Letter to the Editor News on Madison - St. Clair Record

The Madison County Board voted 15-7 to put an advisory question on the ballot regarding communicating with other counties to separate from Cook County.

It’s simply poor investing – risky Chinese bonds at low interest rates – missed interest and a portfolio valued $12 million below cost.

The Treasurer has NOT lost $12 million in County funds. That claim is 100% false. In fact, quite the opposite is true as Mr. Slusser has actually earned millions of dollars in interest on the different bonds, certificates of deposit, and investment pools that he regularly invests our reserves in.

Last week, property owners received postcards from the Madison County Board of Review with news of township multipliers that are increasing their assessed valuation. Keep your eye on the levy. Your property tax bill is the result of the levies from various taxing districts.

If you haven’t received any political mailers yet, you will soon. Between the mudslinging and the promises, voters can be forgiven for throwing their hands up in frustration. But this is an important election - especially for Republicans - and I hope that voters can find at least a little care still within themselves to vote.

This kind of trickery and nepotism is what the old Madison County Democrat Party was known for and nepotism should not be rewarded by the voters.

Parents of young people in Edwardsville District 7 should be aware of plans to remove two traditional “single sex” bathrooms at Edwardsville High School – to be replaced with one “all gender” bathroom – to be used by both boys and girls – with 22 toilets, but no urinals.

The ongoing debate revolves around the distinction between free speech and harassment or intimidation. While one party's expression is often defended as a fundamental right, opposing viewpoints challenging their statements can sometimes be labeled as harassment. In my perspective, individuals should indeed have the freedom to express their preferences and support their chosen candidates. However, when these expressions escalate into making defamatory or libelous remarks, they undermine the very protections they seek to uphold.

Madison County needs a leader with unimpeachable integrity, a track record of ethical conduct, and a genuine commitment to collaboration. Unfortunately, Chris Slusser falls short on all these fronts.

The consensus of the Madison County Health Advisory Committee members is that citizens should exercise their right of "informed consent."

It’s no secret that the Village of South Roxana has a history of trust issues between the citizens and Village administration. The lack of transparency, open and effective communication and defensive posturing when approached by citizens have eyes opening and focusing in on the current administration.

Two months ago, Granite City District 9 passed a “backdoor referendum” to issue $20 million of “working cash” bonds and on Nov. 22 put a public notice in the Belleville News-Democrat. I believe the “right thing” for District 9 to do is to put this $20 million bond issue on the ballot for the people to decide.

Every day, I drive to work between Wood River and Edwardsville on Highway143, and as I pass 255, I begin to see all of the trash along the roadway. This continues on, all the way until Bender Hill Road, which leads back to the landfill. Sadly, our County Board Chairman has decided to place his own political interests ahead of actually solving this problem.

This letter is to the taxpayers of Granite City District 9, who probably didn't know that the district – on Nov. 22 – published a notice in the Belleville News-Democrat that the district intends to issue $20 million of “working cash” bonds.

As we head into the final week of this year, I want to sincerely thank you for allowing me to serve as your State Senator for the 56th District. Nearly 12 months ago, I took an oath of office to represent our community and this experience has been an incredible honor.

The Illinois Truth in Taxation law requires that a notice be published in a newspaper and a public hearing must be held, if the proposed aggregate tax levy is more than 5 percent greater than the previous year's tax extension.

There is no bigger game than the upcoming 2024 election. We’ve all got to put our game faces on, pull our chin straps tight, and give it our best shots!

Although I have lived in the Metro East for twenty-five plus years, my heart will remain with my hometown of Pittsburgh and, as such, I will always remain a die-hard Steelers fan. They may never return to the glory days of the Steel Curtain but they might and that hope is what I hold onto. I am no fair weather fan either - I wear the black and gold with pride throughout the season.