Dear Editor,  "Taxes are higher! Taxes are lower! The healthcare law will kill jobs! The healthcare law will create jobs!” Are competing claims driving you crazy?  Super PACs (well-funded political-action committees) have already spent $143 million dollars on the November 6 election and received over $280 million in contributions – and we have three months to go before Election Day. The Citizens United Decision has been concurrent with a major influx of money into the political process. And there are few controls to ensure accuracy of political advertising.  The League of Women Voters of …

The following is a statement issued by New Trier Republican Committeeman Bill Cadigan, reacting to Mitt Romney's selection of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) as running mate. Cadigan is also an alternate delegate for Romney to the Republican National Convention in Tampa.  Governor Romney made an outstanding choice when he selected Congressman Paul Ryan to serve as the GOP vice-presidential nominee. Congressman Ryan will bring to the ticket a wealth of good, Midwestern common sense and a deep understanding of the federal budget. He has vision — a bright and promising future for every American — that …

Dear Editor: I am a resident of Wilmette and I would like to voice my concern for the upcoming Kelly Miller Circus that will be taking place in Wilmette and is sponsored by the District 39 Foundation.  (Editor's note: Wilmette trustees approved a permit June 26 for the District 39 Education Foundation to host a circus fundraiser on Sept. 28.)  The Kelly Miller Circus includes tigers and elephants. I feel that our village and school district should not be associated with the shameful inhumane care and treatment of animals in circuses.  The Village Board who approved the permit and the District…

On Tuesday, June 12, at the Wilmette Village Board meeting, 5 of the 7 Village trustees voted down the proposal to commit the Village to 100% green energy through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (REC’s) in its electrical aggregation decision. The Board selected MC2 as Wilmette’s energy provider and opted for the minimum state requirement , (7% renewable energy), with individuals being able to choose 50% or 100% renewable energy through REC’s for a slight extra cost. Unfortunately, rarely more than 3% of the population takes advantage of this individual choice plan, according to Mark …

Have you heard that the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago just decided in favor of the ACLU and against the Illinois law that had made it illegal for people to audio record police officers in public without their consent. This Illinois law is an outrage and the decision is a huge victory for citizen journalism and democracy in our state. Until now, using your cell phone to record a police officer acting in an wholly inappropriate fashion on public property could land you in jail for years. Most people had no idea – who would have thought such a thing was possible in America. …