There is not just one reason that I have decided that it is time for a change to the DeWitt County Board..  There are several reasons. 

I have served on an elected community board in the past, and I know that it is a lot of work.  It also takes great commitment and time.  I was elected for three terms for a total of 12 years.  I also know that one cannot please everyone all of the time.  Most people run for office because they would like to make improvements for the good of the community in which they live. 

Some of those decisions may directly affect them.  Some may not.  When we are elected to a public office, we are to serve the people who elected us. 

I have had the opportunity to attend several DeWitt County Board meetings as well as many zoning board meetings this past year. 

The following are reasons that I see the need for a change to the DeWitt County Board:

    I have seen impatience and inappropriate comments made by some incumbent board members to other sitting board members who asked extra questions, needed further explanations, or wanted to modify proposed motions.  This is disrespectful in my mind.  All questions are worthy of consideration.  No one is above being asked for an explanation.

    I have witnessed some of the incumbent board members not voting to protect the public safety of those they were elected to represent .  For instance, some incumbents failed to vote for an amendment that would allow road work to NOT begin until the impacted drainage district agreed.  Our rural roads are our lifeline.  Why not consider this important?  In another motion, Alta Farms ll was asked to coordinate with ALL LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICE PROVIDERS.  This modification failed.  Why?  I would have liked to hear why this was not in the best interest of our county residents.

    I have also become aware that there is not a willingness by some incumbents to discuss proposals and/or compromise in some way.  Compromise and discussion can help make our county better.  It allows us, the citizens, to know that we are being heard.  It allows us to know that the board members are serving the public and not themselves. 

Public officials are elected to serve the public.  There is usually not only one right way.  There were many modifications proposed that would have made a huge impact for some people.  All were worthy of true discussion and compromise.  When some incumbent members decide that they no longer need to consider those who are most at risk of harm, then we need to elect other people.

It is time for a change. 

Please consider voting for Megan Myers in District C; Buck Carter, Jamie Prestegaard, and Aaron Kammeyer in District A for the DeWitt County Board. 

Respectfully submitted,

Joann Woolums

Clinton, IL  61727