On June 16, 1858, at
the Illinois Republican convention in Springfield, Abraham Lincoln kicked off
his bid for the U.S. Senate with a speech that would come to be known as the
"House Divided" speech. President Lincoln rightly predicted that the
United States would either become all free or all slave, but that the nation
would survive. In his speech, Lincoln quoted the Holy Bible when he said, "A
house divided against itself cannot stand."
Rich County has a long
history of division between the north and the south. I believe over the
years it has become somewhat better after consolidation of the schools;
however, it does seem to me there is still a sentiment of ranchers vs
non-ranchers. It is my desire to see this kind of division in our county
end. If our people are to become the best we can be we must do it
together in brotherly love.
Together we can protect our traditional way of life in
agriculture. Together we can face the inevitable changes
coming to the north end of our county while preparing for them in ways to
benefit all who live in Rich County. Together we can
face the challenges that threaten us all from federal and state
intrusion. Together we can create opportunities for our
children and grandchildren to be able to stay here and raise their families.
Together we can address the challenges we have unique to
agriculture. Together we can address the challenges we have that
are unique to the resort areas. Together we can address
the challenges we have in common because we all live in this beloved Rich
County. Think of the rancher out changing his water in his field.
Think of the miner on his way out to the graveyard shift. Think of
the restaurant owner serving up a meal. Think of the teacher grading
papers. Think of the many more people who either work from home via the
internet, dig foundations, study wildlife, keep the utilities working, and
many, many more. We are all so different, yet we are the same.
What do we have in
common? Let's start there and build upon that a unity in brotherly love
that will move us forward into the next chapter in Rich County's history.
Let's determine that the next chapter in Rich County's history will be
one that we can be proud of because we wrote it together. Adversaries
don't get very far together, but friends do.
If elected to serve as
your county commissioner I solemnly pledge to serve ALL citizens of Rich
County.
1. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to
fairly, and evenly represent the ENTIRE county and it’s residents.
2. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to be available to ALL residents by phone or email when any citizen has an issue that needs attention by the County Commission. I will return phone calls in a timely manner, and will be happy to discuss issues of importance to you.
2. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to be available to ALL residents by phone or email when any citizen has an issue that needs attention by the County Commission. I will return phone calls in a timely manner, and will be happy to discuss issues of importance to you.
3. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to
give fair-minded consideration to all sides of an issue when a decision needs
to be made. I also appreciate and expect for interested persons involved
in an issue to help me understand their perspective so that I can make the best
possible decision.
4. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to
honor and obey all laws and ordinances in my pursuit of county business.
5. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to
administer the business of the County Commission with total fidelity to the
trust placed in me by all the citizens of Rich County.
6. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to
conduct county business in an open and transparent manner, including open
public meetings.
7. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to
protect the sacred trust of tax dollars paid by the citizens of this county.
8. As a county-wide representative, I pledge to
consider my term in office as a service to our county community, and have no
personal agenda to pursue. I believe in service to one’s community.
9. I pledge to promote the principle taught by
Ronald Reagan that “A rising tide floats all boats.” Opportunities for
one part of the county invariably benefit ALL of the county.
10. I pledge to promote unity in the
county. I don’t see US and THEM. I see only US. Together we
can be great!
I am running for county
commission because of a desire to serve. I care deeply about this county
and ALL those who live here. I appreciate your vote.
No comments:
Post a Comment