National news does have an impact on us at our community level and we should be sensitive to it. The one-week reprieve in the confirmation hearing of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be on the U.S. Supreme Court was a welcome relief. Until the one-week break, it was politics as usual, politics primarily, and politics pointedly to prevail over the good of the country.
The one week reprieve Friday was ushered in by U.S. senator from Arizona, Jeff Flake, who said there is no reason to call for a vote, which would be a toss-up by all accounts, when questions must be answered about the candidate for the U.S. Supreme Court. Those on the Senate Judicial Committee, especially the Republican Party members, wanted to call for a vote in a rush, for politics to prevail over a small effort to heal the country. Senator Flake saw the opening and was clear enough in his thinking to insist. Even though he is not running for re-election the one-week wait for further FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) was the correct call. Most, if not all senators in the full body, may not change their votes, however, allowing a more thorough investigation to be completed tamps down the heated divide.
Whether on the national or community level, making a decision for long-term gain always supersedes political expedience. Let that sink in and suggest such endeavors to your elected officials, at all levels. We need more statesmanship and less political expedience, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
• Community elections are vital. Registration deadlines will close soon in our respective counties for the November 6 elections. Voting does not cure everything, however, it always is the step in the right direction. We should understand the benefits of voting, take time to understand the candidates for office, and vote, whether by early voting, or by voting November 6 for candidates, even if we write in, or, if we skip one race. There should be no excuse and no apathy. There will be State representatives, State senators, U.S. congressional races, and one-third of the U.S. senators up for election.
• Notes from here and there: On a light note, Close to You will be at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1399 W. Wilson Street in Batavia at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19. Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters, is a tribute to the famous vocal duo of the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. It is in its ninth year of touring.
• The Fox Valley Newcomers and Neighbors (FVNN) will meet Wednesday, Oct. 17 at Niko’s Tavern, Campton Hills, 40W188 Campton Crossing, at the corner of LaFox Road and U.S. Route 64 for a luncheon. There will be entertainment. Mail your $22. check payable to FVNN to Julie Ford, 33 South Barton Trail, Batavia, Il 60510.
• The city government of Aurora is a finalist for the 2018 Chicago Innovation Awards. Voting deadline is Friday. Go to www.chicagoinnovation.com/peoples-choice-award-voting.
• The Montgomery Beautification Committee will sponsor a Halloween Display Contest again this year. Nominations will be accepted through October 15 and judging will take place the evening of October 17. Call 630-896-9241 for information.