By a 3-1 margin, people who answered this past week’s Question of the Week: Has the city achieved any of its long-range goals the council set in February of 2005? said NO.

Five — 25 percent — answered YES while 15 — 75 percent — said NO.

The Question of the Week poll is not scientific and only reflects the opinions of those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The Question of the Week is just another way the Herald’s readers can voice their opinions about issues that affect them.

This week’s Question of the Week deals with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and his choice of a running mate.

Obama recently secured enough delegates to the Democratic National Convention to claim the presidential nomination, and his rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton threw in the towel and pledged to back him.

Now, Obama has to choose a running mate.

He has appointed a three-person vice presidential search committee to study candidates.

Clinton wouldn’t mind signing on for the job.

Obama has a tough choice.

Clinton appeals to women, blue collar workers and conservative Democrats — constituencies that Obama needs to go against Republican John McCain, who appeals to moderates and independents.

However, Clinton has some baggage. She’s a two-for-one deal — you get not only Hillary but also former President Bill Clinton. Obama doesn’t need his running mate, or her husband, outshining him or backseat-driving his campaign. Also, the Clintons have a checkered and well-publicized political and personal past, they could become a rally point for conservative Republicans who have a lukewarm attitude toward McCain to back the moderate Republican.

Should Obama flip a coin? Heads, it’s Hillary (and Bill); tails, it’s someone else.

What do you think?

This week’s Question of the Week: Should Obama pick Hillary Clinton to be his running mate? YES, NO or DON’T CARE

People can vote on The Herald’s Web site, oskaloosa.com, from Monday through noon on Friday. Then, votes will be tallied and published the following Monday.