What Are Deerfield's Top 10 Political and Civic Stories of 2012?

A lot has happened with politics and government in Deerfield this year and Patch has been there.

. The victories of Rep Elect Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) and state Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) saw to that.

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Patch is reviewing the top stories of 2012 by category through end of the year. They are business, crime, government, schools and sports. On Dec. 31, we will reveal the top 10 stories of 2012.

Patch began Wednesday and Thursday with the top 10 business and public safety stories of the year. Today we will review the top 10 articles about politics and government.

The Politics and Civics Top 10

1.         Is Mitt Romney a Real Life Don Draper—This column by Sally Higginson and Betsy Brint touched a chord with many readers.

2.         Preview Your Lake County Primary Election Ballot—This story containing a link to the Lake County Clerk’s office let Village residents see a sample ballot putting Patch in a place to provide a public service.

3.         Village Reacts to Rosebud Sign—When Rosebud tried to circumvent the Village’s legal requirements, the mayor and the Board of Trustees acted. A number of readers took a different view.

4.         Schneider Beats Dold in 10th District Race—When the Illinois General Assembly redrew the 10th Congressional District boundaries 18 months ago, everyone expected a very tight contest between Schneider and Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth). .

5.         Morrison Defeats Friedman in IL 29th State Senate Race—West Deerfield Township Supervisor Julie Morrison will soon become state Sen. Elect Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) replacing retiring state Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), a Deerfield High School graduate.

6.         —Readers also flocked to Patch’s coverage of Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park) when he suffered a stroke.

7.         Voters Overturn Caucus Endorsement—The Deerfield Village Caucus chose to endorse three candidates for the April 9 election for the Board of Trustees. A majority of citizens who came to the biennial town meeting had a different idea about who to select.

8.         What Should Be Done With Obamacare—After the United States Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act, local lawmakers, candidates and Patch readers all expressed their opinion.

9.         Dold Discards Norquist Pledge in Debate With Schneider—In the one public debate between Dold and Schneider before a live audience in the 10th District, the North Shore Congressman displayed his independence. Patch sponsored the forum along with the League of Women Voters and the Union League Club of Chicago.

10.       Mayor Seeks More Retail Space—When the former Border’s and George’s What’s Cooking properties became medical office buildings, Mayor Harriet Rosenthal decided to do something to generate more sales tax revenue for the Village.

On Saturday, Patch will list the top 10 stories about local schools.

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