City Beat: Budzinski, Deering Fight For Seat In Congress From IL 13

 

     This week, we take a closer look at another race that impacts our area between Democrat Nikki Budzinski of Springfield and Republican Regan Deering of Decatur who are battling to see who will represent us in Congress from the 13th District, which includes part of Macon County. The Decatur Tribune asked the same three basic questions from both candidates and their answers, in their own words, can be found on page 6 of this week’s print and online editions.

     • MACON County Clerk Josh Tanner had to issue a news release last week after voters notified him of a mailing they received. The mailing included an accurate copy of the early voting hours on the county clerk’s letterhead and additional information regarding candidates and the constitutional amendment.

     Tanner stated: “This mailing is not from the County Clerk. The County Clerk’s Office will never mail information to voters supporting or opposing ballot questions or candidates.”

     Overall, this campaign has been filled with rudeness, character assassination of opponents, downright lies and every fraudulent and deceptive method designed to win an election. Quite frankly, what I see, hear and read sickens me. Our elected leaders and those running for office should be setting the example of good citizenship for the rest of us. I don’t know about you, but my expectations for those in the political system are much higher than most are showing us. That’s sad.

     • I ENJOYED talking with Macon County Board Chairman Kevin Greenfield and County Administrator Tammy Wilcox about the cooperation that is being shown between the city and county law enforcement agencies in working together to give us a safer community. We are a much stronger community when various governing bodies work together in solving problems. I witnessed that first-hand during the years I served as Decatur’s mayor and I am always encouraged when I see that working today. Many years ago, there was a lot of friction between some of the public bodies as some elected officials worked to protect their “turf”.

     Anytime I see cooperation between elected public bodies, I see better days for our community. When all of us work together, there isn’t any problem that we can’t solve.

     • THIS SATURDAY will be the last day for the Farmer’s Market in Central Park for this season. I’ve enjoyed walking down every Saturday morning and buying 5 pounds of tomatoes. I’m sure going to miss those tomatoes on the salads I eat.

     • THE VIEW from my newspaper office windows on the fourth floor is so beautiful this time of year as I look to the west and see all of the trees in autumn colors. I love autumn even though I know what season is coming next. I wish the colorful leaves would stay on the trees longer, but all it takes is a rainstorm and some wind and they are gone!

     • 106TH BIRTHDAY — Thanks to Carol Ropp for the following message: “I just wanted to send my annual notice about Henry Bachrach. Henry will observe his 106th birthday October 24th! He continues to reside in Naples, Florida.”

     Thanks, Carol. As of today, Henry Bachrach is 106 years and two days old. The Bachrach name is a very familiar one for those of us who have been around Decatur for a length of time. A belated Happy Birthday to Henry Bachrach — and many more!

     • CHECK out the Macon County ballot for the General Election that is printed on page 12 of the print and online editions. Next week’s Nov. 2nd edition will be the last paper we have before the official Election Day on Nov. 8. Be sure and vote!

     • I JOIN Brian Byers on WSOY’s Byers & Co. every Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. I’ve enjoyed visiting with Brian on Thursday mornings for nearly 20 years starting when WSOY was located on Pershing Road.