Scant choice on ballot limits accountability

Accountability. With it, local government can work like a well-oiled machine. Without it, the wheels might just fall off that machine. When incumbent county officeholders face no opponents on the ballot, the people they serve can't hold them accountable for their actions. Voters aren't able to select the best candidate on Election Day, when there's only one person running. We mention this in regard to the electoral status of Gary Spencer, Whiteside County state's attorney. Spencer has caught flak for his past and present prosecutions of Nicholas Sheley, the suspect in eight gruesome homicides in late June - five of which were committed in Spencer's jurisdiction. His official silence hasn't helped matters, either. In November, Spencer is up for re-election to another 4-year term. Some of his early critics voiced the opinion that he should not be re-elected - apparently unaware that Spencer had no opposition in the Republican primary, and that no one ran for the Democratic nomination. Unless someone decides to conduct a write-in campaign, and files the proper paperwork by Sept. 4, Spencer will have another free ride. It shouldn't be a surprise that such a situation could develop. It's quite common around here for candidates seeking countywide offices to have no opposition in the general election. Look at the other Whiteside County races. Republican candidates for circuit clerk and recorder of deeds, and the Democratic candidate for coroner, have no opponents on the ballot. They, too, will waltz into office. In Carroll and Ogle counties, it's much the same. Republican candidates for state's attorney, circuit clerk and coroner are unopposed in each county. Only in Lee County are there any real races. There are two candidates running for state's attorney. The same goes for coroner. However, the Democratic circuit clerk is unopposed for re-election. Granted, many unopposed incumbents try to run their offices professionally and do the best jobs they can. However, they aren't forced to debate an opponent or defend their records. They aren't forced to put forth their plans for the upcoming term. Who's to blame? Political parties have dropped the ball on this one. Even in counties where one party dominates, the minority party never should give the majority party a free pass on accountability. You never know when lightning can strike. It's ironic how we Americans enjoy poking fun at dictatorships and their sham elections, where there is no choice on the ballot except the dictator and his cronies. In this year's unopposed elections for many countywide offices, the joke's on us - but nobody should be laughing. Lack of accountability just isn't funny.