To the Editor:
During the campaign I promised to assist in making Madison County government more transparent. Therefore, I will provide periodic reports to the people concerning my work as your county board representative. I will submit reports to Advantage News, the Belleville News Democrat, Highland News Leader, The Pioneer, The Alton Telegraph for dissemination, WQQZ and this paper for dissemination.
County Clerk CDebbie Ming Mendoza swore me in on Monday, December 5, 2016 at my first County Board meeting. We will decide on recommendations to fill vacant board positions in the near future.
My major goals are to reduce the county portion of the property tax 10 percent, ensure transparency, promote greater fiscal responsibility and create jobs.
I’ve been selected to the following committees; Finance, Planning, Transportation, will chair Real Estate Committee and also serve on the Executive Committee. As a board member and as a chairman I seek to change the time and venue for some committees to make them more accessible to allow for greater public participation.
On December 6, 2016 I visited Major Brad Lavite at the VAC Office. I hope to ensure the best possible veterans services. We discussed the VAC budget. I support returning the VAC funds cut by the prior administration. Restored funds should be used to fill a veteran job counselor position helping veterans to find jobs.
I reached out to elected officials in effort to determine how I might best serve their people. I wish to thank Hamel Mayor Larry Boemler who provided an excellent synopsis of issues effecting his village. In addition, I will soon meet with Highland’s Mayor Michaelis and his staff to discuss issues of mutual concern. I hope to arrange meetings to speak with leaders in Grantfork, New Douglas, Prairietown, Williamson, and Worden to determine how I can best serve these geographical regions. If you need to contact me my e-mail is pchapman010113@gmail.com.
May God richly bless you during this festive season.
Philip W. Chapman
County Board Member District 3