Spoils System Alert!

Just when you thought it was safe to surf the blogosphere again, Island Lake -- a community of friendly people -- is back in the news. A mayoral election is, technically speaking, scheduled to be held in Island Lake. However given recent ballot objections and legal maneuvering, it is hard to tell what will happen in Island Lake come the election in April.

As readers of this blog are unexcitedly aware ...

Scoop du Jour

it was disclosed that an Island Lake village contractor and political ally to the United for Progress political slate was the signer on a ballot objection filed against the opposing political slate, For the People. Predictably, For the People was not amused, and made sure the print media knew about it.

Well, haha, it now turns out that David McArdle, a Crystal Lake-based attorney for For the People, donated his expenses as an in-kind. Predictably, United for Progress was not amused -- and for the benefit of the Daily Herald:

When asked if the donation was part of an effort to become the village's lawyer, McArdle said the Crystal Lake firm would like to be considered for the job. "If the slate is fortunate enough to win and be placed into office, and if the new mayor solicits new law firms, we will happily apply," he said. "For the People" trustee candidate Mark Beeson denied the donation is part of a political quid pro quo.
Law firm donated $6,000 to Island Lake candidates

Operatives, of course, are well aware that these sort of campaign monkeyshines go on all of the time. The campaign technique is a time-honored tradition that goes back to Andrew Jackson: trade goods and services and donations from your supporters for the promise of government jobs after the election.

So as a service to local candidates, your LakeCountyEye has identified ten sweetheart government positions you can offer your backers & volunteers in exchange for their support. In a non-quid-pro-quo way, of course!

So You Plan to Win? Ten Patronage Jobs for Your Campaign Supporters

Don't tip that parking valet. Promise him the job of Highway Commissioner. Sell your home for a big markup. Appoint your realtor to Property Assessor. Short on cash for a sixpack? Tell that 7-Eleven® clerk you can promote him to County Clerk. A tip from the NRA: your neighbor -- the one who likes to show-off his concealed carry -- would make for a perfect school crossing guard. Is there an unfilled trustee position that no one wants? Appoint your trusty canine companion. BONUS: If your dog is named Rusty he would need to be addressed as Trustee Rusty. Two words: Park District Now you're talking real money! Who doesn't have a lazy offspring that has been unemployed since Circuit City went bankrupt? Make him your Clerk of the Circuit Court. If all that bigmouth in-law of yours wants to talk about is young earth creationism, then get him something to do and appoint him to your school board. Reward that generous contributor. Make his son, the lawyer, the State's Attorney. Finally, don't be surprised if Lake County Board Chair, Aaron Lawlor, shows up to measure the drapes.

Look for your LakeCountyEye, on the government dole, near you.