Cost: Free
Refreshments: Desserts by Sweet Galit and Sweety Pies will be served, as well as tea, coffee and probably hot chocolate.

If you can come, please RSVP me at krkring@gmail.com.

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