Support Thorndike for Mayor

With Election Day approaching rather quickly, residents of the City of Morrison, IL, have an important decision to make. I would like to encourage voters to support Sarah Thorndike for Mayor on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. I feel that Sarah is the most qualified of the Mayoral candidates.
Sarah cares. She has an extensive community service background. Sarah is a lifelong resident of Morrison. She uses the experience she has gained in her current position as a Second Ward Alderman, a position she has held for the past four years. During this tenure, she has demonstrated repeatedly that she is both ready and capable to lead the Officers, Department Heads, and Staff of 
the City of Morrison, with the positive direction and cooperation the City needs to grow and prosper.
When it comes to finances, she has demonstrated wisdom and intellect. She comprehends the appropriate use of monies within specific funds and on line items. She poses questions as needed. During her tenure, she extensively analyzed five City of Morrison budgets. The first review was in 2009, when she was running unopposed. Sarah was invited to attend in-depth budget sessions--even before her election to the Council. She is a quick learner.
She also demonstrates leadership and a strong work ethic, designed to better the community. She called for setting up a community-based committee to address updates of the building codes. She further was instrumental in setting up this group and finding a chairman. The code revision took two years and was sorely needed. In 2012 Sarah served as chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Yard Waste Disposal. This important, lengthy project originated because of public demand about health issues. Extensive research, public input, and compromise were used to modify the Ordinance.
One of Sarah’s goals is to encourage community groups and schools to work together. As the next Mayor of Morrison, she also will communicate well with residents of Morrison in a diligent and timely manner. Sarah will represent us in the office of Mayor in a professional and competent 
manner.
She is a positive and rational individual who truly has the best interest of the entire community at heart. Sarah is an intelligent professional who will listen to everyone, whether it is a suggestion or 
a complaint. She will be honest in her answers to those with questions regarding any aspect of City government.
Historic Preservation has become a controversial topic, mainly because of lack of understanding and skewed beliefs of the benefits it can bring. Sarah understands the economic benefits of preserving our historic downtown and residential districts. She will work and communicate with all involved, to help them understand how these benefits enhance the entire community.
I do believe that Sarah Thorndike brings the experience and dedication necessary to hold the office of Mayor. She will bring the leadership, clarity, and guidance that the City of Morrison needs to improve and grow in the future.


Sharon Moore
Morrison, IL

Mayoral Election

With Election Day around the corner, I want to encourage voters to support Everett Pannier for mayor. It is time to make a change in the leadership of our local government. As citizens of Morrison, we have a great opportunity to do that on April 9. We owe it to our community’s future.

We need someone who will be a capable leader, a sound financial manager, a good decision maker, and an effective communicator. We need someone who will work with community members and businesses and be a full time mayor.

Everett has proven leadership ability and budgeting and financial backgrounds while exhibiting the ability to make good sound decisions. He will bring a willingness to listen to the needs of our community to the office and meet the everyday challenges of being mayor. Yes, he will be a full time mayor with fresh ideas and a new perspective on solving our problems. He has real business experience and past community involvement.

From my viewpoint, there is only one candidate who has the background and experience to be our next mayor. That is why I am supporting Everett Pannier and encouraging you to do the same.

Gary J. Steinert
Morrison

Everett Pannier for Mayor

I was fortunate and proud to be a member of the Morrison City Council for 14 plus years, 12 of those years spent with Roger Drey as mayor. I was saddened when I learned that he was not seeking reelection, but I was very glad that a person of respect and involvement in the community came forward to run for the mayor of Morrison. That person is Everett Pannier.

Everett is well trained and experienced in management duties and expectations, due to his position as plant Manager at General Electric. He is also familiar with preparing and managing budgets. Everett has also been very active and involved with the community and city. He served as a member of the school-board, M.I.T. board, and on a board for a local bank. He is currently on the Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC).

Everett’s plan is to maintain an open door policy, and will be open for suggestions. A vote for Everett Pannier will help to keep Morrison the great city that it is today.

Guy “Gus” Hayenga
Morrison, IL

Vote for Marti Wood

Marti’s goals for Morrison include reviewing and putting a cap on the City of Morrison spending; research projects before they become a burden on taxpayers; take care of community necessities first, streets, water, sewer; be responsible in budgeting our income.

Marti Wood as an alderman has been the person to question a lot of things happening with the city government. She has written several informative newspaper articles about the city happenings.

The City of Morrison needs to work for the people, by the people, through the Mayor and Aldermen. We, the people of Morrison, need a special person like Marti Wood who has no personal connections with special interest groups to be the Mayor of Morrison. If you believe in a change in the way City Government has operated the last couple of years, Marti is the person we need as our Mayor. Please vote for Marti Wood.

Harvey D. Zuidema
Morrison, IL

Vote for Sarah Thorndike

Who is Sarah Thorndike? Why would she be a good mayor? Sarah is the daughter of Dr. David and Phyl Fell who both gave much to Morrison, Dr. Fell in his profession, Phyl in her many community activities including being a valued member of the Morrison City Council. Sarah has grown up in Morrison seeing her parents’ dedication and reflects that in her devotion to the city of Morrison. She believes in Morrison and knows Morrison and its people having worked for the Whiteside Sentinel covering many events including District# 6 School Board and Morrison City Council meetings. She is currently serving on the City Council. As a result of this intense exposure to Morrison and its workings, Sarah has developed a vision for, and a plan to ensure, Morrison’s future as a viable city, a livable place for its citizens, and a magnet for future residents, businesses and industry. Sarah is honest, intelligent and a tireless worker. She will confront difficult issues with a thoughtful ear and listen to all sides of an issue. I believe she will lead with passion, but also maintain financial balance and seek consensus or compromise where necessary.

These are the qualities I see in Sarah which have garnered my support and I recommend her as our next mayor of Morrison.

Sincerely,
JaneAnn Ardapple
Morrison

Time For A Change In Mt. Carroll!

I recently heard that one of our former alderman and their spouse are going around saying that if Alderman Bob Sisler is elected Mayor of Mt. Carroll, our city will get into a deep hole and never get out. Well, you know what people, it appears that we are already in that hole and not through the fault of Bob Sisler! It seems like after Mayor Magill (who was on the ball) left office, the town that I have lived in all my life and dearly love began slipping backwards financially. Budgets are not adhered to and funds from different accounts are constantly being moved around to cover shortfalls in other accounts. Endowment funds have also been tapped into and even depleted to help the cause. We are all the time robbing Peter to pay Paul! Is this good management? Delinquent water bills not being collected has also helped put a strain on the city`s finances. Back when former Alderman Diane Lego was on the council (2005 to 2011) the question on delinquent water bills was brought up by former Alderman Bill Sparboe (now deceased). Clerk Cuckler responded by saying, (oh, we have a few.) Alderman Lego later asked Clerk Cuckler if there could be a print out of the delinquent water bills given to the council to view. Upon receiving that list, the council learned that there was MORE than just a few and some of the amounts were more than just “pocket change”. When Alderman Lego was finishing her term on the council , she brought up at a meeting (that was dealing with water bills) that the council had been talking about delinquent water bills at great length since November of 2006. Mayor Bates responded by saying, SO! With that being said, it appeared that the Mayor didn`t care about it. But when it came to adding the debt service to help pay for the new water tower, the Mayor was very attentive. Gee, maybe if the Mayor would have had an interest in the delinquent water bills, maybe our debt service would be minimal. But now, there is talk about wanting to increase the debt service more to help the shortfall. This is literally a slap in the face to the residents that DO keep their water bills current!

Alderman Sisler has been an advocate of trying to get the spending of tax payers dollars under control even before coming on to the council. He believes that when a budget is put into place, it needs to be followed. He does not believe in spending money that we do not have. This evidently is something that the current Mayor and some other council members do not agree with.

At the recent Meet The Candidates Night, Alderman Mike Risko praised the current Mayor for being a “good manager”. If he were a good manager, he would be riding herd on the finances and some of the other things (such as delinquent water bills) that are facing the city. He IS good at managing to talk out of both sides of his mouth and to tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. In doing this, he has successfully divided the council and the citizens of Mt. Carroll to the point that it`s like The Hatfields and McCoys. He also expects the council to be his “yes men” and those that don`t follow along are crucified and made an example of. It`s time for new leadership in our fine town! On April 9th, Vote for the mayoral candidate that TRULY cares for Mt. Carroll and its residents. That would be the candidate that wears bibs and a hat.

“Bringing Integrity Back into the System, along with Honesty, Accountability and Transparency”

People of Mt. Carroll, IT`S TIME TO TAKE OUR CITY BACK!

VOTE for BOB SISLER for Mayor

Thank You!
Ken Lego (husband of former Alderman Diane Lego)

Proper Leadership

The election on April 9th provides Mount Carroll taxpayers with an important choice about the future direction of this city. It’s much more important than a popularity contest and it’s not about the smoothness in a candidate’s language or style in his clothes. It’s about honesty and the ability to lead and make responsible decisions. It’s about making the right decisions and sometimes using “tough love“ to accomplish such. Proper leadership results in earning respect unlike the leadership the current Mayor has demonstrated by ridiculing those that disagree with him.

Bob Sisler has the skills to lead this city. He believes strongly in his home town and will see that everyone in the community is treated fairly and that the city works for the community as a whole. He’ll see that city programs meant to benefit businesses are managed by the city, not the CDC so there is no conflict of interest what so ever. He’ll make sure the city gets legal advice from a city attorney who is non-bias and works for all members of the council, not just the Mayor and selected members.

Our city has faced years of lost revenue through the under-collection of water, sewer and garbage service which means our water bills are higher than they need to be. Overpayments to Moring (by lack of reporting) which have run into thousands of dollars each year will also stop. New leadership in City Hall will result in putting previously lost revenues to work fixing streets and our water/sewer systems.

Your support to make Bob Sisler our next Mayor and Nina Cooper our next city Clerk will put the city back on track for a sound financial footing.

So when you make your decision on April 9th, please consider the values each candidate lives by and decide whether sugar coated talk or straight talk is more important when handling city affairs. Please support Bob Sisler for Mayor and Nina Cooper for City Clerk to bring proper change to Mount Carroll.

Tom Cravatta
Mount Carroll, IL

It’s Time To Talk About It

If you follow the headlines, you know that child sexual abuse happens. It happens often and close to home. This reality can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that child sexual abuse can be prevented when we all play our part. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and communities across the country are standing up for child sexual abuse prevention by proclaiming “It’s time … to talk about it!” All adults have a role in child sexual abuse prevention, and this year’s campaign encourages individuals and communities to support healthy childhood sexual development by talking early, talking often, and taking action. By talking about healthy childhood sexual development, adults are able to support the children in their lives. When adults support age-appropriate behaviors, model healthy boundaries and speak up to other adults, they are an ally to prevention. It’s also our job to respect children, model healthy behaviors and boundaries, and confront adults when they act in ways that are not appropriate. There is often silence and discomfort when it comes to the discussion of sexual development. It’s important to understand that this is a normal experience we all share. By opening up communication, sharing age-appropriate information with children, and educating one another, we are taking steps toward a safer community. Choose to start the conversation about healthy childhood sexual development. Whether you are a parent, educator or community member, it’s time for you to start talking early and often to support an environment where children are safe. If you have questions or need more information on how to begin this conversation, please contact the Riverview Center at . It’s time … to talk about it!

Lorie Bumphrey
Violence Prevention Educator
Riverview Center

Morrison Recreational Trail

It is so sad that anyone, in an attempt to further his political agenda, would, by misrepresentation, attempt to ruin the opportunity for our community to have a recreational trail without cost to Morrison taxpayers.

In a recent “Letter to the Editor,” Mr. Harvey Zuidema writes that the “Public Hearing … held on February 14, 2008 … would not be the legal way to do this (to have the Public Hearing AFTER the signing of (the) document,” and finishes with “(h)as the City previously passed a Resolution and Certification Statement that required a Public Hearing BEFORE having the Public Hearing?”

Resolution 08-03, adopted February 11, 2008, approved February 12, 2008, and the RT/DOC Certification Statement, acted upon by the City of Morrison on February 11, 2008, signed by Mayor Drey and attested by Clerk Schroeder on February 12, 2008, authorized the Public Hearing to be held. The Public Hearing could not be held before the Mayor authorized the procedure to move forward. Mr. Zuidema’s assumed procedure would have put the cart before the horse, and that, conversely, “would (not have been) the legal way to do this.” The application for the IDNR grant was properly submitted, and the grant has been awarded.

He then writes about a supposed discrepancy between an “asphalt” versus an “aggregate” trail surface. The easements to which he refers, and upon which IDNR relied when granting Morrison over $330,000, do not state “asphalt”. They do state “asphalt materials”. This is an important distinction--made so that the engineers who design the trail have the leeway to provide for stabilizing materials; e.g., oil and chip, to prevent erosion.

In-kind contributions to the trail were, at one time, part of the conversation. However, as Mr. Zuidema, well knows (because he was told so face-to-face) this idea has been abandoned as we worked through the project’s planning. Mr. Zuidema has a very fatal flaw--taking parts of conversations and documents and weaving them into a whole, but incorrect, fabric from them.

Many folks in the Morrison community have worked diligently and tirelessly for over a decade to bring this project to fruition, and hundreds have generously donated almost $70,000 of their hard-earned money to meet the 20% local match required by the IDNR grant so that the trail will not cost our fellow citizens one thin dime of tax money. Please do not be fooled by misrepresentations. The trail, which will benefit us all, is supported by a vast number of our hard-working citizens and will be paid for entirely by a combination of IDNR grant money and local fundraising.

In the recent candidates’ forum, held Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Odell Library, Mr. Zuidema said, “We’ve got to fight for people to move to Morrison.” We would agree with this statement. One of the things that attract people to move to a community is the recreational amenities available. Instead of fighting against his own announced platform, Mr. Zuidema should be fighting for it.

Negativity is a dangerous disease that can infect and pollute a community—and it certainly doesn’t attract people to move to Morrison. Rather than tearing down the constructive efforts of others, we hope that Mr. Zuidema will see it is more beneficial to turn a negative attitude into positive ideas and endeavors.

Bob Brandon
Friends of the Parks Foundation
Morrison, IL

Wood’s Morrison City Council Notes

March 25, 2013 Morrison City Council met at the County Board Room at 7:00pm. Aldermen present were Hayenga, Blean, Thorndike, Sullivan, Wood, Rose and Connelly. Excused was Zuidema. Others present were Mayor Drey, CA Wise, Jim Dubois, Gary Tresenriter, Brian Melton, and Tim Zollinger. City Clerk Schroeder was absent.

Cheryl Newman, along with two Girl Scouts, was present to ask permission for the three Morrison Girl Scout troops to set up a clean-up day at French Creek Park. They are working on their Journey badges and this would complete the third part – community service. The troops will work with Gary Tresenriter to set up the clean-up day for Sunday, April 21, 2013 (regular meeting time for the troop) between 2 and 4 pm.

Gary Treseriter reported that Well #5 has been running during the day. Tests have been run and it is good to go. This following week it should be on line.

Corrections will be made on the minutes from the March 11, 2013 Council Meeting and the Historic Preservation Commission meeting from March 5, 2013 and will be brought back to the next meeting for approval.

The council approved to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with InAlliance, Inc. for historic registry consultation at a cost of $14,000. 6 ayes and 1 nay (I voted no - it sounds like the city would pay $14,000???) ….It is supposed to be a grant for $14,000 with no cost to the city. A consultant from InAlliance, Inc will go through our Downtown Historic District, establish the appropriate Period of Significance and boundaries for the district. The final determination will be made by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

After much discussion on the electrical agreement with Constellation/Exelon for the Sports Complex I asked if we could have a Mike Mudge (Rock River Energy Broker) come to a meeting. More discussion- Blean requested having a representative come –Mayor Drey will contact Rock River Energy to have a representative attend our next meeting to clarify our questions.

Discussion pursued to authorize Mayor Drey to enter into an agreement to renew a line of credit with The National Bank in the amount of $500,000. We did not touch it last year, so to renew, it will cost $2,000 (may be lower) to take care of the paperwork. I didn’t think we needed to have that sitting there since we have the Well and Well house done. The line of credit was initially in place to pay our payments on the well until the city got reimbursed from the IEPA if needed. The waste water treatment plant is still in the planning stages so we shouldn’t need it for that. Sullivan and Connelly liked to have it set up in case of an emergency. It was approved 6 ayes to 1 nay (Wood).

Al Bush’s property on 117 West Wall will keep its Historic Landmark Status…unanimously approved.

The next Morrison City Council meeting will be April 8, 2013 at the County Board Room at 7:00 pm.

Everyone! Get out and VOTE on April 9! Let your voice be heard.

A Morrison Taxpayer
Marti Wood

Wanted: Score Board & Record Board

Dear Community Members,

The Morrison Seahorse Swim Club started up again during the summer of 2011 after over two years out of the water and without a coach. The team has continued to grow from the beginning 14 swimmers to 70+ swimmers currently on the team. The kids are improving at every meet and are progressing from B Times, to BB Times, up to A Times. There are many swimmers who consistently place in the top 6 at the meets we attend and are winning high point awards. In fact, at our conference meet our 8 and under girls relay team set a new record in the 100 yard freestyle relay. The record had been in place for seven years. The Seahorses are definitely building a base of swimmers who will continue to excel in age group, junior high, high school, and collegiate swimming. They have received compliments from other teams, coaches, spectators, and officials on their age group growth. Our junior high program has had great growth in size and talent as well as both our high school teams and is able to compete against larger schools such as Rock Island and Moline. We are seeing an increase in team size and talent with the intermixing of club and school swimmers. We are excited for the future of swimming for the youth of our community.

As with any non-profit organization, there are financial needs that must be met to run a successful program. The Morrison Athletic Boosters spent $5000 during the summer of 2012 to update our out of date software system and part of our timing system, which are both necessary for managing a team and running a swim meet. Unfortunately, the new timing equipment doesn’t work with our outdated scoreboard so we need to purchase a new scoreboard in order to host swim meets at our pool. The timing system currently in place is collaboratively owned and used by all Morrison swim teams (HS Boys and Girls, Jr. High, and MSSC). The Daktronics six-lane scoreboard that we are looking at will cost $8,525.00. Along with the scoreboard, we are also in need of a new high school record board. The current board is in bad shape due to the humid environment in the pool area and is definitely an eyesore. We have a quote from Turnroth Signs in Rock Falls, IL to replace the current board with a steel board which will withstand the humid pool environment for $3,300.00 – $3,600.00. These two purchases will add up to a total of $12,125.00.

In order to raise the funds we are applying for a local grant and using available funds from Friends of Morrison Swimming. Unfortunately, with both of these resources, we will still fall short of the money needed to make both purchases.

We are asking for your help. If you are interested in making a donation to help us meet our goal we would appreciate it!

Checks can be made payable to “Friends of Morrison Swimming” and mailed to:

MSSC
P.O. Box 287
Morrison, Illinois 61270.

Friends of Morrison Swimming was granted 501(c)(3) status on September 27, 2006. The organization continues to file its annual form 990 with the Illinois Attorney General and its electronic filing with the IRS. FoMS meets the public support test and is advised by counsel that your contributions to FoMS are tax deductible under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributors are nonetheless encouraged to check with their tax preparer.

Any support you can provide will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your consideration,
Craig Sipes, Boys’ High School Coach
Tracy Henson, Junior High Coach
Chelsea Brewer, MSSC Head Coach
Steve Wilkins, President of Friends of Morrison Swimming MSSC Board of Directors

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

“But how much do they have left?” I grew up believing in the American dream. Work hard and you can create anything you desire - you can build it, you can barter for it, you can educate for it, you can invent it. Nothing can stop you. This is America. Great people come to mind – Thomas Edison, John Deere, Cyrus McCormick, Henry Ford, Ray Kroc, Sam Walton, Steve Jobs, and so many others. Where else but in America could a person start out with little more than the clothes on their back and build dynasties that employ thousands and improve the standard of living many, many fold. God, I’ve loved this ride - “only in America”.

I’ve had the opportunity to play my small part – building a farm equipment business was always my dream. I spent a career in law enforcement before I even started. It took off on its own. It was supposed to be a little “mom and pop” for Jenny and me in my retirement years, and our oldest son Jerry. I asked the government for nothing. Yes, I created one of those evil corporations. It continued to grow, today employing ten good people paying taxes, all making decent wages, with insurance paid and a 401K plan. For what it’s worth, Jenny takes no salary so we can keep the business in the black. Someday maybe we can pass it on to our family.

We are far from rich, but we have our dream - thank you America.

2008 comes along, and on the national stage comes Barack Hussein Obama. He is propelled by many who see the world quite differently than I. He talks of redistribution of wealth and “he didn’t build that”. One of his mentors of twenty years preaches “not God Bless America but God Damn America”. I sense a change in America. While serving as an Illinois State Representative I write weekly articles and watch the world change. I find disconcerting – not the world changing, but America changing. We have always been that one bright light for a world of heartache. “If only I could get to America and build my dream”. Through the years many have clung to that dream. I pray they still do.

I recognize change is in the air. When more people vote than work, the American dream will drift away. Have we reached that point?

In a conversation this past weekend with a person I respect greatly but who sees the world very different than me – states my opening sentence as we discuss income versus taxation on those who have been successful. He responds with “but no one ever mentions the third point - How much do they have left?” It hit me like a ball bat up the side of my head. That’s exactly it. These folks would steal the American dream and make it into “what will the government give me”. The downward spiral begins. Whatever is left belongs to the masses. God help us all and the American dream.

As always, you can reach me, Sally or Barb at or e-mail us at You can also visit my website at www.jimsacia.com. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you.