BY DAN CAMPANA
Only 17 days until early voting starts. I know, that's not really "sideshow" material, but it fits this week's theme: Numbers.
Let's count 'em up, count 'em down and, hopefully, count 'em correctly in this by-the-numbers look at the race.
31: The number of signs dotting New York Street and Galena Boulevard, roughly from Commons Drive to Lake Street. As of Friday afternoon our unscientific survey showed a virtual dead heat in the race for mayor. The breakdown goes like this: Mayor Tom Weisner 11; Alderman Stephanie Kifowit 10; Alderman Richard Irvin 10.
Three weeks ago, Irvin led with 7, followed by Weisner (5) and Kifowit (2).
Most popular locations: Empty lots.
None to be found: Downtown.
1: The number of days Irvin's Web site needs to add to its countdown "until the Most Important Election for the Future Of Aurora!"
For the record, Irvin supporters should be sure to vote on April 7 (or during early voting between March 16 and April 2), but not on April 6.
$6,801: The amount of money Kifowit loaned herself in January. If there had been a primary in Aurora's contests, it would have required the candidates to file pre-election finance reports with the state before that election.
Since there was no primary, the candidates needed to only submit a "non-participation" report. That's what Weisner and Irvin did. Kifowit chose to account for her money in January.
Lots: The number of questions The Beacon News wants from voters for its March 12 mayoral forum at Aurora University. Submit questions through the comment field or by emailing dcampana@scn1.com or asalles@scn1.com.
A question for the candidates.
Recently it was reported that there are now more women working than men. In addition, there are more women in college than men, this seems to mean that shortly they will also be making more money on average than men. More money is controlled by women, women are the larger percent of the population,and they live longer.
At what point do the candidates believe that the laws should be changed from disciminating against men in hiring, promotion, contracting, etc, to one based on best qualifications?
Dan you seem to want to get information out about the mayoral race but nothing about the school board elections. With so much of our tax dollars going to the schools do you thing you could get something out there. I know the West side is having some things for their candidates but not so for The East side. I think it is time for the people on the East side to think about who they are voting for school board and not just the first four on the ballot.
Does the corner of Downer & La Salle constitute as "downtown"?
From everyone I've talked too, it seems that Irvin has more signs than supporters.
Thanks for the comment, Cindy. My focus has been primarily on the city elections, but I would be happy to include any information about the school board elections.
You, or anyone, can email to dcampana@scn1.com.
Along the same lines as Cindy's question about focusing on the mayoral race why is there not much information coming out on the other candidates running for city council? I see that you have put a little information out about the 4th ward candidates forum but what about the other city council seats that are being challenged? There is virtually no information about the alderman at large race or the people running. Will you start covering with more information on it?
We will have something on the ward races, both their candidate surveys here on the blog and likely a story about the candidates themselves.
To this point, the candidates have been focused on working their wards and not on publiclity. Personally, I'd like to see a forum for all the aldermanic candidates.