Letters to the Editor
Peyton Bernot responds to CCT editorial
To the community, in response to the editorial published in the July 13th edition of Coal Country Times discussing the Benld Police Department.
I, Peyton Bernot, in no way, shape, or form will ever advocate, propose, or vote in favor of disbanding the Benld Police Department. However, I do advocate the financial stability of the City of Benld.
I do agree with the Coal Country Times when they say rumors are floating around that some members want to disband the BPD. I have heard them myself. People have questioned me if I was a proponent of this and my response is consistent every time: NO. The BPD plays a critical role in a growing community. However, the BPD has financial problems.
The Benld Police Department has been in the red, deep in the red, for many years. I, for one, cannot let this go unnoticed and will not allow it to be ignored. Because of this, I believe it has prevented us from funding projects necessary for the growth of our city. It prevents us from having the available funds to tear down or repair derelict buildings that we all have to witness. Furthermore, the council cannot carry out certain initiatives brought to the council by certain civic groups with this problem in our hands.
I also agree with the Coal Country Times with the fact the BPD works very hard. In fact, I believe it to be one of the busiest police departments in Macoupin County. This police department is vital to the safety of the citizens and businesses of Benld and Mt. Clare. For that, I graciously respect both our full time and part time officers we have for their continuous efforts to keep our community safe when we need it most.
After I was elected, I was more informed about this financial matter. Jim Tilashalski, the finance chairman, Mike Hedrick, police chairman, and I, a member of the finance committee, discussed what could be done to decrease the debt of the BPD. From that point on, nobody faced the fact that the BPD has a problem.
The Coal Country Times is correct in saying that I have voted twice to not hire two police officers on two different occasions, given I believe the police department is sufficiently staffed with trained and certified police officers. As of this point, we have 4 full time police officers and 6 part time police officers. On the regular board meeting on July 9, we removed 3 part time officers from the call list due to the fact they were not willing to accept the trivial amount of hours they were requested to work.
However, I personally want to thank the Coal Country Times for pointing out that these are rumors and that it is unfounded information. Moreover, there are more pertinent matters that face the city and our residents other than rumors and unfounded information. To name a couple, a mistake by our mayor made everyone’s property taxes go up an excessive amount this tax year. Also, $85,000 worth of water meters (paid for by taxpayers) are sitting in city hall not being installed. These are just a couple of problems our city needs to focus on other than rumors and hearsay.
Likewise, I can disagree with the Coal Country Times’ satirical statement that “one hasn’t even proven he can effectively run a household, let alone a city.” Ever since my grandpa was admitted into the hospital, then the nursing home, I am making more financial decisions in this household every day. Not everyone is capable of executing and operating a household budget. I do not fall in that category.
Besides, I think everyone is well aware by now that I want to make a career out of, first and foremost, serving and looking out for the people in my community. That is my sole concern as I sit on the council of the City of Benld and school board of CUSD #7. As I sit on those two boards, I am not answerable to the Mayor, the Superintendant, other board members, any special interest groups, but I am answerable to you and only you, the taxpayers and residents.
In closing, the City of Benld does not have an open check book and against all odds and wishes of mine, the city will never have an open check book. I will, at all costs, prevent the City from emulating the financial peril the State is in now. Only at the edge of financial peril do we realize something must be changed, but I will make all the efforts to be proactive to avoid this.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me.
Peyton Bernot
217.825.9340
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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