The Next Chapter in ‘Vision for the Future’

It is with great excitement that I write about the Lanark Library Board meeting on January 15, 2013, actually held in the new shared municipal building at 111 S Broad Street. The need for more library space for collection development, technology and public programming has been a long term goal of the board for many years with that project having the official title as “Vision for the Future.” The infrastructure of the building has been completed and now “The Next Chapter” begins. The major item of business discussed by the board was the purchase of tables, technology chairs, shelving and library specific furniture.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community to welcome a new library in this key downtown location. As a board we invite you to be donors, leaving a permanent public legacy as a way of giving back to Lanark and providing a secure future for the Library. This is the perfect time to donate in a lasting way from your organization, business, family or individual contributions. Several gifts have already been received as memorials honoring longtime Lanark residents. Significant givers are being recognized on a donor tree created by a local artist. We see Lanark as a progressive community that treasures the Lanark Public Library as a key asset for economic, educational and cultural growth.

For more information or to arrange a confidential conversation about your gift interest contact any of the following Library Board members, Darcie Feltmeyer, Boyce Humphreys, Chris Markley, Sue Sauer, Kristy Van Matre, Chastity Welch, Jodi York, Bob Zuck, or myself J.L. Hunter, would welcome your questions along with Director Janie Dollinger. Gifts large and small are welcome and will be very much appreciated. Mail to: Vision for the Future, Lanark Public Library, 110 W. Carroll St., Lanark, IL 61046

“The richest person in the world, in fact all the riches in the world, couldn’t provide you with anything like the endless, incredible loot available at your local library.” Malcolm Forbes

The Mission of the Lanark Public Library states, “ Recognizing the diverse needs of the community it serves, the Lanark Public Library shall actively provide access to informational, educational, cultural, recreational materials and programs, in order to promote an informed citizenship, enrich personal lives and improve the quality of leisure time.”

What a grand day it will be in Lanark when the doors are open at 111 S. Broad Street and the first book is checked out.

Sincerely,
J. L. Hunter, President
Lanark Library Board

Take the Oath of Office - Seriously

As it has come to our attention, the Obama Administration has made it clear by signing Executive orders today (Jan. 16, 2013), will be used to attack and possibly remove our 2nd Amendment This goes without saying that President Obama has gone too far.

President Obama has gone to the point of illegal violence to push this agenda on top of everything else he stands for. President Obama has broken his oath more then any other president in history! How much longer will we all allow this Marxist traitor to destroy our liberties? How much longer until We the People say ENOUGH!

Where are the defenders of the U.S. Constitution who are elected in Congress? President Obama is guilty of treason against the people’s Constitution under Usc18-241 for conspiracy to compress our constitutional rights and imposing personal beliefs onto our rights and ignoring the oath of office.

As the main stream media helps to promote the Obama Administrations agenda, it is of great importance to acknowledge the TRUTH. Remember, this is the same mainstream media that covered the White House Benghazi murder cover up as if it never happened. Our mainstream media continuously distorts fact by promoting gun confiscation, and the removal of our 2nd amendment is for the greater good of society.

CNN’s Piers Morgan misinformation and inaccurate reporting repeatedly hammers Britain’s gun ban down our throats, claiming less then 100 people die yearly due to the the ban of firearms in his home country. Piers Morgan neglects to point out, although his country may have a low gun homicide number, his country has been rated 2nd in violent crime. 4th in burglary and 5th in robbery all across the European Union. On top of that the FBI and the CATO Institute state Armed robbery is up 40% in the UK and Australia.

America remains number one in gun ownership, yet 28th in gun homicide. Our mainstream media would also like to compare us to Australia, stating firearms were immediately banned following the Port Arthur shooting. Now, there are more guns in Australia than ever before.

Interesting coincidences:

1. According to Google.com, the United Way Sandy Hook donation support page was created on December 11, 2012 -- a full three days before the shooting took place.

2. NBC News reported Adam Lanza’s AR-15 rifle was left in his car and was never used in the shooting at all.

3. No [security] video footage has been released from Sandy Hook showing Adam Lanza carrying any rifle whatsoever.

4. Facebook suspended or shut down the accounts of hundreds of prominent people who advocated the Second Amendment.

5. Police radio recordings seem to indicate there were multiple shooters involved in Sandy Hook. Switzerland, for all intent and purpose, has our 2nd amendment nailed. They have no army. The entire country is a well regulated militia. Their crime rate is the lowest in the world, less than 1 death per 100k. However, every man at the age of 20 years goes through basic military training and marksmanship. Once the course is completed he is sent home with an AR and a 9mm pistol.

The country rated 2nd lowest crime rate: Israel, #2 in the world for lowest crime and everyone walks around on the street with an AR. Again, they have everyone go through military training then send them home with guns. These two country’s disprove “less guns mean less violence.”

Another interesting fact about rights over privilege to guns goes to Yemen. Yemen claims a right to own guns, but for some odd reason we send unmanned drone attacks into the country and murder hundreds.

In April 19, 1775 (Battle of Lexington and Concord) the English attempted to confiscate firearms from Americans. This action resulted in a successful revolution, the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights followed.

In Austin Texas, State Representative Steve Toth proposed legislation to permit protection of the 2nd Amendment. The “Fire Arms Protection Act” protects the 2nd Amendment by prosecuting any Federal employee or affiliate with felony charges. The bill goes on to include the clause: “any attempt of the banning of semi-automatic weapons and high capacity magazines as unenforceable in accordance within Texas state boundaries.”

Urging our State Representatives to follow in the footsteps of Toth is of great importance, as our representatives took and Oath to protect our Constitution against all enemies both foreign and domestic. If our representatives refuse to protect our constitution or acknowledge the oath, We the People, must enforce this oath.

As it has been done throughout the history of our republic, it is our obligation to peacefully force the resignation of all oath breakers, replacing the open seat(s) with Liberty minded individuals.

I encourage the people of Carroll County to take personal responsibility by protecting the liberties granted to us by our founding fathers. I encourage every Carroll County member to actively work along side one another guarding against any and all parties who attempt to attack, erode and demolish the freedoms enjoyed by everyone, exercising our 2nd Amendment rights in accordance to already established law.

This is NOT a call to arms or a time to act vigilant. Police officers, both local and county, should understand that if a time ever comes for the need of our assistance, that we will stand with them, united as one to protect our Freedoms, but not until then. It is necessary that both police officers and all member’s of Carroll County understand the importance of The Constitution, The Bill of Rights and the 2nd amendment in its entirety. Police officers are the seams of our society, without the police we have no defense against this tyrant Obama and his Administration.

This is why I strongly urge Representative Jim Sacia and Sheriff Jeff Doran to publicly speak immediately on behalf of our 2nd amendment, CLEARLY stating their offices will not comply with any federal law pertaining to the confiscation of firearms or magazine limits or any other legislation violating The Constitution, The Bill of rights and the Illinois Constitution that he and his deputy’s swore to protect.

I encourage Carroll County to set the example for Illinois. We will remind Illinois WE REMEMBER our history and the path to liberty as defined by our founding fathers. That we are patriotic and united - never divided. And we will not accept any attempt of Marxist, socialist or liberal attack on the very documents granting us freedom from a tyrannical government.

Jacob Smith
Patriot
Lanark, IL

Wood’s Morrison City Council Notes

There was a full house at the Morrison City Council’s first meeting of 2013, Jan. 14. All eight aldermen, all city officers, and all department heads were present. It was great to see many of the candidates who are running for aldermen/mayor positions in attendance also.

One of the big issues that were to be decided on was whether or not to allow three property owners to opt out of the “historic district”. Stephen Deckro-101 E. Main, Judy Zuidema-112 E. Main and Morrison’s Masonic Lodge-227-229 E. Main were the properties discussed.

Public comment - Stephen Deckro agreed with the City Staff’s recommendation to be allowed to opt out of the district.

Nancy Anderson passed out information/timeline showing that things were not done in a legal manner. She said the citizens had rights and needed to be included. She talked to area communities that have had successful historic districts put in place. The common thread was involvement of the people. Let them opt out!

Stephanie Deckro stated she was not against historic preservation. She is against rights being taken away from taxpayers and caretakers of the buildings. She wants the property owners to be able to opt out of the district.

Catherine O’Connell with Illinois Historic Preservation and Park Service discussed Certified Local Government. She is for Historic Preservation and told of some of the grants available. She said people need to be educated and would answer questions.

Lonnie Rice spoke for the Historic Preservation group. Bob Vaughn representing the Historical Preservation Commission and is a building owner is concerned with rights of property owners and those that want out of the district. He really likes being in a historic district.

During council discussion I read a prepared statement from myself encouraging the council to allow these property owners to opt out of the district. These owners have always taken care of their respective properties and need to be commended not condemned for their efforts.

When the vote was taken - Mayor Drey had to cast the tie breaking vote. Nays were-Hayenga, Zuidema, Rose and Connelly. Ayes were-Blean, Thorndike, Sullivan, Wood and Mayor Drey. The three property owners were allowed to opt out of the Historic district.

Other than that, the council passed Ordinance#13-05 - Amending the budget…this is done by moving funds from one area in the budget to another to make it balance. I asked questions about some of the numbers that did not match/add-up/or figure correctly….No one could figure it out so I voted no…the other council members voted yes to move the money.

Ordinance #13-01 was a contract with Odell Library/Community Center and the City of Morrison. I brought up that #9-a 90 day notice for termination of the agreement and #10 a 5 year contract - was contradictory….City Attorney Tim Zollinger said that was okay. Michael Blean asked if the Library Board had signed the contract. According to Mayor Drey and CA Wise….the library board had signed the agreement. This was not true! They mislead the council. This should have been taken care of between the lawyers BEFORE it was brought to the council to vote on. I would not have voted to approve the contract if I had known the Library board wanted changes. After the meeting, I talked with several of the Library Board members and they stated they HAVE NOT AND WILL NOT sign the contract until #9 has been taken care of. On Jan. 16 at City Hall, I asked CA Wise why he said the Library Board had signed the contract when they hadn’t. CA Wise told me (in front of a resident and the office girls) if they do not sign the contract that maybe the city won’t have to pay 30% of the bills at all. The Library is a part of the City-a place for our adults and children. We should do our best to assist in keeping it operational.

All in all the City of Morrison adopted 5 (five) new ordinances….LAWS on Jan. 14, 2013. Hope that is enough for awhile!!

Mark your calendars –The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is Jan. 23 at 5:30 pm at city hall basement. There will be a public hearing on Jan. 28, 2013 at 6:30 pm before the regular City Council meeting concerning the Community Development Block Grant that Fehr Graham has been doing the low/moderate income survey for. It has to do with the city’s sanitary sewer system repairs. Information will be available at city hall on Jan. 25, 2013 or you can contact Bridgette Stocks at 815-235-7643.The next City Council meeting is January 28, 2013 at the County board room…7:00 pm. The next Historic Preservation meeting is February 5, 2013---at 5:00 pm---several more property owners are asking to opt out of the historic district. See you all soon!

A Morrison Taxpayer,
Marti Wood

Repeal the Quinncome Tax

Two years ago, families in Illinois started forking over an additional $1,500 as the result of a 67% personal income tax hike — pushing their state tax bill to $3,750. Lawmakers said the tax hike was necessary to prevent cuts to core government services. They promised the new revenue would be used to pay down unpaid bills and restore Illinois’ finances.

At the time, taxpayers didn’t feel the pain because the state tax hike coincided with a 2% federal payroll tax cut. Fast-forward two years.

Illinois raked in $6.4 billion in new money in 2012 as a result of the tax hike — but ended the year with $9.4 billion in unpaid bills.

The 2% federal payroll tax cut has been rolled back. And Illinois families are finally feeling the pain of the 2011 Quinncome tax.

So where did your money go?

Eighty cents of every tax-hike dollar went to pay government worker pensions in 2012. And because lawmakers failed to address the pension crisis, more than one-third of your annual tax bill now goes to pensions.

According to budget projections released by Gov. Quinn, during the next three fiscal years, Illinois will spend more on government employee pensions, while spending less on education, public safety, health care and human services.

The tax hike was nothing more than another broken promise. And lawmakers are considering making the “temporary” tax hike permanent. Or worse – pushing through another multibillion-dollar progressive tax hike.

Their reasoning: a permanent or graduated income tax hike is necessary to prevent cuts to core government services and pay down the backlog of unpaid bills.

Talk about deja vu.

Milton Friedman nailed it when he said, “Governments never learn. Only people learn.”

We can’t allow a repeat of the last two years. Taxpayers must refuse to carry the burden of failed leadership. Together, we must get government out of the pension business and give workers control of their retirement by shifting to defined contribution plans. We must also demand a repeal of the Quinncome tax.

Enough is enough. Let’s end the spending addiction in Springfield.

Ben VanMetre
Senior Budget and Tax Policy Analyst
Illinois Policy Institute
Chicago, IL

Friends of the Library Thankful

The Friends of the Lanark Public Library wish to express their appreciation to the community members who helped move the non-profit Twice-Sold Tales used bookstore to its new location in The Special Touch’s Unique Mall. On the 12th, members of the Lanark Community Club moved bookcases, built shelving units, and installed them all in the new location. This past Saturday twenty-five citizens moved the used bookstore’s several thousand books. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the bookstore’s move possible: Kevin and Cory Barnes, Don Kuberski, Jared Sauer, and Mark Dollinger from the LCC, and Larry and Ramona Koning, Kim and Karen Sturtevant, Bob Kappes, Tami Kniss, Pat Ely, Nadia Wirchnianski, Chuck Nordstrom, Greg Krysiak, Marcia Clausen, Deb Noordhoff, Kris and Penny Lauritzen, Matt Keppen, Farrah Stubbe, Blake and Devin Steen, Bryan Jeffries, Katherine Murphy, Chris Markley, Jacob Gilman, and Sue Lamoreux, John and Janie Dollinger, Mike Carroll. We hope everyone comes to view their handiwork at Twice-Sold Tales, 504 IL Route 64, after February 1st.

Denise Krysiak and Carol Kruzek,
Co-Chairs, Twice-Sold Tales

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