Letters to the Editor
Letter: Write-in candidate for state representative asks for your vote
If you’re a resident of the 95th state house district, you know how ugly this campaign is. Like you, I want this campaign over with, but I must make known my remarks leading to Election Day.
The two candidates on the ballot for the seat, Republican “incumbent” Avery Bourne and Democrat challenger Mike Mathis have spent more time and money attacking their opponent and not offering solutions to the ongoing problems this state is experiencing. Representative Bourne’s short tenure has been nothing more than a disappointment, not to mention lack thereof of government transparency. Mathis’ past two decades have been dedicated to keeping House Speaker Michael Madigan in power. Do enough fact-checking and you find for the most part that their allegations are true and that both are unfit to lead the people of this district.
The media attention may be directed toward Bourne and Mathis, but they forget that I am in this race as a write-in candidate, because the people of this district deserve better choices than what they’re getting. Both major parties have taken turns tearing Illinois to shreds and it has been highly apparent over the past fifteen years through lack of fiscal responsibility leading to the quagmire state of our state’s financial affairs. Enforcing the state constitution, as well as enforcing a balanced budget amendment to ensure fiscal sanity and to eliminate the debt Millennials and younger generations have inherited.
Illinois’ legislators created a toxic environment due to excessive taxation and governmental oversight and resulted in massive job losses and residents leaving the state. As an agricultural, manufacturing and industrial hub, it does hit this district hard. Occupational licensing and the excessive costs are also part of the problem and should be eliminated, with exceptions for the healthcare, financial and insurance sectors.
While my opponents’ platforms are shaky at best, mine is simple: state government needs to be considerably reduced while at the same time keeping crucial programs for the elderly and disabled. If a bill on the floor equates to governmental force against the people, I will not hesitate to vote against it. If a bill on the floor intentionally involves government interfering with your wallet, your business, your bedroom and your life in general, it’s automatically voted down. I refuse to accept a $67,836 annual salary and a benefits package including insurance and a legislative pension as it is unreasonable for a full-time salary to be paid for part-time legislative work. The least I will accept is the per diem of $111/day and the most I will accept is $5,000. There is no combining of the two – it’s one or the other and it is more than reasonable for a part-time legislator.
So when considering who you vote for on November 8, consider the write-in line for the state representative race in the 95th District and I appreciate your support in advance.
Jake Leonard
Libertarian Write-In Candidate
Illinois House, District 95
Nokomis
(217) 630-2107
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
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