For months now, Lisa Madigan has allowed her staff or some other surrogates to attack Joe Birkett, her Republican opponent in the race for Illinois attorney-general. The personal high-road strategy hasn't worked too well so far.

Iowa candidates for public office should be ashamed for not filling out Project Vote Smart's National Political Awareness Test (NPAT). What message does it send to voters when our incumbents and challengers are unwilling to share their views with voters? And what does it say about the parties and political consultants who discourage candidates from such basic disclosure? This refusal to inform voters is part of the systemic problem that perpetuates lack of accountability of the body politic.

Q: I am considering changing employment and not sure what assistance is available, or would be best? A: There are numerous services available in the Quad Cities to assist you in your employment quest.

Nine months ago, I would not have imagined being elected as a member of the school board. I am humbled by the overwhelming support of the residents of Davenport, Walcott, Blue Grass, and Buffalo. As the top vote-getter and the winner in 74 percent of the voting precincts, it is clear that the voters believe in my positive message of preserving neighborhood schools, fiscal responsibility, and consensus-building through community involvement.