My 9-11 message given at the Ronald Reagan BBQ on Sunday, September 11, 2016.

View the 3 minute speech on YouTube here

I want to welcome you all to this great event. I want to welcome all Democrats and Independents, and on this 9-11, I think it is very important to understand what it is to be an American. And politics is politics, but I honestly know that we have the same goals to succeed as this country and I want to make that the 9-11 message you hear from your Rock Island County Board Minority Caucus leader.

Today marks 15 years ago in 2001 that the haters of America murdered 3000 innocent people.

Upon that attack, we all came together as Americans.  We stood united- Democrats, Republicans and Independents- people of all colors- faiths- and every hyphenation and diversity.

But we shouldn’t have to be attacked as a nation for us to come together as Americans.

I have been an elected official since 2007, but in 2012, my election for county board was one of the last to be decided.It was late and the room had emptied, but I got up to the podium and announced that I won by 14 votes. I explained that on all my campaign literature, I ran “to represent all people”. And then I said “and that when you win by 14 votes, that becomes even more important.”

When you represent everyone in your district, you listen. You hear both sides. Because when one side is not heard, it turns into oppression.

We can cheerfully disagree on how we get there but let’s not forget that we all have the same goal- to better where we live- for ourselves and our posterity.

It’s been said that the goal for some politicians is to get elected- and that’s what I hate about politics.

But I believe that those running for elected office, work for and demand a better America, a better Illinois, and a better union.

Our leaders should be reminded that a leader is not someone who is charge. it is someone who takes care of those in their charge.

I believe that running for office is a calling.

We find ourselves in a country where we are more concerned about political correctness and social consequences than in helping people.

I am proud to say in Rock Island County, Democrats and Republican have worked together for Real Reform. Together, we have made reforms through hiring a county administrator.

On this day, we can show our appreciation and love for our country and work together for harmony.