Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor: Andy Manar
Dear Editor:
On Tuesday, March 20th, voters of Macoupin County were asked to weigh in on the non-binding question as to whether or not the County Board should meet during daytime or evening hours. More than 84% of the County’s voters who cast a ballot in the election said the Board should conduct its official monthly business in the evenings.
In 2008 following the mine closure, the members of the County Board took what was a first step in a long series of reforms by voting to place on the ballot a similar non-binding referendum asking the voters whether the size of the County Board should be reduced from 27 to 18 members.
Facing dropping sales tax revenues and high unemployment due to the mine closures, this bi-partisan action of the County Board was intended to begin the process of focusing all efforts toward making county government more efficient-we embraced all efforts, including putting the microscope on ourselves as a County Board.
More than 62% of the voters in 2008 favored the change suggested by this ballot question. The members of the County Board responded by putting into motion the wishes of the voters by implementing a 1/3 reduction in the size of our County Board. We also cut our pay. The members of the County Board, both republicans and democrats, stood up and did the right thing.
In this instance, both the voters and the County Board got it right and a groundbreaking government reform in Macoupin County was implemented.
The end result of our actions combined with the result of the election will save County taxpayers more than $40,000 annually. We listened to the message of all voters: the County Board needs to do more while spending less.
The time has come for another reform. The question of whether the County Board should hold meetings in the evening is an idea that has been discussed at length by the County Board for several years. To that point, I will continue to express my support for moving the County Board meetings to the evening hours as I believe it will better serve the interest of the people of Macoupin County by allowing more participation from the public.
Since the mine closures, the Macoupin County Board and the County Elected Officials have readily embraced open government and transparent processes in their daily operations. I am proud to say that our county government has worked together to balance the budget. Opening up government has helped us to balance the budget.
I am also proud of the fact that our Board and officials have taken proactive steps to increase transparency in government through simple and straight-forward actions like the placement of the full county audit, monthly county checkbook summaries, a salary database, all board meeting agendas and meeting minutes on our county website for public inspection and public scrutiny.
Sunshine creates better government and Macoupin County is setting an example on how to do it.
It is time to take the next step and listen to the voters of Macoupin County who have now weighed in and have requested that the County Board conduct its business in the evenings to allow for more public participation.
Sincerely,
Andy Manar
Macoupin County Board Chairman
Comments
Dear Editor,
Domestic Violence within Macoupin County is prevalent. It is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. The following statistics are all according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
We can see domestic violence inside the home: through the use and control of household pets. In one study, 85% of survivors who experienced co-occurring animal abuse reported that the behavior of their pets had changed. An even higher percentage of survivors who reported partners had harmed or killed their pet, have also reported their partner for domestic violence. We can also see an increase usage of firearms within the intimate partner violence home. A survey of contacts by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found (of those with access to firearms):
- 10% said their abusers had fired a gun during an argument.
- 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them.
We can see domestic violence inside our schools: as partner violence is not exclusive to the home. There are many instances of violence between dating partners that begin in high school. Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States are physically abused by dating partners every year. Within those relationships, 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
We can see domestic violence inside our community: Macoupin County provides a specific set of needs for those victims and survivors of domestic violence. There are several complex concerns within a violent relationship that come to light once action has been taken. Safe Families sees a few main re-occurring concerns within the county:
- Survivors have fewer financial resources, making them more financially dependent on an abusive partner.
- The lack of rental units or other affordable housing options makes it more difficult for survivors to leave spouses or co-habiting abusers.
The Macoupin County Safe Families program provides support for residents as they journey the emotional endeavors to leave behind domestic violence. As a contributor to that experience, we will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 7th on the Carlinville Square. An event shirt will be included with a ticket sale. The online tickets will close 09/29 at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at 9am day-of event at the Safe Families booth. More information about the Awareness Walk can be found on our website at mcphd@mcphd.net. We urge Macoupin County residents to join us and rally against domestic violence together.
Juliet Wooldridge and Lilly Booth
Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinators
Community Health Worker
Macoupin County Safe Families
Comments
Dear Editor,
Community Health Centers are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. We design innovative, integrated primary care based on what services communities need most — ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for over 30 million people. In addition to creating jobs and saving lives, collectively we save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Community Health Centers are not ordinary medical clinics; we are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food, transportation, and housing. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. Nationwide during hurricanes, floods, and fires, and locally during the pandemic, Community Health Centers are first on the scene and are vital to keeping America healthy.
The 2023 theme of National Health Center Week is ‘The Roadmap to a Stronger America.’ Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and love. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory. Celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!
Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area. We will be working with community partners to recognize and celebrate each of the following focus groups in our community.
- Sunday, 8/6: Public Health in Housing Day
- Monday, 8/7: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Tuesday, 8/8: Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Wednesday, 8/9: Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 8/10: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, 8/11: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, 8/12: Children’s Health Day
As part of National Health Center Week 2023, we invite you to support Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc. to celebrate our mission and accomplishments.
Christy Blank
CEO/Public Health Administrator
Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc.
Macoupin County Public Health Department
Comments
-
Community News4 weeks agoSchool district apparently eyeing food management service
-
High School Sports4 weeks agoAnother strong week for Gillespie softball
-
High School Sports4 weeks agoGillespie baseball steamroll Nokomis and fall to New Berlin
-
Community News16 hours agoSchool board approves elementary school principal’s retirement, accepts resignation of high school teacher/coach