 When a seat opens between elections or, as in this case, when the
representative wins a different elected position in midterm, the
chairman of the board brings forth the recommendation of another
individual, who in this situation would need to reside in District
6, for the board to approve by vote.
Logan had planned to do this and had a candidate in mind, but
Tuesday night he said that he felt it would be better to allow the
new chairman and board this opportunity, as they would be working
together. "We can trust their judgment," he said.
Logan opened the floor for comments from those who would be
leaving.
District 1 representative Bill Sahs
"I think that it's been an exciting six years -- challenging,"
Sahs said. "We've had a lot of nice things happen. One of the things
I really appreciated has been the United Counties Council of
Illinois Leadership Academy."
Sahs took part in the first 12-month comprehensive leadership
development program designed for elected and appointed county
officials. The program was developed by the University of Illinois
and offered by UCCI at no enrollment cost.
Sahs and county coordinator Dewey Colter graduated with the
inaugural class in October 2006.
Sahs included in his high points the Sysco project, the windmill
project and moving the balloon festival to the Logan County Airport.
"I think there are a lot more nice things in store for the future of
this county," he said.
District 4 representative George Mitchell (On left in picture)
"I'm glad to be a part of it too," said Mitchell. "I'm indebted
to the people here and in other parts of the county government that
have done their best to help. They've made my stay a good one."
He was not happy because the board has five people leaving, but
rather he was happy about the positive aspect of five new people
coming in. "Getting people involved in this particular type of
endeavor is something that we need," he said.
Mitchell said that he has acquaintances and friends who make
crass remarks about government and county government. "The point is,
you don't know how something is until you've walked a mile in their
moccasins," he said, and he added: "If they would get out and try
it, they would have it (the experience) for the rest of their
lives."
Mitchell has 12 years of local government experience to his
credit: two four-year terms as alderman with the city of Lincoln and
the past four years on the county board.
District 6 representative Michael McIntosh
Comments from McIntosh: Well, I'm not really going away, just
changing spots. I really liked the experience. It's been great
working with all you guys, and I look forward to seeing you in the
future … well, maybe in this role here.
There were chuckles around the room. As the new Logan County
state's attorney, McIntosh would be called on occasionally to advise
the board or answer legal questions affecting county business. His
board experience would aid in this. He said that he would probably
even be attending meetings occasionally.
[to top of second column] |
District 6 representative Vickie Hasprey
To the future board members and others, Hasprey said: "I think
people do not realize until you get on the board that you are
limited to what you can do. You are limited. There is only so much
you can cut. There's only so much you can bring in. Until you're on
the board, until you understand finance and the way it's going, you
do the best you can. And, I think we've done the best we can in the
last four or five years that I've been on the board."
Hasprey wished to recognize the work that Logan County Regional
Planning Commission members Bill Martin and Bill Glaze have done in
bringing about the Logan County Comprehensive Plan. Also, she
thanked county highway engineer Bret Aukamp for his work in leading
the development of the county's geographic information system.
She understandingly put in a plug for the Legends subdivision.
Her husband, Keith, built the subdivision, which was before the
board on several occasions as it went through different phases.
"Working on the subdivision and animal control were a real
challenge," she said. "Thanks for hanging in there with me," she
told her fellow board members.
District 2 representative Dick Logan
"I want to thank you all," said Logan, the departing chairman. "I
know animal control is a big job; highway…" It seemed he was ready
to keep going through all the committees as he looked around at each
board member sitting before him, but he paused and said, "All of
them are important."
He continued, "We work together well. And I just appreciate it."
Thinking back, he commented: "I've been through a lot in 14
years. The John Logan Building wasn't there." (The courthouse had
become too crowded for space, and the county bought the building a
block away for additional space that includes the assessor's
office.) "The Indian maiden was over here, and now she's on the
other side. Scully Park didn't have a playground. There are a lot of
things that our board has accomplished over the last 10-12 years."
To the board, he said: "If anyone needs any information from me,
ever, don't hesitate to call. I'll be around and I'll be
willing to help wherever needed."
He concluded by saying, "Thank you all."
Sahs made the motion to adjourn. On the gavel's closing rap,
cheers went up.
Outgoing Logan County Board members during their
final work session.
At the table facing the camera - Michael McIntosh, George
Mitchell,Vickie Hasprey; in back of the rail in suit and tie, Bill
Sahs.
[By
JAN YOUNGQUIST] |
