by John Bambenek – Illinois Family Institute

Have you ever been frustrated by the actions of your city council? Are you dissatisfied with the direction your local schools are going? Have you ever considered running for local office?
Many of the decisions that affect our daily lives are made by local government officials. In many ways, it is just as important to have good local political leaders as it is having good Congressmen.

Right now, all eyes are on the November election and for good reason. However, the next municipal election is scheduled for April 2011. Petitions have to be filed for many of these local offices by November 22nd. It’s unfortunate that in Illinois politics never sleep, but we have to find good candidates for these local offices now. More importantly, we need to find those good people who would run but are reluctant due to a lack of resources.

The Illinois Local Government Project is a resource designed to assist concerned taxpayers in running for local offices such as city councils, school boards, park boards and township offices. Many times, concerned taxpayers want to run for office and make a difference but find little help in actually making a campaign happen.

The effort will equip interested candidates with key guidance in the petitioning process to get on the ballot, guidance in how to campaign, assistance with messaging, and connections to other service providers and potentially donors.

You can find out more and sign up with us at: http://www.illinoislocalgovernment.org

If you know someone who you think would make a good local officeholder or wish to run yourself, get in contact with the Illinois Local Government Project. We can help you get in office and bring good government to your hometown!

Together we can make a difference!