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Update Speech given April 23,
2013
at the Milan Community Center
On Tuesday, April 23rd, I gave
an update on the county board for the annual Lincoln Day event. Here's a
portion of what was presented in my speech:
So far, it’s been a busy year.
The issues we have had before us include:
- The threat
of a lawsuit over the condition of the court house
- The public
building commission referendum
- The task of
working on a new referendum to address the court house
- A
referendum regarding single member districts- a question that confused the
voters and obscured the will of the people
- Addressing
issues in the county highway department
- The Clean
Line Wind Farm Transmission Line issue that affects Chris Filbert’s district
and all rural district.
- Working to receive a new
opinion from our Attorney General on downsizing- not an opinion from 1974
and awaiting its 40th anniversary.
I have been
busy working on several issues specific to my district.
But in addition, despite much pushback, I continue in my pursuit to answer
the question whether the county board can be downsized before 2022.
I am obligated to answer this question as 72% of the electorate voted in
favor of board member reduction. I am pledged to do my job to assure we
listen to the voters.
I have received veiled threats to intimidate-- and it only tells me I am on
the right path and doing the right thing. I won’t back down from doing what
I think is right.
I am not here to protect the few or to feather my nest. I am here to serve
the public.
As Abraham Lincoln said “Right makes might, And in that faith, Let us to the
end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.”
I believe that. It gives me strength.
I continue what I started on the Coal Valley Village Board.
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Informing residents in my district by sending out a county board report
to everyone in my district and maintaining my web site.
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Continuing to work to assure that I give voice to the vulnerable and
oppressed in my district, who do not have a voice.
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Continuing to assure that the laws set in place to protect residents are
also applied to those who need protection the most.
I
received an email last week thanking me for real, visible progress that
is occurring. By far….I didn’t work alone. But I assured that progress
would happen.
I spoke
up!
On the county board--- we’ve moved the mark.
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We’ve moved the mark- by offering leadership that looks out for the
real interests of the residents rather than the interests of the
few.
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We’ve moved the mark- by providing
honest and accountable government rather than machine politics and
business as usual.
But
we still have a long way to go…
We are looking forward to even better days for our Rock Island
County Board as we deliver on our promises of:
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Limited Government
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Government that is
Effective
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Responsible
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Responsive
- and Adheres
to the Will of the People
In closing… I would like to tell you what a tremendous honor it
is to serve on your Rock Island County Board!
Thank you!
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