Real Job Creation

In the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s US manufacturing was a juggernaut. Taxing manufacturing, encouraging union growth, and adding regulations had little adverse effect. It’s a different world for manufacturers now. Even countries with more expensive labor and energy costs can undercut US companies.

Is Washington serious about creating American jobs? Try this:

1) Eliminate all corporate taxes. It’s hard to compete globally with the 2nd highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world.

2) Unions should stand or fall on their own merit, without government interference.

3) Government should pay 25% of the costs for any regulations imposed on US employers. There wouldn’t be 61,000 pages of regulations if government had some “skin in the game”.

4) Patents should be granted in 30 days or less. It currently takes 5 years to obtain a patent.

5) Reduce health care costs. (ObamaCare increases costs for employers.)

Do these suggestions seem extreme? The time for half-measures is decades past. If we’re serious about getting American jobs back, it’s time to start leveling the playing field for American employers. New taxes in ObamaCare, strengthening unions via Card Check, and additional regulations and energy costs in Cap and Trade are suicide policies.

“You cannot be pro-jobs and anti-business at the same time. You cannot love employment and hate employers.” Paul Tsongas (D-MA), at the 1992 Democrat National Convention. (I don’t think his audience was paying attention.)

Want to ask some folks about liberty, the cost of government, or their plans for job creation? The Stephenson County Tea Party will be hosting Sheriff Candidates Tim Clay and Dave Snyders on Sep. 9 at 6:30 (note time change), followed by Congressional Candidates George Gaulrapp and Don Manzullo. Different location because of the growing numbers. The American Legion Hall, 316 W. Main in Lena.

Terry Smith

Lanark, IL

Building Trust

Good morning citizens.

I want to talk to you and the members of the Stephenson County Board. We all do our business with a degree of trust, whether it is trusting one another in the workplace, or the public trust that is given to us for safe keeping to be passed on to the next person that assumes the position you leave behind.

We all want to leave trust for the next person with the same luster we received it when we first came into office.

There will be board members leaving their roles as part of the board within the next few months and a new board will convene and new members will be sworn into office. The very first and only item on the agenda on Dec. 1 will be the election of the chairman that presides over all board meetings for the next two years.

In my opinion, this is the most important vote we will take in the next two years.

Important issues such as refinancing the debt for Mill Race Crossing, the funding for economic development, dealing with this recession, dealing with the State of Illinois’ delinquent payments to the county, and finding a way to climb out of our poverty status.

With these and many other issues that will arise during the year, the new chairman will be confronted with finding solutions to solve these problems.

I feel we have to establish trust between our constituents, Stephenson County employees, and our elected officials before we even start to tackle these issues, because if trust is not established and a partnership formed between the government and it’s people, we will be in a very rocky situation.

It is time for ego and partisanship to be put aside not only in the governmental ranks but in the local business world as well.

With the right person brokering and shepherding hard earned tax dollars into the general fund, we can get through these tough times together, but then again here is where partnerships are developed with the people of Stephenson County, their representatives in their districts, and their full government.

Trust.

Trust that the County Board committees will do their part in choosing wisely how to spend the hard earned taxpayer money, trust in the chairman to make wise decisions congruent to what the residents of the county want and need.

As Thomas Paine said, “these are the times that try men’s souls,” but these are also the times that build character. Character that will be passed down to the next generation to learn from. We can be a model of working in unison. For when times get tough for our children they will remember those who have come before and what precedents we have set.

This may all sound like foolishness to those who don’t have a single altruistic bone in their body, but even Ronald Reagan had his “Shining city on a Hill!” He also said, “Trust, but verify!”

As stated before, this old romantic believes in people, and their families, to do what is right. I’ll give you two more examples that are closer to home for all of us: Remember, how we came together to makeover the Stott’s home just last spring, and In just two weeks walk into Doughnut’s Delight on Route 26 south. Don’t tell me trust is not in this community. It is here waiting to be nurtured.

Your government: Learn it! Live it! Vote it!

George Kinney (I)

Stephenson County Board Member

District “K”

A Joyful Occasion

This letter is to congratulate Messrs. Don Fair and Warren “Butch” Dollinger for their marriage in Iowa on July 23rd of this year, as printed in The Prairie Advocate August 11, 2010!

It was thrilling and very emotional for us to be handed this piece from a friend in the area, and to read of their joyful occasion! Because we too are a gay couple who formerly lived in rural Lanark for 21 years.

After a 48 year engagement, our marriage took place in Iowa last year as well. Next year we’ll be celebrating 50 years of “Wedded Bliss” as a gay couple! We love our country and are grateful that Social Justice is finally becoming true for gays & lesbians who love each other and desire to form a legal marriage commitment.

COME ON ILLINOIS . . . get with this important issue of individual rights and respect for humankind. As some other states have proved, it’s a right entitled to all lesbians and gays!

Sincerely,

Richard L. Peterson and

Frank Colson

Not A Laughing Matter

I would like to respond to the Savanna City Council’s “symbolic gesture” of a $1 bid for the Thomson Correctional Center. I cannot speak for the entire Thomson Board of Trustees, nor can I speak for the other residents of Thomson, but I feel compelled to express my disappointment.

The Village of Thomson constructed a new wastewater treatment facility in 2001 to service the prison. The Village currently receives approximately $350,000 annually from the State of Illinois to cover the principal and interest on bonds sold to finance the facility. Mayor Stebbins, after you’ve spent your dollar, do you have enough discretionary funds remaining to make these payments for the next 20 years? As the Thomson Water & Sewer Committee Chair, I don’t share your sense of humor.

The sale of the Thomson Correctional Center is not final. The federal appraisal has yet to be completed, and Thomson continues to be encouraged by state and federal officials that the process is moving forward. Yes, the process is slow, but it serves no purpose to use publicity stunts to vent frustration. I do not support nor encourage other communities to get in on the joke. There is too much at stake.

Sincerely,

Vicky B. Trager

Trustee, Village of Thomson

Patriot Day

From the Illinois National Guard

Nine years ago, on September 11, 2001, our country experienced major devastation in New York, across the country and across the world. As we reflect on memories from those tragic events of Sept. 11, let us be mindful of the contributions our Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have made in the last decade to defend our nation.

Since Sept. 11, we have deployed approximately 9,600 Soldiers and 8,800 Airmen in support of operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). In January 2003, we deployed three of our units as part of the first groups in support of OEF and OIF to Iraq. Company A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group in Chicago; 244th Army Liaison Team in Chicago and 633rd Personnel Services Battalion in Crestwood were the first Illinois National Guard units mobilized.

Like those we lost on Sept. 11, we will also never forget the 33 Soldiers and one Airman who have fallen in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice since Sept. 11. Of the 34, 19 have died in Afghanistan and 15 in Iraq. Today, and every day, we remember the loss of those heroes, our brothers and sisters, while remembering the families, friends and loved ones they have left behind.

Over the next year, there are seven different groups deploying from the Illinois Army National Guard to continue our mission; 709th Area Support Medical Company in Peoria; Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A7 in Springfield; Illinois Army National Guard Agricultural Development Team in Springfield; 661st Engineer Company in Sparta; 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls; 1244th Transportation Company in North Riverside and Detachment 36 Operational Support Airlift Agency in Decatur.

This Patriot Day, let us not only remember the past, but also look forward to a more secure future. Please take a moment of silence today and reflect in honor of those we lost Sept. 11 and the ones we’ve lost defending our great nation.

Sincerely,

WILLIAM L. ENYART

Major General ILARNG

The Adjutant General

Have We Learned?

Everywhere I look, I read about budgets that are running in the hole. Are we sending the wrong message to the next generation? IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION- I WANT IT NOW-NO MATTER WHAT!! Why can’t we show them you can save for something special, plan ahead and see what is really necessary.

We are in a recession. Lots of people are without jobs. That means people are earning less money, buying less, and are struggling to get by. People who count on taxes to pay their bills (like cities, libraries, fire departments) are not going to be able to count on this income. Everyone will have to tighten their belts.

I would like to know what Morrison pays for interest each month on loans we have (including Series Debt Certificates). I have not really seen it anywhere in the information packets.

It is hard not to reflect on the past mistakes. Hopefully, we all have learned from them. The money we poured into 101 and 103 Main Street will probably not be recovered (many citizens advised the city council against rebuilding per petitions). The Sport Complex (after paying for an engineering study, the city was advised of drainage issues and disregarded advice and built anyway). We had an offer (free of charge) from a QUALIFIED citizen to be the project manager to oversee construction. Having daily reports would have made everyone accountable. With better communication there would have been less rework-making the project more cost effective.

Do not send the wrong message to the future generations (work together, think ahead before we spend, and become better informed when making decisions). Attend the next City Council meeting at City Hall on September 13, 2010 at 7:00 pm and bring your ideas and comments.

Marti Wood

A Morrison Taxpayer

Cheap Eggs?

Recent news about over 500,000,000 eggs being tainted with salmonella, distributed to >23 states and over 1400 people getting sick highlights the danger of consolidation of our food suppliers, and “vertical integration”, where the egg factories also own the animal feed supply, minerals and just about everything else about their industry. The same goes for our meat and milk suppliers. In this case, one family is involved with two huge (7.7 million caged laying hens) chicken/egg factories in Iowa. The owner has had violations and fines in the past, and was run out of Maine for the problems he caused there.

On-site USDA “inspectors” said their main duties were “grading the eggs”, and overlooked rodent droppings, seeping manure and maggots in the DeCoster operation. There goes our dependable government inspections.

The problem screams for anti-trust regulation and enforcement by our overly lenient governments, more frequent inspections and stiffer fines for health code violations.

Cheap eggs? Tell me that its worth saving 16 cents per egg after you are over your salmonella symptoms.

Me? I buy my eggs, meat, milk and produce from local farmers or from the organic section in the grocery store.

I sleep good.

Ray Ruthenberg

Stockton, IL

Ads Shouldn’t Win Elections

As we approach November this election year the constant stream of political ads are becoming as tedious, increasingly negative, and down right annoying as always. Isn’t it time we stop listening to the empty promises and constant mud-slinging on radio and TV? Why should those with the most money or ability to buy the most air- time win? Shouldn’t we instead focus on the policies and characters of those who want to represent us?

The upcoming Sauk Valley Voter Information Fair will provide an opportunity to cut through the political “spin” and go straight to the source. We have been working to bring candidates from across the political spectrum together in one place so local voters can meet “one-on-one” with the men and women who want to work for you. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, non-partisan, all-inclusive event at Sauk Valley Community College on Sunday, September 26th from 1-5pm. Candidates will be set up at individual stations throughout the East Mall at SVCC to allow personal interaction with voters.

I encourage everyone to come on out to this event, spend some time with the candidates and make an informed vote in November. Almost 90 candidates for office in IL, ranging from Governor to Whiteside and Lee County Boards have been invited. Currently more than 20 candidates have committed to the event with more confirmations arriving weekly. For more information and an updated list of confirmed candidates attending please visit http://www.SaukValleyVoter.com and click on the “Candidates” button.

Craig Dusing

The Sauk Valley Voter Education Committee

Questions For Candidates

The Constitution is a great and wonderful document. It is the solid Rock of Rule. Our forefathers lived through an oppressive, tyrannical government. Through experience they knew they had to install a document that would stand the test of time. The Constitution is like a large dam holding back the water of progressive politicians looking for that weak spot to trickle through. Since the big “Change” in Jan. 2009, the trickle has turned into a river of spending and debt. Now it is more than money. It is our sovereignty and our rights!

There was much internet blogging about Obama trying to enforce more gun control via ruling in accordance with the United Nations. That notion was pooh-poohed and considered over the top. One has to wonder after this past week when Sec. of State Hillary Clinton sent the new Arizona immigration law to the UN for review. I agree with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer when she said, “This is Internationalism run amuck and is unconstitutional.” That pesky Constitution keeps getting in the way of the progressives’ socialist plan.

Obama’s recently appointed Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan said that the Constitution is a “living document”. In other words, it can change with the times and circumstances, an old argument that the more liberal push. In the past 20 months the bad things are increasing so fast. We have so many questions. Trillions of debt, gold plated government jobs, pay and pensions, illegal immigration, Obama care, patrolling the world.

Well, now we have an opportunity to get answers to some of our questions. Stephenson County Tea Party presents “Questions for the Candidates” Thursday, Sept. 9th. 6:30 pm. at the AMERICAN LEGION HALL (note different location and time) 316 W. Main St. Lena IL. Starting with the Stephenson County Sheriff candidates, Tim Clay and David Snyders. Followed by IL. Congressional candidates George Gaulrapp and Don Manzullo. Call Bill Dietz or e-mail

Bill Dietz

Lena, IL

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

As a State Representative my job is to do my best to represent each of the 105,248 citizens of the 89th District. Often I’m asked to write letters of support, letters of recommendation and to take a stand on an issue. Such was the case some three plus years ago when a newly formed group called HOMES, asked me to meet with them and to take a stand on the Bos Dairy proposal in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. At the meeting I was cautioned not to bother visiting Fair Oaks Dairy in Indiana, as it was not at all like the one being proposed. Of course, the first place I went was Fair Oaks Dairy and quickly learned that five of the ten 3,500 cow dairies on 30,000 acres of adjoining land were built by the extended Bos family. I also learned that Fair Oaks is among the top three tourist attractions in Indiana. HMMM! Thereafter I traveled the nation visiting a total of nine dairies built in the past ten years learning that they were all environmentally sound, ecologically friendly, and supported by their communities. Accordingly I took a stand.

Jo Daviess County is dairy country. Sadly, over 11,000 dairy cows have not been replaced over the past twenty years for a variety of economic reasons.

We have a proposal from a California dairyman to bring 5,500 cows to this fair county. Two years ago this month the silage trucks were running the roads. Farmers were selling their corn to A. J. Bos. Farmers were buying trucks and equipment and hiring new employees. Warren was bustling with business and the Stockton Motel was full as workmen built the new facility.

An injunction was filed by the anti-folks and it all stopped. This is America, that’s democracy, it will work its way out.

The anti-folks don’t like me much for my stand. I’m an elected person and that goes with the turf.

What I will not accept is half truths and bold face lies and insinuating I am in some way corrupt and on the take for supporting this tremendous endeavor. This is the anti-group’s latest effort through letters to the editor both locally and to other areas in the state as well as obtaining information through the Freedom of Information Act and then funneling what they want you to see and ignoring the factual basis.

Responsible publications quickly learn that they are being fed what is hoped they will print without doing their own independent investigation. This article would not be written were it not for this latest distortion.

Tradition Dairy is a positive economic development for our area. The spin doctors will have none of it. Do your home work before you buy in to their allegations. You will conclude as I did. The “not in my back yard” folks are wrong on this one.

I will be at the Market House in Galena from 1:30 PM until 3:00 PM on Friday, September 24, 2010.