Election 2012 by The Southern Illinoisan

Table of Contents Presidentalial ............ 2-3 58th Senate ................. 4 59th Senate ................. 5 116th Legislative .......... 6 117th Legislative ........... 7 15th Congressional ...... 8 Fifth Judicial District Appellate Court ............ 9 Circuit Court: 20th Judicial Circuit ..... 9 12th Congressional ..10-11 Jackson County .......... 12 Williamson County ..13-14 Union County .............. 14 Randolph County ........ 15 Perry County .............. 15 Saline County ............. 15 Alexander County ....... 16 Pope County ............... 16

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BARACK OBAMA VS. MITT ROMNEY BY CALVIN WOODWARD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Here is look at where Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican presidential rival Mitt Romney stand on a selection of issues, in brief:

Abortion, birth control Obama: Supports access to abortion. Health care law requires contraceptives to be available for free for women enrolled in workplace health plans. Romney: Opposes access to abortion. Previously supported that. Says state law should guide abortion rights, and Roe v. Wade should be reversed by a future Supreme Court ruling. Said he would end federal aid to Planned Parenthood.

Pulaski County ............ 17

Debt

Massac County ........... 17

Obama: Promises to cut projected deficits by $4 trillion over 10 years, a goal that will require Congress to raise the capital gains tax, boost taxes on households earning more than $250,000 a year, impose a minimum 30 percent tax on incomes more than $1 million, and more. First-term pledge to cut deficit he inherited by half will fall well-short. Romney: Promises to cut $500 billion per year from

Jefferson County ........ 18 Hardin County ............. 18 Johnson County .......... 19 Hamilton County ......... 19 Electrical Aggregation ..19 Amendment Question ..19 C-Z-R Consolidation ... 20

the federal budget by 2016 to bring spending below 20 percent of the U.S. economy and to balance it by 2020, but vital specifics are lacking. At same time would increase military spending, reverse $716 billion in Medicare cuts and cut taxes. Favors constitutional balanced budget amendment.

Economy

industry regulations after the meltdown in that sector. Proposes changing the law tightening accounting corporate regulations to ease requirements for mid-sized companies.

Education Obama: Has approved waivers freeing states from the most onerous requirements of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law. “Race to the Top” competition has rewarded winning states with billions of dollars for pursuing education policies Obama supports. Won approval from Congress for a $10,000 college tax credit over four years and increases in Pell grants and other financial aid. Romney: Supported the federal accountability standards of No Child Left Behind law. Has said the student testing, charterschool incentives and teacher evaluation standards of Obama’s “Race to the Top” competition “make sense,” although the federal government should have less control of education. Wants to see private lenders return to the federal student loan program.

Obama: Term marked by high unemployment, a deep recession that began in previous administration and officially ended within six months and gradual recovery with persistently high jobless rates of over 8 percent, until the rate dropped to 7.8 in September, the same as it was in February 2009, Obama’s first full month in office. Businesses have added jobs for more than two years straight while public sector jobs have lagged. Responded to recession with a roughly $800 billion stimulus plan, expanded auto industry bailout begun under George W. Bush, inherited and carried forward Wall Street bailout. Romney: Lower taxes, less regulation, balanced budget, more trade deals to spur growth. Replace jobless benefits with unemploy- Energy, environment ment savings accounts. Obama: Ordered tempoProposes replacing certain rary moratorium on deepprovisions of the law water drilling after the toughening financial- massive BP oil spill in the

Page 2 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

ALSO ON THE NOV. 6 BALLOT JILL STEIN

GARY JOHNSON

Party: Green Experience: Doctor, Harvard graduate

Party: Libertarian Experience: Former N.M. governor

Gulf of Mexico, but U.S. produced more oil in 2010 than it has since 2003 and all forms of energy production have increased. Achieved historic increases in fuel economy standards. Achieved first regulations on heat-trapping gases blamed for global warming and on toxic mercury pollution from power plants. Spent heavily on green energy and has embraced nuclear power as a clean source. Set goal of cutting oil imports by half by 2020. Romney: Pledges U.S. will become independent of energy sources outside of North America by 2020, through more aggressive exploitation of domestic oil, gas, coal and other resources and approval of Keystone XL pipeline from Canada. Supports opening Atlantic and Pacific outer continental shelves to drilling, as well as Western lands, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore Alaska. Says green power has yet to become viable and causes of climate change are unproved.

Foreign policy Obama: Opposes nearterm military strike on Iran but holds that option open if it proves the only way to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Declined to repeat the Libya air power commitment for Syrian opposition, instead seeks international pressure against Syrian government. Chastised Israel for continuing to build housing settlements in disputed areas and pressed both sides to begin a new round of peace talks based on land borders established after 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict. Signed law to expand military and civilian cooperation with Israel. Sought penalties against China for unfair trade. Romney: Appears to present a clearer U.S. military threat to Iran and has spoken in more permissive terms about Israel’s right to act against Iran’s nuclear facilities, without explicitly approving of such a step. Would identify those in Syrian opposition who

share U.S. values, then work with U.S. allies to “ensure they obtain the arms they need to defeat” Syrian government. But has not proposed direct U.S. arms supplies to rebels. Associates himself more closely with hardline Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pledges more military assistance to Israel. Branded Russia the “No. 1 geopolitical foe” of the U.S.

Gay rights Obama: Supports legal recognition of same-sex marriage, a matter decided by states. Achieved repeal of the military ban on openly gay members. Romney: Opposes legal recognition of same-sex marriage and says it should be banned with a constitutional amendment, not left to states. Says he would not seek to restore the ban on openly gay military members.

Guns Obama: Has not pushed for stricter gun laws as president. Signed laws letting people carry concealed weapons in national parks and in checked bags on Amtrak trains. Voices support for renewed ban on assaulttype weapons. Romney: Opposes stricter gun control laws. Suggested after the Colorado theater shooting that he favors tougher enforcement of existing gun laws. As Massachusetts governor, vowed in 2002 to protect the state’s “tough gun laws,” and in 2004 signed a Massachusetts ban on assault weapons.

BARACK OBAMA

MITT ROMNEY

Political Party: Democrat Age: 51 Vice President: Joe Biden Experience: Former state and U.S. senator; elected president in 2008 Family: Married with two daughters

Political Party: Republican Age: 65 Vice President: Paul Ryan Experience: Former governor of Massachusetts; founder of Bain Capital Family: Married with five sons

CLICK & CONNECT: On Election Night, get up-to-the-minute national, state and local results, including a live blog at www.thesouthern.com. Health care Obama: Achieved landmark overhaul putting U.S. on path to universal coverage now that Supreme Court has upheld the law’s mandate for almost everyone to obtain insurance. Under the law, insurers will be banned from denying coverage to people with pre-existing illness, tax credits will subsidize premiums, people without work-based insurance will have access to new markets, small business gets help for offering insurance and Medicaid will expand. Romney: Promises to work for repeal of the law modeled largely after his universal health care achievement in Massachusetts because he says states, not Washington, should drive policy on the uninsured. Says he would protect people with pre-existing conditions, though his plan only does so for those who maintain continuous coverage, not a major change from federal protections in effect before Obama’s

health care overhaul. Would expand individual taxadvantaged medical savings accounts and let savings be used for insurance premiums as well as personal medical costs.

would do so for those who serve in the armed forces. Would establish a national immigration-status verification system for employers and punish them if they hire noncitizens who do not prove their authorized status. Would end visa caps for Immigration spouses and minor children Obama: Issued directive in of legal immigrants. June that immigrants brought illegally to the Medicare United States as children be exempted from deportation Obama: His health care and granted work permits if law improves coverage for they apply. Took the tem- beneficiaries with high preporary step after failing to scription costs and removes deliver on promised immi- co-pays for a set of prevengration overhaul, with the tive benefits. It also cuts defeat of legislation that Medicare spending for hoswould have created a path pitals and other providers to citizenship for young by more than $700 billion illegal immigrants enrolled over a decade. Those cuts in college or enlisted in the are being used to provide armed forces. Government health insurance to more has deported a record num- working-age Americans, ber of illegal immigrants and extends life of the prounder Obama. gram’s giant trust fund. Romney: Favors U.S.Romney: Introduce “genMexico border fence, erous” but undetermined opposes education benefits subsidies to help future to illegal immigrants. retirees buy private insurOpposes offering legal sta- ance or join a government tus to illegal immigrants plan modeled on traditional who attend college, but Medicare. Increase eligibil-

ity age to 67. Repealing Obamacare would roll back improved benefits for seniors. It also would reverse Obama’s Medicare cuts.

Social Security Obama: Has not proposed a comprehensive plan to address Social Security’s long-term financial problems. In 2011, proposed a new measure of inflation that would reduce annual increases in Social Security benefits. The proposal would reduce the longterm financing shortfall by about 25 percent. Romney: Protect the status quo for people 55 and older but, for the next generation of retirees, raise the retirement age for full benefits by one or two years and reduce inflation increases in benefits for wealthier recipients.

Taxes Obama: Wants to raise taxes on the wealthy and ensure they pay 30 percent of their income at minimum. Supports extending

Bush-era tax cuts for everyone making less than $200,000, or $250,000 for couples. Wants to let the top two tax rates go back up 3 to 4 percentage points to 39.6 percent and 36 percent, and raise rates on capital gains and dividends for the wealthy. Health care law provides for tax on highestvalue health insurance plans. Romney: Keep Bush-era tax cuts for all incomes and drop all tax rates further, by 20 percent, bringing the top rate, for example, down to 28 percent from 35 percent and the lowest rate to 8 percent instead of 10 percent. Curtail deductions, credits and exemptions for the wealthiest. End Alternative Minimum Tax for individuals, eliminate capital gains tax for families making less than $200,000 and cut corporate tax to 25 percent from 35 percent.

War Obama: Ended the Iraq war, increased U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan then began drawing down the force with a plan to have all out by the end of 2014. Approved U.S. air power in NATO-led campaign that helped Libyan opposition topple government. Major cuts coming in the size of the Army and Marine Corps as part of agreement with Republicans to cut military spending over a decade. Romney: Proposes increase in military spending. Endorses 2014 end to U.S. combat in Afghanistan. Would increase number of troops and warships, adding almost $100 billion to the Pentagon budget in 2016.

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 3

58TH STATE SENATE: DAVE LUECHTEFELD VS. MICHAEL BIGLER BY CALEB HALE THE SOUTHERN

A first-time state elected officer seeker is challenging 17-year Republican incumbent state Sen. Dave Luechtefeld for the seat of the newly-drawn 58th district. Michael Bigler, a Democrat and city council member from Anna in Union County, says he decided to move into politics because of a deep concern he has about the future of the state and an apparent lack of leadership from officials who now sit in power. “We elect people who focus more on catering to special interests and playing politics,” Bigler told The Southern Illinoisan’s editorial board in an interview earlier this fall. Bigler said he is running a grassroots campaign that delivers the message he is a young individual eager to initiate the kind of changes in Springfield that will serve Southern Illinois better in jobs, education and the quality of life. Luechtefeld of Okawville, a former teacher and basketball coach, has been in the Illinois Senate since 1995 and serves on a number of committees, including those that oversee education, higher education and executive appointments. While Luechtefeld remains popular among constituents, his political district has shifted. He technically no longer lives in the 58th district but can serve at least one more term residing in his current home. Regardless of the change, Luechtefeld said 80 percent of his district is intact, and he feels good about his record of service. Both candidates strongly oppose Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan to

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS

MICHAEL BIGLER Hometown: Anna Political Party: Democrat Experience: City councilman, past school board member at AnnaJonesboro Community High School, has worked in both the Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Department of Transportation. On leave as a manager at IDOT District 9 in Carbondale. shut down three local correctional facilities — Tamms Correctional Center, Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro, and The Glass House, an adult transition center in Carbondale. Luechtefeld argues the money to keep the facilities open exists in this year’s budget, and the dangers of transferring the state’s

Page 4 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

most dangerous inmates to already overpopulated prisons are too great. Bigler said instead of shutting down facilities, he would like to see the state move to using tracking bracelets on non-violent offenders, noting it costs no more than $8 a day per inmate, rather than the roughly $100 a day it costs to keep them

DAVE LUECHTEFELD Hometown: Okawville Political Party: Republican Experience: State senator for 58th district since 1995, serves on senate committees for education, higher education and executive appointments. Former high school educator and basketball coach. in prison. Each candidate has also called for the state to curb over-spending. Luechtefeld said the type of fiscal crisis Illinois faces is one that will require state government to “hold the line on government spending for a long time, which no one wants to do, especially those guys in

Chicago.” Bigler said he’s identified a large bureaucracy in the state’s Central Management Services, which is funded almost entirely through surcharges it places on other agencies to process orders for supplies. caleb.hale@thesouthern.com 618-351-5090

59TH STATE SENATE: GARY FORBY VS. MARK MINOR BY CALEB HALE THE SOUTHERN

State Sen. Gary Forby’s focus hasn’t changed much in 12 years as a lawmaker. He says he still believes the one solution to turning around Southern Illinois is bringing jobs to the region. The Democratic incumbent challenger, Mark Minor of Ewing, says he’s ready to step up and give the region a voice in Springfield that he feels has been missing for the last several years. A state senator since 2003, Forby is seeking a new term for the 59th senate district. Mark Minor of Ewing, a local pastor and school board president of Benton Consolidated High School, is running against him on the Republican ticket. Forby said he hasn’t been happy with the direction of state government in recent years, starting with an income tax increase that was passed in January 2011. Forby voted no on the increase and said he wouldn’t vote for another should one be proposed. Further, Gov. Pat Quinn’s move to close several state downstate prisons, including Tamms Correctional Center in Alexander County, is the wrong move for helping the state out of its financial crisis, Forby said. “Putting people to work, getting unemployment down takes care of a lot of

GARY FORBY Hometown: Benton Political Party: Democrat Experience: Member of state Senate since 2003, former state rep., member of Franklin County Board, former contractor

MARK MINOR

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS

the state problems — your pensions, paying our bills on time,” he said. It’s difficult for Forby to stray away from the topic of jobs for too long, but that’s because that is what he hears about most from constituents. Forby said he’s most proud of helping regional

job numbers with the opening of several coal mines in his district and in neighboring districts. A coal mine that employs roughly 300 people, he said, can have greater affect on surrounding communities, helping drive business and creating even more jobs for people.

Despite the trying times, Forby said he keeps a positive outlook, even when it comes to fixing Illinois’ pension system, which is underfunded by roughly $83 billion. He believes a solution could be worked out if state leaders and union members get to the table on an

Hometown: Ewing Political Party: Republican Experience: Pastor, school board member/ president in Benton, part-time instructor at Rend Lake College

a “Contract with Southern Illinois,” which begins with a call to repeal 2011’s income tax increase and ends with support for Second Amendment rights and concealed carry. Minor said he understands the challenges facing Illinois, particularly with its pension system. Minor said he won’t support legislation that takes away benefits from retired or current state employees but wants to open up the discussion and give options for future workers. Regardless, Minor said unions must be in on the negotiations, as they represent the employees who will work for the state. As a legislator, Minor said, he himself wouldn’t take a pension. He already is in line for state university retirement benefits from his work as an instructor at Rend Lake College. Minor said one of his main goals as a legislator will be to promote Illinois as a place to work and also as a place to visit. In that respect, Minor said the hostility often found in Southern Illinois toward the Chicago area should instead turn into an opportunity to promote this region’s lifestyle and natural resources. “I’m going to go everywhere I can to encourage people to come here,” Minor said. “What we sell here is lifestyle.”

agreement, but Forby said he wants everyone to have a say before he makes a decision. “Until that contract is opened up, I’m not going to vote on a pension bill,” Forby said. To address some of the region’s most critical caleb.hale@thesouthern.com needs, Minor has outlined 618-351-5090

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 5

116TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT: JERRY COSTELLO II VS. JULIE BIGHAM EGGERS BY CALEB HALE THE SOUTHERN

Jerry Costello II has served the 116th district as a state representative for little more than a year after being appointed to the seat upon the retirement of Dan Reitz. Costello II, a Democrat and son of retiring U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, is seeking his first elected term to office. His challenger is Columbia Republican Julie Bigham Eggers. Costello considers unemployment a top issue in his district, and to that end he’s sponsored a couple pieces of legislation that helps businesses hire more people, including a measure giving tax credits to employers who hire post-9/11 veterans. In addition, he’d like to revive Southern Illinois’ coal industry by lowering state environmental regulations, because what coal is dug out of the region is largely shipped overseas to countries with far fewer rules on burning it. In the short time he’s been in Springfield, Costello said he’s become frustrated with the leadership’s lack of willingness to address major problems, like the state’s $83 billion backlog on pensions. “There are so many different avenues that I believe have been mismanaged. What I’m sick of is people trying to point the finger. They’re not Democrat problems. They’re not Republican problems. It’s a math problem,” Costello told The Southern Illinoisan editorial board in a recent interview.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS

JERRY COSTELLO II

JULIE BIGHAM EGGERS

Hometown: Smithton Political Party: Democrat Experience: Appointed to serve as 116th state representative in 2011, previously a financial adviser, served as a police officer in Sauget, completed a tour of duty in Operation Desert Storm.

Hometown: Columbia Political Party: Republican Experience: Private business and business consulting experience in various sectors, such as energy, manufacturing, aerospace, pharmaceutical and health care industries.

Costello said he is against shifting pension costs to local districts. Beyond that, he said it is a discussion of what can be changed on past and current state employees under the state constitution and what is appropriate to ask future employees to contribute toward their pensions.

Page 6 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

Eggers is a native of Pinckneyville and now resides in Columbia. Her campaign website lists her experience in private business and business consulting, experience she says makes her knowledgeable in attracting jobs to the region. Among her issues, Eggers has said the state must reduce

spending to pay off a growing backlog of unpaid bills. She has also taken issue with legislators collecting pay and benefits for getting virtually nothing done in Springfield. Most recently, she signed a “No Perks Pledge,” in which she said she would refuse to accept any state-funded pension or

benefits as a lawmaker. In the same statement, Eggers said she would also refuse the $67,836 salary given to legislators. Both Eggers and Costello say they will push for passing concealed carry gun legislation in Springfield. caleb.hale@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5090

117TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT: JOHN BRADLEY VS. CHRISTOPHER MCCANN VS. DALE DORCH BY CALEB HALE

115TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

THE SOUTHERN

State Rep. John Bradley gets two challengers this November, as he seeks reelection to the 117th district. Bradley, D-Marion, has gained prominence in Springfield, particularly as chairperson of the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee. He says what he’d like to see changed in the state is a sense of equity between the northern and southern halves. Bradley told The Southern Illinoisan editorial board in a recent interview he’d like to see property taxes addressed. “The whole … system in the state is messed up,” he said, noting it really hits funding for local school districts the hardest. “It’s an inequitable system and it produces a situation where a child in Southern Illinois is not worth as much as a child in Naperville or Aurora based upon the amount of money being used toward their education.” Another notable finance issue is the state’s pension system, which is underfunded by roughly $83 billion currently. Bradley said he wasn’t going to commit yet to a yes or no vote on pension reform, saying it would take time to review proposed legislation and consult with constituents on the matter. Bradley has noted reservations about simply relying on shifting pension costs to local districts. Christopher McCann, a Marion County school superintendent running on the Republican ticket in the district,

State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, is running unopposed this election in the 115th district.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOS

JOHN BRADLEY Hometown: Marion Political Party: Democrat Experience: Incumben representative for the 117th district, attorney.

CHRISTOPHER MCCANN takes Bradley to task for waiting so long to get serious about the pension reform and many other issues in state government. Such problems have been a long time coming, he said, and he questions how current leaders let things deteriorate so badly. “Either they were not aware of it or they chose not to be aware of it,” McCann said. McCann says he will not support any reforms that cut pension benefits to past or current state employees, saying their benefits were promised to them under the state’s constitution. He does, however, want to examine changes in the system for future employees. Many financial problems the state faces today can be solved if Illinois positions itself better to grow economically, McCann said. That happens, he added, when government gets out of the way and begins enacting policies

that make it more friendly place to do business. Constitution Party candidate Dale Dorch of Herrin says he too is interested in rolling back state government in the everyday lives of citizens. “We’re headed to socialism, and Illinois is leading the way,” Dorch said. Dorch is a small business owner who believes Illinois can cut taxes without cutting services, because scaling back taxes would help the state grow economically. However, Dorch said he would like to see cuts to the state’s food stamp program. On pensions, Dorch said reform is difficult but said a system that sees state employees paying into a system at an equal rate as a private employee seems fair. caleb.hale@thesouthern.com 618-351-5090

Hometown: Benton Political Party: Republican Experience: Educator, current superintendent of Kell Consolidated School District in Marion County.

DALE DORCH Hometown: Herrin Political Party: Constitution Experience: Small business owner in Herrin, former member of the Republican Party and Tea Party.

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 7

15TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: JOHN SHIMKUS VS. ANGELA MICHAEL BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN

for millions of Americans at the beginning of the calendar year, while sequestration measures cut into budgets for various government agencies, including those that administer social services. “If you take away all of the discretionary spending we do, we still don’t have enough to pay for mandatory services,” Shimkus said during the interview. He favors government reform for many of the entitlement programs that have grown over decades and wants to look at changing the retirement age and personal wealth requirements on accessing Social Security. “Wealthy people don’t need a Social Security check. Let’s have these programs for the people who need it,” Shimkus said during the interview. Regarding Medicare, Shimkus said he would like to see pros and cons of the current premium services with an emphasis on allowing people to save through measures they take to ensure they take care of their health. Shimkus said government over-promising and under-delivering must end. He said he sees the nation’s citizenry as more open and reasonable than most politicians think.

With a war chest exceeding more than $1 million this summer and drawing an opponent who has not returned repeated requests for interviews with the media, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus has been described by many pundits in the race for the 15th congressional district as having a lock for re-election for unopposed candidates. The Republican from Collinsville, who is seeking his ninth term in office, is being opposed by Angela Michael of Highland who is described on her website as a retired nurse and activist for preborn babies. The Southern made several attempts to contact Michael’s campaign of Michael without success. During an interview with The Southern Illinoisan’s editorial board earlier this month, Shimkus said two objectives during his re-election campaign was familiarizing himself more with the newly drawn 15th congressional district and urgently telling voters about his perception of the nation, teetering on the edge of a cliff when the talk turns to fiscal matters. Echoing the sentiments of many fiscal conservatives like him, Shimkus scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com foresees tax rates going up 618-351-5076

Page 8 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

JOHN SHIMKUS Hometown: Collinsville Political Party: Republican Experience: Incumbent U.S. congressman for the 15th congressional district.

ANGELA MICHAEL Hometown: Highland Political Party: Democrat Experience: Retired nurse and radio talk show host, activist for pre-born babies and their mothers.

FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT APPELLATE COURT & CIRCUIT COURT 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT BY BECKY MALKOVICH THE SOUTHERN

Voters will choose between attorney Judy Cates and Circuit Judge Stephen McGlynn for a seat on the Fifth Judicial District Appellate Court. McGlynn, a Republican from Belleville, was appointed to the court in 2005 and served there until he lost the seat in the 2006 election. He was appointed to his 20th Circuit seat on the bench in 2010. McGlynn, who earned his juris doctor from St. Louis University School of Law in 1987, was a partner in a Metro-East law

firm, and served as a former special assistant attorney general under Democrat and RepubCates lican administrations. “It is a wonderfully g ra t i f y i n g experience when you can bring resolution to a McGlynn problem or right an inju-stice,” he said. Cates, a Democrat from Swansea, earned her juris

doctor in 1977 from Washington University School of Law. She began her career as an assistant state’s attorney before entering civil practice in 1982. During her more than 30 years in practice, Cates said she has been an advocate for many clients with complex problems, including workers, consumers, infants and doctors. “My campaign will be dedicated to all the people of Southern Illinois that deserve a judicial candidate who stands for experience, character and commitment,” Cates said .

Circuit Court 20th Judicial Circuit St. Clair County Associate Judge Vincent Lopinot and attorney Ronald Duebbert are running for the seat on the bench being vacated by McGlynn. Lopinot, a Democrat, earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and his law degree from St. Louis University. He was in private practice for 23 years and has been an associate judge for 10 years. Duebbert, a Republican, graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and University of

Illinois law school. He has more than 23 years of experience as a prosecutor, criminal and civil Cason attorney and previously served as an assistant state’s attorney in St. Clair County. Democrat Zina Cruse Cruse and Republican Laninya Cason, both St. Clair County associate judges, are vying for the seat being vacated by Judge

Milton Wharton in the 20th Judicial Circuit. Cruse holds two undergraduate degrees from Truman State University and earned her law degree from Florida State University College of Law. She was appointed to the bench in 2009 after more than 14 years in private practice. Cason holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Illinois and is a graduate of University of Tennessee Knoxville law school. She began practicing full-time in 1996 and joined the bench in 2003. beckymalk@gmail.com 618-927-5633 / @beckymalkovich

Judicial elections require voters to research and follow the money BY JAYETTE BOLINSKI ILLINOIS STATEHOUSE NEWS

SPRINGFIELD — Voters take note: Judicial elections matter. That’s according to observers around the country who monitor judicial elections and the influence of campaign spending on the courts. Chances are a judge has touched your life or the life of a loved one in some way, they say, and that’s why it’s important for voters to research judicial candidates — whether they serve on the U.S. Supreme Court or a local circuit court — before heading to the polls. Take, for example, the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling that upheld President Barack Obama’s

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Or, closer to home, how was your last run-in with a judge over a speeding ticket? “The reality is it was judges who determined the legality and future of (Obamacare), and that ruling by the Supreme Court had an impact on every single person in the country,” said Travis Akin, director of the watchdog group Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch. “The power of the judicial branch cannot be underestimated, in my view. I think people need to understand that judges carry a lot of weight, and we need to make sure the people serving are doing their job.” According to illinoisjudges.net, a project of the Illinois Civil Justice League, a group that works

for fairness in the civil justice system, dozens of judicial seats throughout Illinois are on the Nov. 6 ballot. That includes the Illinois Supreme Court and seats in appellate, circuit and subcircuit courts. Some candidates are on the ballot for the first time, and others are seeking retention — a chance to serve an additional set number of years as a judge. For example: Incumbent Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis, a Democrat appointed to a twoyear term in 2010 to Justice Thomas Fitzgerald’s seat, is running against Republican James Riley, a circuit judge from Cook County. If Theis loses, the partisan split of the court flips to

favor Republicans. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman, a Republican, was elected to a 10-year term on the court in 2002 and this year is on the ballot for retention. Other judicial ballot matters are more heated. Citizens for Judicial Integrity, a grassroots organization “dedicated to restoring judicial integrity to Madison County, Ill.,” is against the retention of four judges in the Third Judicial Circuit Court in Madison County — which has been dubbed part of Illinois’ “judicial hell hole.” The group, backed by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, opposes the retention of judges David Hylla, John Knight, Barbara Crowder and Ann Callis, citing large donations from asbestos

lawyers and an increase in asbestos-related court filings in Madison County. “The citizens and voters of Madison County need to be relieved of the burden of the reputation of this county for being anti-business, where companies are shaken down in the courthouse,” Illinois Chamber of Commerce president Doug Whitley told the Madison Record, an online legal journal in the Metro East, earlier this month. Attorneys surveyed for the Illinois State Bar Association for its judicial evaluations, though, indicated the four Madison County judges are suitable for retention, which requires approval from a three-fifths majority of voters.

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 9

12TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: PAULA BRADSHAW VS. BILL ENYART VS. JASON PLUMMER BY BRENT STEWART

Over the last few months, all three candidates have been interviewed by The Southern Illinoisan One of the most heated elections on numerous occasions and given on the November ballot is the 12th their positions on issues in the Congressional District race, which campaign. will elect a successor to retiring longtime U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, Plummer D-Belleville. Costello announced he wouldn’t For the past five months, seek re-election on Oct. 4, 2011. Plummer said, every county in the He has served in the House of 12th District has seen unemployRepresentatives since 1988. ment numbers go up. In a district After several months of twist with tremendous resources, and turns, the race is now between Plummer said that is unacceptthree candidates — Republican able. Jason Plummer, Democrat Bill “It’s not just bad, it’s getting Enyart and Green Party candidate worse,” Plummer said. “That’s Paula Bradshaw something that has to be Plummer, 30, of Fairview addressed.” Heights, is a businessman and forPlummer has a 12-point jobs mer candidate for lieutenant gov- plan that he said was formulated ernor of Illinois and an intelligence after months of traveling in the officer in the U.S. Navy reserves. district and talking with residents. Enyart, 62, is an attorney from “We have a very diverse district,” Belleville and recently retired Plummer said. “You have to look at major general who commanded the things that make the economy the Illinois National Guard. in our district go and you’ve got to Bradshaw, 59, is an emergency figure out how to benefit those room nurse from Carbondale and areas.” political activist. Three things Plummer said he is Plummer is the only candidate to very passionate about, which are officially be part of the race since key parts of his jobs plan, are true the primaries. He and Democrat tax reform, regulatory reform and Brad Harriman won their respec- infrastructure improvements. tive party’s primaries in March. Tax reform, Plummer said, However, Harriman dropped out would include rolling back corpoof the race in May because of med- rate and personal tax rates while ical issues. eliminating loopholes. Enyart was selected as the “Here in Illinois, our tax code is a Democratic candidate June 23 by competitive disadvantage,” the party chairmen of the 12th Plummer said. “We need to make District after resigning his post as sure our businesses and our workcommander of the Illinois ers are in a position where they can National Guard a few weeks be as competitive as anywhere earlier. else.” Bradshaw began a petition drive When speaking about regulatory in March to represent the Green reform, Plummer said the Party on the ballot, and after a Obama administration has been challenge to her candidacy was hammering the industries withdrawn, officially became part that drive Southern Illinois — of the race in August. coal, oil, gas, transportation

THE SOUTHERN

Page 10 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

PAULA BRADSHAW

BILL ENYART

JASON PLUMMER

Hometown: Carbondale Political Party: Green Experience: Emergency room nurse and political activist.

Hometown: Belleville Political Party: Democrat Experience: Attorney and retired major general.

Hometown: O’Fallon Political Party: Republican Experience: Businessman, intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve.

and manufacturing. “We need to make sure government is not getting in the way of quality jobs in Southern Illinois,” Plummer said. The 12th District is economically and geographically diverse, Plummer said, and it has tremendous assets in its transportation networks — road, rail, air and river. “We need to make sure those networks are operating at their full capacity,” Plummer said. “We need to make sure the locks and dams on the Kaskaskia and other rivers are operating 24-7. We need to make sure our farmers and manufacturers can get their products to the marketplace.” Plummer said enhanced infrastructure give Southern Illinois residents more opportunities. On the subject of healthcare, Plummer said any legislation should improve quality, improve

access and bring down the cost. “Obamacare doesn’t accomplish any of those things,” Plummer said, who also noted the process was flawed in the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Plummer said he would vote to repeal it, but there were parts that should have been part of the larger bill, he would vote separately for.

Enyart Enyart has said he is running for office because he has a unique set of experiences and credentials. When you evaluate the candidates, Enyart said, he has had executive government experience, significant experience in the public sector, and experience with Scott Air Force Base, the single largest employer in the district. “My credentials clearly out-

weigh those of either of my opponents,” Enyart said. Experience serving on nationallevel policy committees, Enyart said, while directly advising the secretary of the army, working directly with assistant secretaries of defense and homeland security and directly with NATO, gives him instant credibility if he is elected. That experience, Enyart said, will be needed to advocate for Scott Air Force while taking a serious look at the defense budget in the upcoming congressional session. In terms of jobs, one of Enyart’s focuses would be the establishment of a good long-term strategic energy plan for the country, a plan that would incorporate all elements of national resources in developing energy. A critical part of that energy plan would be coal.

Enyart said the technology to turn coal into diesel fuel and gasoline has been around since World War II. The “break-even price,” Enyart said, to turn coal into fuel is $70 a barrel and gasoline is currently $100 a barrel. “We’ve got the technology, what we need to develop is the hired infrastructure to get the job done,” Enyart said. Building those plants and the refinery jobs that would result, Enyart said, would be huge for the region. “What we need to do is refocus on manufacturing,” Enyart said, embracing technology and moving forward. Enyart said there also needs to be a focus on building two kinds of infrastructure — roads, bridges and levees; but also a “soft” infrastructure of developing technical training and education.

On healthcare, Enyart has expressed support for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Enyart said that when he travels the 12th District and is told by residents that Obamacare needs to be repealed, there are a number of things they like about it, including keeping children on healthcare insurance until 26, eliminating disqualification for insurance by pre-existing conditions and excess profits of insurance companies going back to consumers. “If it’s repealed, all those benefits are gone,” Enyart said.

Bradshaw Bradshaw said her traditional party opponents plans have already been proven unworkable based on the state of the country today.

“I’m not interested in going back to failed policies,” Bradshaw said. Her ideas of creating jobs all stem a government that is able to create them by cutting by half — $350 billion — its spending on the military, increasing tax rates paid by the wealthy, nationalizing the Federal Reserve and taxing stock buys on Wall Street. Bradshaw’s jobs plan is a “green” new deal, referencing President Franklin Roosevelt’s plan to bring the U.S. out of the Great Depression of the 1930s. But, Bradshaw said, her new deal would be for a 21st century infrastructure with renewable energy instead of coal-fired plants. “We need to put back the light rail connections, the kind of public transportation we had back then that were ripped out with the highway building programs of the ’60s,” Bradshaw said. “What I

want to do is get us to a carbonfree, nuclear free energy future; a sustainable transportation future and fully fund our health, education and social services.” Bradshaw said if you spend $1 million on oil and gas, it creates 2.7 jobs; $1 million on coal creates 4.9 jobs; but $1 million spent on wind power creates 9.5 jobs and $1 million spent on solar energy will create 9.8 jobs. $1 million spent on public mass transit and freight routes, Bradshaw said, creates 15.9 jobs. “We could be creating way more jobs if we spend (money) on mass transit and freight routes,” Bradshaw said. Part of Bradshaw’s green new deal would put laborers to work refurbishing homes to make them more energy efficient. Putting workers’ skills to good use, as well as the other aspects of her jobs plan, are for the good of all people, Bradshaw said. “Mostly when I speak to people they think, ‘Well, those are weird ideas,’ but they are not weird ideas,” Bradshaw said, noting people are so locked into the twoparty approach to politics, controlled by corporate interests, they know nothing else outside of Democrat or Republican talking points.

Tax returns

cial disclosure statement — which he says provides greater transparency than tax return documents. The statement, which candidates seeking federal office are required to file, lists earned income, assets and “unearned” income and liabilities. The statement lists Plummer’s salary as vice president of R.P. Lumber at $55,289. Year-to-year, Plummer said he lives on his salary from R.P. Lumber. The financial disclosure statement shows Plummer to have assets valued between $6.17 million and $16.83 million, and liabilities ranging from $3.6 million to $16.5 million. Included in the value of assets held are companies that Plummer owns or partially owns. Enyart released 30 years of tax returns in July. Enyart filed joint tax returns with his wife, retired St Clair County Circuit Judge Annette A. Eckert, who is now a professor at Lindenwood University-Belleville in the criminal justice program. In 2011, Enyart and Eckert’s adjusted gross income was $380,420. They paid $90,280 in income taxes. According to his personal disclosure report, Enyart lists personal assets of between $1 million and $2.5 million. Bradshaw released her tax returns in October. She made $45,580 last year as an emergency room nurse. Her husband, Rich Whitney, a former Green Party gubernatorial candidate and attorney, made about $40,000.

Enyart has repeatedly called on Plummer to release his tax returns during the campaign. Plummer has said he thinks the voters of Southern Illinois “should have absolutely every access to where I receive my — Stephen Rickerl and Caleb Hale income, any investments I have contributed to this report. any liabilities I have any financial relationship that I have whatso- brent.stewart@thesouthern.com ever. And they have that.” 618-351-5805 Plummer has released a finan- On Twitter: @BrentStewartSI

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 11

12TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT: PAULA BRADSHAW VS. BILL ENYART VS. JASON PLUMMER BY BRENT STEWART

THE SOUTHERN

Page 10 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

PAULA BRADSHAW

BILL ENYART

JASON PLUMMER

Hometown: Carbondale Political Party: Green Experience: Emergency room nurse and political activist.

Hometown: Belleville Political Party: Democrat Experience: Attorney and retired major general.

Hometown: O’Fallon Political Party: Republican Experience: Businessman, intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve.

Bradshaw Bradshaw said her traditional party opponents plans have already been proven unworkable based on the state of the country today.

Tax returns

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 11

JACKSON COUNTY BOARD BY D.W. NORRIS THE SOUTHERN

workforce administrator. Incumbent Democrat Bob Lorinskas, Democrat Greg Legan and Republican Terri Bryant are running for two seats in the fourth district. Lorinskas, a retired professor and board of review member, is chairman of the ambulance, health and safety and solid waste committees. Legan is a former college administrator and Bryant is a Department of Corrections administrator. Democratic incumbents John Rendleman and Julie Peterson are opposed by Republicans Don Barrett and Darrell Dunham in the fifth district. Rendleman, a lawyer, is the board’s vice-chairman, chairman of the legislative committee and serves on several committees. Peterson is a retired teacher and member of several committees. Barrett is a Korean War veteran and former board member and Dunham is a lawyer and smallbusiness owner. Democrats Paulette Curkin, an incumbent, and Tom Redmond, a former board member, are running unopposed in the sixth district. Redmond is a retired Carbondale city department head. Curkin is a business owner and retired university administrator. Incumbent Democrat Ed Benyas, Democrat Keith Larkin and Republican Doris Taylor Bush fill the seventhdistrict ballot. Benyas is a university professor and orchestra conductor who serves on several committees. Bush is a retired school teacher and champion target shooter, and Larkin is an avid horseman from Carbondale.

All 14 seats on the Jackson County Board are in play on the Nov. 6 election ballot. The board is broken into seven, two-seat districts. The length of each board member’s term, whether two years or four years, will be determined after the election. Incumbents Bill Alstat, a Democrat, and Orval Rowe, a Republican, are matched by Democrat Linda Seifert and Republican Gene Basden in the first district. Alstat is a farmer, businessman and chairman of the finance and labor committees. Rowe, a counterman at an auto parts store, serves on several committees. Seifert is a business owner from Elkville, and Basden is a landscape architect. Republican Dan Bost is the only county board member running for re-election in the second district. Democrats Frank Riley and Robert Koehn, and Republican Jackie Norton are also on the ballot. Bost runs a trucking company and serves on several committees. Riley owns an appraisal service, Koehn is a farmer and retired regional school superintendent, and Norton is a clinical medical manager. Incumbent Will Stephens, a Republican, Bill Burke, a Republican, and Democrats Sharon Harris Johnson and Bob Hopkins are running in the third district. Stephens is the general manager of a Christian radio station and serves on several committees. Burke owns an electric company, Johnson is an online learning coordinator at a college dw.norris@thesouthern.com and Hopkins is a retired 618-351-5074 / @DW_Norris_SI

Page 12 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

JACKSON COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY & CIRCUIT CLERK BY D.W. NORRIS THE SOUTHERN

JACKSON COUNTY BALLOT QUESTIONS

Jackson County voters will cast ballots in two contested court-related elections on Nov. 6. Former federal prosecutor Mike Carr, a Democrat, and family law attorney Sharee Langenstein, a Republican, are up Carr to replace Democrat Mike Wepsiec, the county’s state’s attorney for two decades. De m o c ra t incubent Cindy Svanda and Republican chalLangenstein lenger Christine Ward Osinga are running for circuit clerk. Carr, a Carbondale resident, served as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern DisOsinga trict of Illinois for 29 years. He also worked in state’s attorney’s offices in Franklin, Williamson and Jackson counties. Carr has two degrees from SIU Svanda Carbondale and has been a professor at the university for six years. Carr cruised to his party’s nomination, blowing out Matt Chancey in the primary.

Village of Elkville Home rule Shall the village of Elkville, Jackson County become a home-rule unit?

SEE JACKSON / PAGE 13

Alcohol sales Shall the sale at retail of alcoholic liquor be prohibited in the village of Elkville, Jackson County? Carbondale Township Should the Constitution of the United States be amended as follows: 28th Amendment Section 1: A corporation is not a person and can be regulated. The rights protected by the Constitution of the United States are the rights of natural persons only. Artificial entities, such as corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities, established by the laws of any State, the United States, or any foreign state shall have no rights under this Constitution and are subject to regulation by the People, through Federal, State, or local law. The privileges of artificial entities shall be determined by the People, through Federal, State, or local law, and shall not be construed to be inherent or inalienable. Section 2: Money is not speech and can be regulated. Federal, State and local government shall regulate,

limit, or prohibit contributions and expenditures, including a candidate’s own contributions and expenditures, for the purpose of influencing the election of any candidate for public office or any ballot measure. Federal, State and local government shall require that any permissible contributions and expenditures be publicly disclosed. The judiciary shall not construe the spending of money to influence elections to be speechunder the First Amendment. Section 3: Nothing contained in this amendment shall be construed to abridge the freedom of the press. Should the Illinois legislature enact House Bill 311, the Illinois Universal Health Care Act, which provides: z A unified public financing plan, or single-payer, to cover the health care needs of all Illinois residents; z High-quality care, comprehensive benefits, free choice of qualified health care providers, and no financial barriers to care; z Equitable financing through a fair tax system; and z Public accountability, including significant consumer representation on the plan’s Governing board?

JACKSON: State’s attorney and circuit clerk FROM PAGE 12 Langenstein, a Murphysboro resident, was a staff lawyer for the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor, an assistant state’s attorney in Franklin County and an administrative hearing officer for the Illinois Secretary of State. Langenstein earned a law degree from SIU Carbondale in 1988. She was added to the ballot

after several appeals of challenges to her candidacy. Svanda, a Trico High School alumna, has been circuit clerk since 1996. Before that, she worked as a legal assistant for 16 years. Svanda has completed several courses in continuing and professional education. Osinga, who studied political science at the University of Hawaii, has

worked in finance and management for 20 years. She was a 2012 Republican National Convention delegate and is active in community and charitable organizations. Osinga said she would be fiscally conservative and improve customer service and efficiency if elected. dw.norris@thesouthern.com 618-351-5074 / On Twitter: @DW_Norris_SI

WILLIAMSON COUNTY FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT BY BECKY MALKOVICH THE SOUTHERN

MARION — Williamson County voters will choose between Judge Carolyn B. Smoot and Andrea McNeill in the First Judicial Circuit race for Williamson County judge. Smoot, a Republican, began serving as Williamson County judge in December 2010 after she was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court. Before her appointment, she practiced law for more than 27 years and was director and instructor of the SIU Paralegal Studies program. Her broad experience, which includes a stint as an assistant state’s attorney, as well as her time on the bench, makes her the most qualified candidate, she said. “I’ve been doing this job for two years, and I feel

with my experience, I am in a position to be of service to our county and our circuit,” she said. McNeill McNeill, a D e m o c ra t , has been p ra c t i c i n g law for more than 20 years and has had her own practice in Smoot Marion since 1997. She also served as a public defender in the juvenile court division for eight years and is a courtappointed mediator in the 1st and 2nd Judicial circuits. “My general practice has made me well-qualified to serve as a judge. I have practical experience in a lot of areas,” McNeill said. “I feel an obligation to

serve and I would be a dedicated public servant. I’m a lifelong resident of Williamson County. It’s my home.” Both candidates said they are honored to be a part of the race that will see the first female elected, not appointed, to the Williamson County bench. “I’m really humbled by it,” Smoot said. “That’s why I feel so responsible and will work hard for the citizens. I will make fair decisions based on the law and the facts of the case.” McNeill said she too was excited to be part of the historic race. “I’m honored to be considered by the voters,” McNeill said. “Becoming a judge has been a lifelong dream, and I will be dedicated to the duties and an asset to the county.” beckymalk@gmail.com 618-927-5633 / @beckymalkovich

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 13

UNION COUNTY BOARD & CORONER BY BRENT STEWART THE SOUTHERN

Brown, Dongola, and Republican Max Miller, Anna, will challenge each other for the new six-year term open seat. Democrat Richard Cunningham, Jonesboro and Republican Walter Jackson, Dongola, will face each other for the other newly created open seat, a four-year term. For coroner, Democrat Phil Hileman, Jonesboro is running uncontested, while Beverly Bolanowski, Anna and Roy Walker, Jonesboro will face off on the Republican side in the primary. State’s Attorney Tyler Edmonds and Circuit Clerk Lorraine Moreland, Democrats, are running unopposed in the primary with no Republican candidates.

JONESBORO — Union County voters will make a major change to county government this election. Last November, the county passed a referendum to expand commissioners’ seats from three to five. The county board currently consists of Democrat Randy Lambdin and Republicans Don Denny and Dale Russell. Lambdin, the current board chairman, decided to not seek re-election due to increasing commitments in his business and personal life Denny’s term expires in 2014, Russell’s in 2016. Democrat Danny Hartline, Cobden, is running unopposed for brent.stewart@thesouthern.com Lambdin’s open seat. Democrat Wayne 618-351-5805 / @BrentStewartSI

WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER BY STEPHEN RICKERL THE SOUTHERN

Incumbent Williamson County Commissioner Tracey Glenn will face a political newcomer as she seeks a second term on the county board. Glenn, D-Carterville, highlighted her accomplishments spearheading the Recycle Williamson County program, which she said has grown substantially in the past three years and has the potential to grow further. Glenn said she made, and kept, three promises when she first ran for commissioner: to end nepotism in the county, adhere to the Open Meetings Act and remain accessible and involved with the community. “I won’t be a politician who shows up every election cycle to get your vote then disappears into the dark,” she said. Glenn touted her experi-

ence and leadership in the recovery effort following the May 8 storm when she worked closely with county EMA on preparedness and planning. Jobs and county finances are two pressing issues the county is facing. Glenn said she has worked with chambers of commerce and economic development corporations to help bring jobs and businesses to the area. Looking to a second term, she said the region’s designation following the 2010 Census as an urbanized area can only help local leaders to entice businesses to invest in Southern Illinois. Glenn said she is proud of the fact the board has been able to pass a balanced budget each year she has served. “I’ve been very involved in that; I’m proud of that,” she said. “Working to keep a county the size of Williamson County, there’s so many vital services you need to provide to 67,000 residents. I feel we’ve worked hard going line by line by line over the budget to keep it as efficient a county government as possible.” Republican James “Jim” Marlo is seeking his first elected office. A Herrin native, Marlo has operated a small business for 23 years. He said seeing what has transpired in county

TRACEY GLENN Hometown: Carterville Political Party: Democrat Experience: Incumbent Williamson County Board commissioner

JAMES ‘JIM’ MARLO Hometown: Herrin Political Party: Republican Experience: Small business owner of 23 years

government compelled him to throw his hat into the political arena. “I just couldn’t sit back any longer,” he said. “I always wanted to get into politics, it’s just a scary move, but it’s not nearly as scary as trying to open up your own business. I wanted to try and make a difference in Williamson County.” Marlo said he would bring his business experience to county government and apply it to important decisions, such as the rising healthcare costs and premiums the county is facing. He said no county decision should be made without first asking whether the county can afford it and will it benefit everyone in Williamson County? Marlo believes the county is being hindered by a

gap in communication; he said communication should be the biggest asset the county has. If elected Marlo hopes to improve communication within the county and between government and residents. One way he proposes to do so is to stream county board meetings online, post agendas online and revamp the county website by offering more useful, easily accessible information to residents. “This is a very simple solution, a low-cost solution that would bring the county government to the people of Williamson County so they could see what is going on at the meetings and what issues are in front of the county,” said Marlo. stephen.rickerl@thesouthern.com 618-351-5823

www.thesouthern.com z www.thesouthern.com Page 14 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

RANDOLPH COUNTY COMMISSIONER, CIRCUIT CLERK, CORONER & STATE’S ATTORNEY BY D.W. NORRIS THE SOUTHERN

Three offices and a county commissioner’s seat in Randolph County are up for grabs in the Nov. 6 election. Democrat Jeremy Walker Friess and Republican David Friess, both of Red Bud, square off in the state’s attorney’s race. Democrat Sherry Johnson and Republican Kevin Wilson vie for circuit clerk. Chester Democratic incumbent Randy Dudenbostel and Johnson Sparta Republican Tonia Heinemeyer compete for coroner. Steeleville Democratic Mayor Michael Armstrong squares off for county commissioner against Marc Kiehna, a Republican and regional school superinten- Dudenbostel dent. Friess, a prosecutor for the village of East Carondelet, is a Mercer University alumnus with a law degree from John Marshall Law School. He said he wants to stop corruption and drugs in the Armstrong county. Walker, a criminal lawyer and former public defender, completed his law and undergraduate studies at SIU Carbondale. Walker touted his experience and promised to be an aggressive prosecutor, especially on drug cases. Dudenbostel has been Randolph County’s coroner for eight years after serving as deputy coroner for 20. He said he has been educated in forensics and through on-the-job training. Heinemeyer’s did not provide information.

Walker

Wilson

Heinemeyer

Kiehna

Johnson is a former Rockwood trustee and has served as the village’s clerk for four years. A John A. Logan College alumna, Johnson has been a deputy circuit clerk for 21 years. Wilson is executive director of Northeastern Randolph County Senior Services Inc. A college graduate, he has experience in management and grant writing. Wilson said being a political newcomer would give him a fresh perspective on the job. Armstrong has served as Steeleville’s mayor since 2001. He is a former city councilman who said job retention, creation and economic development are among his top goals. Kiehna, who has a Ph.D. in administration, has been tabbed as Monroe and Randolph counties’ regional superintendent three times. He said he wants to cut cronyism, expand the county’s business base and provide quality services while staying within the county’s means.

dw.norris@thesouthern.com 618-351-5074 / On Twitter: @DW_Norris_SI

RANDOLPH COUNTY BALLOT QUESTION Advisory question of public policy Shall any individual who is not prohibited from possessing firearms under the law be allowed to conceal, possess, carry and/or transport firearms in any manner free from infringement?

PERRY COUNTY COMMISSIONER & STATE’S ATTORNEY BY BRENT STEWART THE SOUTHERN

PINCKNEYVILLE — Perry County has two contested races this election. Incumbent Republican State’s Attorney David Stanton faces a challenge by Democrat Matt Foster of Du Quoin.

Stanton, of Pinckneyville, has been state’s attorney for 16 years. Foster is a criminal defense attorney with Reed, Heller, Mansfield and Gross of Murphysboro, based in their Du Quoin office. He is a 2006 graduate of SIU Carbondale law school. Republican Bobby Kelly,

chairman of the Perry County board faces a challenge from Teddy Cunningham of Pinckneyville. Kelly, of Pinckneyville, has been a commissioner since 2000. brent.stewart@thesouthern.com 618-351-5805 On Twitter: @BrentStewartSI

SALINE COUNTY CORONER & COMMISSIONER BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN

CITY OF HARRISBURG BALLOT QUESTION

A contested race for the Home Rule coroner’s office might be a Shall the city of Harrisburg become a home rule unit little easier to discern for pursuant to Article VII, Section 8 of the Illinois Saline County voters who Constitution? will also vote on 13 people vying for commissioner seats on the Saline County Department and studied Aaron Robert Smith, board. at the University of Illinois Jeffrey Keith Street, Urbana-Champaign. He Dennis E. Wilson, Jeff lives in Harrisburg. Murrie and John O’Dell. Coroner Saline County Jerry Doug Watson of Democrats running are: Commissioners Eldorado is the incumJim Fowler, Bob Oglesby, Twenty-three candi- Bruce A. Tolley, Gary F. bent, having been appointed the position dates are vying for 13 Siebert, Georgia Cowger, more than a year earlier commissioner seats with Kerry M. Jones, Danny when coroner Randy Reed winners drawing term Gibbs, Molly Wilson retired. Watson owns lengths after being sworn Dearing, Michelle Watson Funeral Home in into office on Dec. 3. Gunning, Clint Walker, Saline County Bruce Allen, David D. Eldorado and has been in the funeral home business Republicans running are: Phelps and Matthew Carey Harbison, Joseph Mings. since 1974. Curt Hustedde is a M. “Joe” Jackson, Roger L. detective with the Craig, Karla Carrigan, scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com Harrisburg Police (John) Jonathan Prather, 618-351-5076

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 15

ALEXANDER COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY, CORONER & COMMISSIONER BY LINDA RUSH THE SOUTHERN

Alexander County has three contested races for county offices in the Nov. 6 election, with Democrats and Republicans fielding candidates in the races for state’s attorney, coroner and county commissioner

State’s attorney Jeffery B. Farris, Democratic incumbent state’s attorney, is completing his fifth term in the office and is seeking a sixth. His Republican challenger is Eric James Neumann. A lifelong resident of Alexander County, Farris said “I like the work, I like the people and I like my home. I have dedicated my career to my home and work honestly and efficiency to make it a better place. I have knowledge of my surroundings and as a lifelong participant servant of this county, know every aspect of the community.” Farris said finances are a problem for the county. “We work on a shoestring, but there’s not a political battle over who gets how much from the board.” He said “just keeping the lights turned on” is the goal of all officeholders. He said his record shows strong prosecution skills. “In the past 30 months that ended on June 30, I’ve gotten a total of 225 sentencing years in the Department of Corrections for more than 30 defendants,” including one recently sentenced to 27 years. “People know me and know I will do the best job I can,” Farris said. Neumann, who currently resides in Charleston, said he recently left his job as an assistant Coles County state’s attorney to campaign in Alexander County. He said he was recruited by the Alexander County Republican Party as a candidate through Career Services at SIU Carbondale, where he received his law degree. “They wanted to bring in someone with no local ties to ensure maximum impartiality in the state’s attorney’s office,” he said. Neumann also holds a B.S. degree in criminal justice from Illinois State University in Normal. He was a student

worker in the SIU Elder Legal Clinic for two years. He also has been an intern in the McLean County public defender’s office and an assistant public defender in Effingham and assistant state’s attorney in Coles Bingham County. He also has taught juvenile justice classes for nine years. He’s running, he said, because “I wanted the opportunity to do the job how I wanted to do it, instead of taking orders from a superior. I wanted to do what I think is Caldwell the right thing to do on each case.” His in-laws are from Johnson County, and he and his wife had wanted to return to Southern Illinois, so he became the candidate. He said he currently is spending three or four days a week campaigning in Alexander County. Neumann advocates changes in dealing with juvenile offenders. “Monthly probation visits don’t make changes in kids’ lives,” he said. “I want to create a juvenile mentoring program.” He also would like to expand community patrols in some towns.

Coroner

Regional Worship Center. He has 16 years of service as a deputy coroner, mostly in Alexander County and the past two years in Pulaski County. A former Cairo police officer, he has served in the Illinois Fire Marshal’s Office as an arson investigator/canine handler. Caldwell is a member of the Southern Illinois Child Death Investigation Task Force and has been an associate on the staff of Barkett Funeral Home for several years. “I want to bring professionalism to that office, to help bring closure to the families,” Caldwell said. He said he also would help with the investigation of deaths.

Commissioner Chalen Tatum, a Democrat from Olive Branch, and Larry Smith, a Republican from Miller City, are vying for the county board seat currently held by Republican Mike Caldwell, who chose not to seek another term. Tatum, currently a member of the Egyptian School District board, said he “always wanted to run” for the county board. He also serves as a Democratic precinct committeeman. He has been employed at the Supermax prison in Tamms for the past eight years. A resident of Alexander County for 44 years, he is a graduate of Egyptian schools and has been active in volunteering in flood relief efforts and other community projects in the county’s different communities. Tatum sees the top priorities for the county as “paying off bills —working to get a little farther out of debt — and finding ways to bring taxpayers back to the county.” An obvious priority, too, is bringing jobs into Alexander County and the rest of Southern Illinois. Smith, according to the GOP website, was born and raised in Indiana and served in the Marine Corps before working in law enforcement. He retired in 2008 and moved to Southern Illinois, where he served as resource officer at Egyptian School and a member of a tristate narcotics task force.

Incumbent Alexander County Coroner Willie “Buchie” Bingham, a Democrat from Cairo, is seeking his second term in the office, opposed by Republican candidate Charles Caldwell, also from Cairo. Bingham, a lifelong Cairo resident, said he has worked around funeral homes for many years, beginning at the age of 16. “At 16, I was driving an ambulance, and driving hearses,” he said. He has served in the coroner’s office for 30 years under four different coroners, including as deputy coroner, chief deputy and investigator. “I am certified by the State of Illinois, Coroners and Medical Association,” he said, “and I also have the compassion to deal with families of the deceased.” Caldwell is also a lifelong resident of Cairo, a 1966 graduate of Cairo High School and lifelong member of the Mighty Rivers linda.rush@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5079

Page 16 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

POPE COUNTY COMMISSIONER & STATE’S ATTORNEY BY SCOTT FITZGERALD THE SOUTHERN

There are two contested races for Pope County offices with the two major parties, Democrats and Republicans, offering candidates for county commissioner and state’s attorney.

Commissioner Lifelong Pope County resident Steve Hudson is seeking a second six-year term as county commissioner. He is a Democrat and retired Southeastern Electric Cooperative employee. Shawnee Correctional Center employee Kelvin Kunath of Golgonda is seeking his first public office. He is a 1984 graduate of Pope County Community High School and is running as a Republican.

State’s attorney After being appointed in April to fill in for Hardin County state’s attorney Roger Ralph who resigned, Melissa Presser is running for the Pope County state’s attorney seat. Presser is running as a Democrat. Republican Party candidate Robert Bateson lived previously in Will County where he worked in the public defender’s office before moving to Southern Illinois in 2003 and establishing a private law practice in Marion. He is running as a Republican. scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com 618-351-5076

PULASKI COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY & COMMISSIONER MASSAC COUNTY CORONER BY LINDA RUSH THE SOUTHERN

ond female to serve as state’s attorney in the county. “The first was Gloria Thurston,” she said.

There are two contested local races in Pulaski Commissioner County in the Nov. 6 election, with Republican Incumbent Monte Russell, a Democrat from Villa Grayson Gile, a former state’s attorney, challenging Democratic incumbent Donna McCann, for state’s Ridge who is completing his first six-year term, is attorney. Republican Phil Atherton is challenging facing a challenge from Republican Phil Atherton of Ullin. incumbent Monte Russell, a Democrat, for a county Though the county is struggling with commissioner seat. job losses, Russell said, “I try to be an optimist until I’m absolutely proven State’s attorney wrong. I have seen a lot of good things Gile, a Goreville resident, served as the Pulaski happen in the county and see it pointed County prosecutor from 2000 to 2008 and has been in a better direction.” deployed in the military for the past four years, with He said there are lots of good pieces one deployment to Iraq and two to Russell of the puzzle, “but we lack the focus to Afghanistan. put them together I feel my experience in the private McCann, an Olmsted resident, is sector could help do that.” An electrician and memcompleting her first term. ber of IBEW Local 702, he said he has worked on McCann said “We have all the same project teams and is “no stranger to problem solving problems and issues as the bigger and team efforts” on several big projects. He was part counties; we just have fewer resources of the supervisory team on some multi-million-dolto deal with them.” She said the state’s lar projects, he added. Gile attorney not only deals with criminal He said the county should participate in regional cases in the county; she also represents efforts to attract new jobs while retaining existing the county in civil actions. And, she employers. Russell is encouraged by the number of added, there is “not much help from the businesses that are trying to bring manufacturing state” in doing the job. back to this country. “How do we market this great Gile said “Public safety is the number place we live in to someone wanting to bring business one job of a state’s attorney and every- back to this country?” he asked. thing else is second to that. With limitAtherton said he is running for the commissioner ed resources, you need a strong working seat because the county currently has the state’s secMcCann relationship with the law enforcement ond-highest unemployment rate. community, to support each other.” “Some of the major employers in Pulaski County He said he welcomes citizen contact and working have left the county or laid off employees in order to to assist people in the community. remain in business,” he said. “Several more employ“Trust and accessibility are extremely important,” ers are on the brink of leaving the country.” If elected, Gile said. “People need to feel free to approach he said, he will “strive to reach out to our legislators officeholders — they’re your employers.” and private companies to promote our resources in During his previous terms of service, he said, he Pulaski County.” He also vowed to work with the successfully prosecuted more than eight jury trials county’s existing businesses to encourage them to and numerous serious bench trials and successfully remain in the county. argued for sentences in major crimes that included 52 He criticized what he terms “wasteful, out-ofyears for murder and 45 years for home invasion. If control county government spending,” and pledged elected, he said, he will retire after 30 years of service to be an advocate for the taxpayers. in the Army and focus exclusively on serving the Both commissioner candidates said they see county. accountability as a priority for officeholders. Though McCann said she is proud that the county, which this is Atherton’s first try for political office, his was almost bankrupt when she took office, has father formerly served as coroner and county comworked to turn that situation around. “I’m part of the missioner. community and care about what’s going on,” she said. “I’m accessible at any time.” She is only the sec- linda.rush@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5079

& COMMISSIONER BY LINDA RUSH

whom he works at a funeral home. He agreed that there are no real issues with the The Constitution Party, a coroner’s office and said third party, has candidates with his experience he could in both contested races in do a good job in the post. Massac County, for the offices of coroner and coun- Commissioner ty commissioner. In the three-way race for They say their party advocommissioner, cates returning to the con- county Democrat Billy Hillebrand of stitutional principles upon which this country was Metropolis, the incumbent, faces challenges from founded. Constitution Party candidate Tim S. Pearcy of Coroner Belknap and Republican In the coroner’s race, Joe Jeffrey Weber of rural Miller of Metropolis, Metropolis. Constitution Party candiPhone listings for Pearcy date, is run- and Weber were for numbers ning against no longer in service; they R e p u b l i c a n could not be reached for Mark Fitch for comment on the race. the office curHillebrand, who is finishrently held by ing his first six-year term on Jason McMa- the board, said he’s running nus, who opted for a second term because Fitch not to seek “in six years you just begin another term. The to learn what’s needed. I Democratic Party did not now have the contacts and have a candidate for coro- know how to get things ner. done.” Miller, 77, said there are no He sees the major chalreal issues in the contest and lenge for Massac County — feels confident that he could and other area counties — as handle the job if elected. He “the economy. We’re really has never held public office struggling,” he said. But he before, but ran for county also has hopes that things treasurer in 2010. A former may turn around. employee of Allied A retired construction Chemical, he said co-work- worker, Hillebrand said “I ers voted for him in that have the time to put into the race. Miller sees no prob- job and I find it exciting to lems with the coroner’s stay busy. It keeps me motioffice. vated. You learn from servFitch, a Brookport resi- ing.” dent, has served as an assistant coroner for six years linda.rush@thesouthern.com under McManus, with 618-351-5079 THE SOUTHERN

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 17

SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT JEFFERSON COUNTY TREASURER JEFFERSON COUNTY RESIDENT JUDGE & STATE’S ATTORNEY BY BECKY MALKOVICH

BY BECKY MALKOVICH THE SOUTHERN

MOUNT VERNON — Jefferson County State’s Attorney Douglas R. Hoffman faces a challenge from Nobel Y. Dowell in the Nov. 6 election. Hoffman, a Republican, was appointed to the position and took office in January. He had previously served as an assistant state’s attorney and before that was in private practice with a Hoffman Mount Vernon law firm. Dowell, a Democrat, has been a practicing attorney for more than 35 years. He received his undergraduate degree from SIUC and graduated with his law degree from the University of South Dakota Dowell Vermillion. “I believe I’m the only one in this race that is able to do the job,” Dowell said. “I’ve spent my whole life in the courtroom and I love it and this county. The day Doug was born, I had already spent four years practicing law.” Dowell has experience in state and federal courts as well as criminal and civil litigation. “I was born and raised in this area and I love the people. It’s a result of interacting with all the various people I have met over the years that has provided me with the experience, knowledge, time and the desire to excel in the state’s attorney’s position as a public servant.” Hoffman earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and his law degree from SIU’s School of Law. “I have six years of law practice under my belt. I worked at one of the most reputable law firms in Southern Illinois and in the nine-and-a-half months I’ve been state’s attorney, I have supervised the successful prosecution of some of our coun-

CITY OF MOUNT VERNON Home Rule Shall the city of Mount Vernon become a home rule unit pursuant to Article VII, Section 8 of the Illinois Constitution? ty’s most violent offenders. In that time, approximately 100 deserving violent criminals were sent to prison for 460 years total,” he said. “I have what it takes to get the job done and my record backs me up.”

Treasurer Incumbent Jefferson County Treasurer Dan Knox faces opposition from Democrat Sabrina Wheatley on the November ballot. Knox, a Republican, was appointed as county treasurer and took office in July 2011. His previous experience includes 10 years in sales management and three years in public education. He went into office with the understanding that “this is the peoples’ county, the peoples’ money and as such, I answer to them,” he said. Security improvements have been a top priority. “I wanted to make sure the taxpayer money is secure,” Knox said. “We installed three new security cameras, a currency/cash counter that can detect counterfeit bills, and I personally verify every deposit that leaves this office.” While he feels much has been accomplished during his tenure in office, there is more to do, he said. “I want to do more financial planning and paying/reducing debt. I want to be a part of getting our county on the best financial ground we can be on,” he said. Wheatley, who could not be reached for comment, has 25 years of experience as a treasurer for a school district. beckymalk@gmail.com / 618-927-5633 On Twitter: @beckymalkovich

Page 18 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

THE SOUTHERN

MOUNT VERNON — Judge Nicole Villani is vying with challenger Jo Beth Weber in the Second Judicial Circuit race for Jefferson County resident judge. Villani, a Republican, was appointed to the seat to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of longtime judge Terry Gamber last December. She is seeking election to the bench based on a proven record of service, she said. That record includes her experience as Jefferson County State’s Attorney, where she

increased the conviction rate to 74 percent, one of the highest in the circuit, from 36 perVillani cent. She also worked to reduce the backlog of cases by half. Moving to the bench allowed her to continue to improve the court system. “I loved being state’s attorney and it was a tough choice for me, but I knew I could do more as a judge. I knew that serving on the bench would allow me to continue my top priority, the prompt and

efficient resolution of cases,” she said. “I have a proven track record of success serving the people of this community in the courtroom.” Weber, who could not be reached for comment, has more than 20 years of experience as an attorney. She is deputy defender of the Fifth District State Appellate Defender’s Office, where she serves as chief legal administrator and manages a legal staff of 17 employees, according to her campaign website.

beckymalk@gmail.com 618-927-5633 On Twitter: @beckymalkovich

HARDIN COUNTY SHERIFF, CORONER, STATE’S ATTORNEY & COMMISSIONER THE SOUTHERN

Races in Hardin County include one to fill the office of late Sheriff Lloyd Cullison, who died in March. Jerry Fricker will represent the Republican Party in the election. Fricker’s experience includes 15 years with the Elizabethtown Fire Department, with 10 of those years as the assistant fire chief, according to his campaign Facebook page. He now serves on the Rosiclare Fire Department as an auxil-

iary deputy for Hardin County Sheriff’s Department. He also cites working with his father at Fricker’s Machine Shop as experience in managing a budget. He was also an Elizabethtown board member for 13 years. He said he also has the 40-hour gun training and certifications needed in handling meth labs. Brian Reed will represent the Democrats for sheriff. The Hardin County resident has worked as a deputy sheriff

with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years, according to his Facebook page. He has an AAS degree in criminal justice from John A. Logan College and takes part in specialized training regularly. Reed said he would continue to take part in regular patrols of the county and work with other agencies. Daniel Cockrum is the Democratic nominee for state’s attorney. SEE HARDIN / PAGE 19

HARDIN: Co. FROM PAGE 18 His experience includes working as an attorney at Drew & Drew, P.C., in Benton. He became the Hardin County Public Defender in May 2012, according to his campaign page, and has opened a practice in Elizabethtown. Cockrum is a Franklin County native and is married with one child. Tara Cook Wallace is the Republican nominee for state’s attorney. The Hardin County native has a bachelor’s degree in political science and juris doctorate from SIU. She is now an associate attorney at Turner Law Office in Golconda, according to her campaign page. Other experience includes becoming a certified mediator with training from Northwestern Illinois University. In her community, she is also coach of the Hardin County Flag Corps. Other races in the county include coroner where incumbent Democrat Roger Little will face Republican Jessica Cullum. Cullum is a Medical Laboratory Technician at Hardin County General Hospital and Clinic with associate degrees from Southeastern Illinois College. In the county commissioner race, Republican Michael Burton is running against Democrat Wayne Eichorn.

JOHNSON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK & STATE’S ATTORNEY BY SCOTT FITZGERALD

Ryan O’Neal of Vienna is running on the Republican Party ticket for the seat. He has been an employee in the Johnson Two current circuit clerk employees County circuit clerk’s office since 2011. are vying for Johnson County circuit clerk while an incumbent state’s attor- State’s attorney ney attempts to retain her seat amidst a Tricia Turner Shelton of Goreville is challenge from a private practice seeking a third term in office as state’s attorney. attorney. She is a Democrat. Tambra K. Cain (Sharp) of Vienna Circuit clerk works for a Barrett, Twomey, Broom, Jennifer Pritchett of Goreville is run- Hughes & Hoke law firm of Carbondale ning on the Democratic Party ticket for and is running on the Republican Party circuit clerk being vacated by Neal ticket. Watkins, who is retiring Nov. 30. She has 10 years experience working in the scott.fitzgerald@thesouthern.com Williamson County circuit clerk’s office. 618-351-5076 THE SOUTHERN

HAMILTON COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK & BOARD THE SOUTHERN

Contested races in Hamilton County include circuit clerk and county board. There will be six running for five seats in the County Board race. The Democrats running for the seats are Brad Miller, Wilburn “Willie” Grub, P.E. Cross, and Terence (Terry) J. Rapp.

Republican candidates are John R. Chapman and Joe Bernard. Democrat Beth Sandusky will face Republican Karen French for circuit clerk. There will also be a question on the ballot asking whether or not the village of Broughton should end prohibition of the retail sale of alcohol.

ILLINOIS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THE SOUTHERN

Voters will be asked Nov. 6 to vote on a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution. The motivation for the proposed amendment comes largely from a massive under-funding of Illinois pension systems and its effect on state finances.

Most experts put that amount at least at $84 billion. Fiscal conservatives say that’s a low estimate and, if left unchecked, debt service could soon account for a third of annual state spending. SEE AMENDMENT / PAGE 20

ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION BY STEPHEN RICKERL THE SOUTHERN

Carbondale, Centralia, Chester, Christopher, Cobden, Coulterville, Elkville, Johnston City, Marion, Perry County, Sesser, Sparta, Steeleville, Tamaroa, Union County and West Frankfort. Carl Spezia, associate professor in the College of Engineering at SIU, said electrical aggregation can significantly reduce energy charges, but there can be a downside if municipalities and consumers aren’t careful. Spezia said a downside to electrical aggregation is that suppliers might lock customers into a long-term contract, obligating customers to buy electricity at a given rate regardless of the current market price. He cautioned both city officials and customers to fully understand all the fees involved before deciding to move forward. “The downside is that the power markets are very volatile, and in some cases they don’t necessarily reflect the changes you might find in the underlying fuel cost,” Spezia said. “Whenever a city is going out for bid in this process, they probably should have a consultant provide them with detailed information about how to design their request for proposals and make sure fees are up front for the customer.”

When voters in Southern Illinois go to the polls November 6, many will be faced with a referendum asking whether or not the city or county should have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity. Electrical aggregation was created in 2007, and allows cities to act as an agent in preparing bid documents and requesting proposals from energy suppliers on behalf of its residents and small businesses. If the referendum is approved, the city or county would begin seeking proposals from electric suppliers; customers would have the option of opting out of the program. If passed, and a program is enacted, it is estimated customers might save between 20 and 25 percent on the supply portion of their electric bill. Power would still be delivered over Ameren’s system, and Ameren would still handle all service issues — including outages and emergency repairs. Customers’ monthly bill would still come from Ameren. Du Quoin and Pinckneyville approved a similar referendum March 20. According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, an electrical aggregation referendum will be on the stephen.rickerl@thesouthern.com Nov. 6, ballot in Benton, 618-351-5823

The Southern Illinoisan Sunday, October 28, 2012 Page 19

AMENDMENT: Illinois Constitution

C-Z-R CONSOLIDATION BY STEPHEN RICKERL

FROM PAGE 19

THE SOUTHERN

The amendment, if passed, would require a three-fifths majority vote in the Illinois Senate and Illinois House to approve any pension or retirement benefits increase for state employees or officials. The proposal would also require a two-thirds vote for lawmakers to override a governor’s veto or to accept a governor’s proposed rewrite of pension-increase legislation. Currently, it takes a three-fifths vote to override a veto and a simple majority to accept a governor’s changes The amendment also would require a three-fifths vote of the governing bodies of local, public units of government for increases in benefits for public employees and officials. There are several arguments for and against the proposed amendment. The arguments in favor include: z A higher vote requirement would help prevent unfunded future liability for pension benefits. z Requiring a three-fifths vote would provide better accountability. z A three-fifths vote requires greater consensus among parties. Among those arguments opposition: z A higher vote requirement may limit the bargaining power of employers and employees. z There is the possibility of disagreement on what constitutes a benefit increase. z Requiring a supermajority for pension benefit increases could make it more difficult to recruit the best people to work in government service. On the election ballot, a vote of “yes” is in favor the mandatory threefifths for approval of benefit increases. A vote of “no” would let the state constitution stand as is.

Some voters will be faced with a referendum question some say could change the course of the the Franklin County education system and economy, but opponents of the measure argue approval of the referendum will raise taxes on an already struggling population while failing to reach its intended educational goals. Voters living in the Christopher Unit School District 99 and ZeiglerRoyalton Community Unit School District 188 boundaries will decide on whether or not to consolidate the two school districts. The referendum question will appear on the ballot in two parts, first asking voters about approving consolidation and second approval of tax levies for a number of school funds. With strong emotions surrounding consolidation, those on both sides of the issue expect a close vote, and feel they have the support necessary to prevail. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Christopher’s population is 2,382; Zeigler’s is 1,801; Royalton’s is 1,151; and Mulkeytown’s is 175. The idea of consolidating the districts was planted in 2009 when Christopher was placed on the state’s School Construction Project list for FY09. At the time of notification school officials said they were brainstorming ideas of the type of facility they would want. As ideas took shape, those involved began thinking about the athletic and academic co-op programs the district

— Much of the information in this article was condensed from a publication provided by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

Page 20 Sunday, October 28, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO

has with Zeigler-Royalton, and whether or not consolidation would beneficial. House Bill 4043 passed the House and Senate with two dissenting votes and received Gov. Pat Quinn’s signature Aug. 10. Under the legislation a consolidated district would not be created until one or both of the existing districts are awarded School Construction Grants from the state. Christopher has been on the School Construction Project list since 2009; Ziegler-Royalton is not on the list. Once a grant is awarded, the

state would reimburse the district for 75 percent of the project upon completion, 25 percent of the project would be funded locally — likely through Franklin County’s one percent School Facility Tax. Supporters of the referendum argue a consolidated school district with a state of the art facility will help draw families to the district, help turn the economy around and lower taxes for residents. “People that are opposed to it are saying the taxes are going to up,” Christopher Superintendent Richard Towers said. “They might go up, but if it’s

voted down they might go up anyway.” Those who oppose consolidation believe the measure will drastically increase property and end up costing taxpayers more than what they are being told. “I don’t think that you can get a building for nothing, that’s what the pro-side is wanting the people to think,” former Zeigler-Royalton Superintendent George Connor said. “I’m too old to believe you’re going to get something for nothing.” stephen.rickerl@thesouthern.com 618-351-5823