 We've been growing in spite of ourselves. To really thrive, we need
to chart our course.As most of you know, I was an early proponent
of updating the county's regional plan. Now that it's finally
completed, we need to implement it.
The first step is to create a clear vision for the county's
future that we can all rally around.
An important part of that process is input from local residents.
I've had the privilege of talking with people throughout the county
about our future. I've been really impressed with their ideas. We
need to engage these folks in planning our future.
As we embrace our future, we need problem-solvers on the county
board. As a journalist, I have experience in getting to the bottom
of complex issues. I'm also a leader who's willing to tackle
challenges.
One challenge is finding new ways to create jobs and increase tax
revenue.
One possibility is to expand the county's travel and tourism and
industry.
With manufacturing in decline across the state, the county needs
to pursue other industries. Tourism is a logical choice.
Travelers spend $28 million a year in the county. Tourism employs
160 people here -- more than either Weyerhaeuser or the St. Gobain
factory. It also generates well over a quarter of a million dollars
in local sales tax a year.
Tourism requires very few public services. Visitors come here,
spend their money and go home.
We're sitting on a gold mine of opportunity. We have Abraham
Lincoln and Route 66 connections, Lincoln's downtown historic
district, and popular shopping and dining establishments. And, of
course the chamber organizes the county's premier tourism event --
the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival.
[to
top of second column]
 |
 Logan County has the potential to become a major tourist
destination like Galena. But, we need to be much more aggressive in
developing tourism.
One way is to open a visitor center just off the interstate on
the west side of Lincoln. Then the thousands of motorists already
getting off at that exit could be directed to tourist sites
throughout the county.
But tourism isn't the only road to economic prosperity. We need
to help existing businesses expand and attract new ones. I'd like to
see the county partner with private entities to develop a business
incubator project like they have in Robinson, Ill. There the town
helps local entrepreneurs develop their ideas and hone the business
skills they need to succeed.
Another economic priority in Logan County has to be agriculture,
an industry taken for granted for too long. As the absentee
mega-farmers move in with their high cash rents, it's not only local
farmers who suffer. Businesses who supply the farmers suffer. And
local merchants suffer, with fewer farmers to patronize their
businesses.
One way to help the ag industry is through ag tourism, such as
Gail's Pumpkin Patch in Beason. And the county can work with the
Illinois Finance Authority in helping farmers expand into niche
farming, such as wineries or organic farms.
But the county board has other pressing issues. That's why I'm in
favor of hiring a county manager. This person could manage the
county's day-to-day activities and could research issues the board
is considering. This would free up board members to focus on the
"big picture" and establish policy. Logan County is a $15 million
organization and should be run professionally.
Those of you who live in District 2, I'd appreciate your vote.
[Text from file
received from Jan Schumacher] |
