The Lake County Election Recommission

Note to Ops: you know Lake County has lost its edge when the Daily Herald runs a story about a beleaguered Election Commission. And the story is not about Lake County:

Just when it looked like officials would create the first written, mutual agreement spelling out the funding and operation of the Aurora Election Commission, Kane County Board members said Thursday they would rather work toward disbanding it.
Kane to investigate disbanding Aurora Election Commission

Is something new matriculating up at the electoral college? Your LakeCountyEye asked Dr. I.M. Bhatschidtkhrazzi, Professor of Election Surprise Studies at the College of Lake County.

"Ya, some activist judge said the Lake County Election Commission was unconstitutional." said Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi. "Since then, Lake County has had to operate without an Election Commission."

Old news to your LakeCountyEye.

"Now the Aurora Election Commission," continued Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi "has been threatening to relocate out of Kane County unless they get some generous tax concessions."

Your LakeCountyEye did not follow.

"It's that same old story you always hear in Lake County." sighed Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi. "Local taxing bodies pony up with generous tax rebates to lure some new hotshot tech-oriented concern into their community."

Your LakeCountyEye was not exactly sure where this was leading.

"There is a secret plan in the works," confided Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi "to get the Aurora Election Commission to relocate into Lake County. They've already been promised $2.3 million in tax breaks and other concessions."

Your LakeCountyEye was taken aback.

Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi sensed your LakeCountyEye's chagrin. "Do you know how many jobs an Election Commission creates? There are more than 400 election precincts in Lake County.  And every one needs election judges, poll watchers, tech support, ward heelers, you name it.  And these precincts are spread throughout the County.  It's estimated that an Election Commission would eliminate unemployment in Lake County. Totally."

Your LakeCountyEye regained enough composure to wonder who was going to pay for it.

"It will be self-funded." smiled Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi "Lake County has been lobbying Springfield to create a new kind of TIF district. This new hybrid TIF district would extend two miles in every direction from each precinct polling location -- and would tax only new, non-residential properties, mainly commercial and retail. The extra property taxes generated from the increasing property values would more than pay for an Election Commission. Booyah!"

Your LakeCountyEye heard enough. Did Dr. Bhatschidtkhrazzi have any parting advice?

"County officials wish to remind your Operatives that the 2015 municipal election is just around the corner. Vote early and vote often."