Perspective

In 2008, the year of Barack Obama’s historic election, 6 million Americans wanted to vote but couldn’t because they weren’t registered, according to the U.S. Census. Some missed a registration deadline; others didn’t know they had to register, or how to do it.

It’s Gov Lite time. But we’re not talking about beer, diet soda, or lo-cal meals.

We invite you to share your thoughts and tips because, as local residents, you know state government better than we do.

One of the vexing dilemmas that confront full service watchdog organizations like the Better Government Association — where we investigate public officials, analyze public policy and then propose reform legislation — is that many of the people we criticize are also part of the legislative process that determines the outcome of our proposals.

Most journalists don’t tend to think along mathematical lines.

The Better Government Association found the Illinois Department of Transportation – a large agency under the governor’s control – has been manipulating the wording in job descriptions to get around restrictions on political hiring.

So here’s today’s question: After 90 years, should the Council go on another diet?

Is there a doctor in the house?

Which moves faster — a Metra train filled with commuters, or a Metra scandal filled with resignations, revelations and investigations?

It’s time for another serious look at the pros and cons of Tax Increment Financing in Chicago — a tiff over TIF — the controversial economic development program that’s supposed to revitalize struggling neighborhoods by offering financial incentives to potential investors.