Make a Difference, Vote Russ Clark for County Board
When I began this election, I was spurred on by one main goal. To increase the number of flights at Springfield’s Airport. I was worried I was going to have to explain why this is such an important economic need for our community. Turns out, MANY of the voters in our district agree with me. They already knew that the flights to Dallas and Florida that we lost were impacting our businesses. Remote workers moved to Springfield specifically because it had those airline connections on a time schedule that worked for them. Unfortunately, our community leaders haven’t taken the chance to pursue those flights even after American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, stated he was interested in serving communities like Springfield again. A vote for me will change that attitude.
The Sonya Massey shooting was a travesty for our community and one that we haven’t suffered since Susan Boone’s utter failure as Sangamon County Coroner. I personally know people who have had their lives turned upside down because the death of their loved one was improperly handled by the coroner. Susan Boone only quit when her office was threatened to be made an appointed position so she could be fired. This cannot be done with the Sheriff per the Illinois Constitution. While Sonya’s killer is awaiting trial and, thankfully, due to video evidence will likely be convicted, there is much work to be done. I fully support the Sonya Massey Commission’s review of hiring practices by Sangamon County and their investigation work in to what actions we, as a county, should take so that this never happens again. I also fully support giving, you the voters, the right to recall ALL county officials if they commit wrongdoing during the course of their term. Currently, only the Sheriff is being discussed. I will work with other board members to put a recall enabling referendum to the voters during my term.
I’ve also met numerous business owners who live in the district. Many of them own small businesses that need economic development to help them to grow. I’m in favor of economic development that allows our small businesses to grow and thrive. Too often, economic development is construed to be developments like the Scheels Sports Complex. Their property taxes will be given back to make improvements on the complex. This is known as a Tax Increment District. This type of development drives UP your property taxes because it removes high valued properties from the tax rolls while they still demand services of city and county governments. This hurts our local small businesses by driving up their property taxes as well. I will not vote for any additions to any tax increment districts or the creation of new ones. We have the fastest growing economy in Central Illinois and over 10 TIF districts. Retiring some of these districts as they expire will help lower your property taxes because more high valued properties are back on the regular tax rolls.
Lastly, The first major downtown projects are wrapping up during the next four years. All railway traffic will be relocated to 10th Street behind the County Courthouse, a new transit hub and depot built and 3rd Street will be renovated into a new pedestrian and bike area. New plans are already starting to be formed around 3rd Street and the Medical Corridor. However, there has been minimal discussion at County Board as to how much these will cost, what role SMTD’s busses will play and how the County Board’s health department and homeless plans will interact. The silence is becoming deafening. As your County Board member, I will attend these meetings either as a board member or just as your voice and push the board to be more active. Failed economic plans means higher property taxes for you. I won’t let that happen.
Make a difference, Vote Russ Clark for County Board
Posted on 04 Nov 2024, 13:30 - Category: Campaign Platform