Letters to the Editor
Letter: Benld Mayor responds to resident’s letter
To the Editor:
In response to Mr. Ken Snider’s letter published in your newspaper, as the Mayor of the City of Benld, I am providing the following information for clarity.
Previously to the Special Meeting of April 17, 2020, a public meeting was held in July of 2018 to discuss a proposal from the City of Gillespie to provide police protection in the City of Benld. The meeting was well attended by citizens and interested persons.
In the following month of August of 2018 two police committee meetings were held where it was first discussed that inquires for possible police protection from other surrounding communities such as Mt. Olive and Staunton, did not appear to be possible. At the August 13, 2018 meeting of the police committee an informal group of citizens, who were attempting to work on the problem of the costs and manpower shortage pertaining to the Police Department of Benld suggested the City Council defer any decision for a period of one year, to allow the citizen’s group to provide assistance in resolving the issues of costs and lack of personnel available for the Police Department. Although the help of the citizen’s group was appreciated, no resolution of the lack of qualified personnel was able to be achieved. The most recent action by the City Council in April, was not a matter of cost, rather the inability to obtain qualified police officers who are willing to work on a long-term basis in the City of Benld.
In response to the incorrect information provided by Mr. Snider in his letter to the Editor the following are the correct facts:
- I had a meeting with Ken Snider in early 2020 to discuss various issues including a proposal from the City of Gillespie to provide police protection for the City of Benld.
- I further advised Mr. Snider, a Special Meeting of the City Council would be scheduled to discuss and vote on any proposal.
- Based upon the current restrictions for public gatherings and the need for proper social distancing, the Special Meeting held on April 17, 2020, was made available through both the Zoom format and telephone conference call. I also suggested to Mr. Snider that anyone interested in the issue could provide their views to their Alderman.
- Mr. Snider apparently received proper notice of the Special Meeting, as he was present by way of Zoom attendance and made statements duly considered by the Alderman.
After due discussion at the Special Meeting held for which notice was properly posted and carried in numerous formats through social media, the Council approved an Ordinance that set forth an agreement with the City of Gillespie as follows:
- Twenty-four-hour police coverage, seven days a week would be provided by the Gillespie Police Force in the City of Benld commencing May 1, 2020.
- The cost for the police protection from the City of Gillespie would provide savings from the average expenses incurred by the Police Department during the last five years.
- The City of Gillespie is obligated to provide a police vehicle in the City of Benld for each of the three shifts during the day and to take over the duties of the Police Department for the City of Benld commencing May 1, 2020.
- A recent addendum to that agreement is being enacted by both municipalities to provide each municipality will equally share in the income from fines received for any traffic or criminal charges filed as well as any ordinance citations issued by the Gillespie Police Department while patrolling within the City of Benld.
- The five-year agreement provides that after the second year there can be an increase in the cost of the $216,000.00 annual fee. However, the increase must be related to the documented increase of expenses for the operation of the Gillespie Police Department and will be shared by the municipalities based upon their population percentage.
- The ordinance contains a “Buyout” provision that any time after the third year, either municipality could decide that the arrangement was not working in the best interest of their community and terminate the arrangement.
As to Mr. Snider’s suggestions that the City of Benld will be paying over $1.08 million dollars during the next five years. Mr. Snider is correct as the actual contract the cost for the five years, without any calculations of increased expenses would in fact be $1,080,000.00. However, that cost must be compared to the higher five-year cost for the operation of the Police Department in Benld of $1,352,653.00, without any calculation of inflation during the next five years. It is important to note, however, the “cost factor” was not the most significant issue in the recent action by the City Council. Rather the City Council faced the problem that attempts to obtain full-time officers on a long-term basis for the City of Benld was highly unsuccessful and the City was down to two full-time and three part-time officers required to work all shifts. The ability to have twenty-four-hour coverage, seven days per week will not be able to be maintained.
The action taken by the City Council was out of necessity. I believe each Alderman seriously considered the issue and took action that each Alderman deemed to be in the best interest of the City of Benld. I am proud of the sincere efforts made by the City Council to resolve this difficult problem. I personally believe the right decision was made.
Jim Kelly
Mayor
City of Benld
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
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