Wilmette resident Thomas Van Heule has been an election judge for 15 years. He was at his post March 15, helping people at Precinct 35 in St. Augustine’s Church when he took time to chat about genealogy, spring weather, and good political movies.
Q: It’s almost spring. Do you think March will go out like a lion or a lamb?
A: March sure came in like a lion, so let’s hope it goes out like a lamb. I think it will.
Q: How important is it to you that winter is almost over?
A: Considering that this winter was very mild, it hasn’t bothered me. I’ve gone through some big winters and this wasn’t one of them. Of course, I live in a condominium, so I wouldn’t have to do any shoveling anyhow.
Q: Why did you become an election judge, and why have you continued to be one?
A: A person in the condominium building where I am said, ‘You’d make a good election judge,’ so I decided to try it. I continue to do it because somebody needs to do it. We all have an important civic duty, and this is one of those duties.
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Q: Do you have a cause or charity that you’d like people to know about?
A: You’re going to think this is funny, but if you don’t know where you came from, you don’t know who you are. Know your family history. Genealogy is important. My family came from Belgium and I’ve traveled there. You learn so much if you care to look.
Q: Since we’re talking on Primary Election Day, can you recommend a good politically-themed book or movie?
A: I would say “The Longest Day.” That’s definitely a politically-oriented movie.
Q: Finally, you election judges work long hours on day like this. Does anyone ever bring you coffee or doughnuts?
A: Not this year, but in years past, people did, candidates did. It did sort of depend on who was running, though.
–Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press
Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
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