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			 To the citizens of Lincoln, Illinois  
 At the age of 29, I, Seth Goodman, decided to do something 
			different. I decided to do something that would challenge me, engage 
			me, and allow me to work toward the betterment of our community. I 
			decided to run for Mayor for the City of Lincoln.
 
 Born and raised in Lincoln, one will note that I have never strayed 
			from our quaint little Midwestern town. I graduated from Lincoln 
			Community High School in 2006  and further went on to graduate from 
			Millikin University in 2010 where I graduated summa cum laude with 
			various honors. All the while attending college full time (junior 
			and senior years anyway), I was also selling real estate full time 
			here in Lincoln. Just a few short years ago, I purchased ME Realty  
			the top producing real estate agency in Lincoln/Logan County. 
			Additionally, I have been the top producing real estate agent for 
			the past seven years and have been fortunate to have been able to 
			have received local, state, and national awards. Currently, I am a 
			board member for Castle Manor, teach Jr. Achievement to area 
			students, serve as a board member on both the local as well as 
			regional board of directors for Jr. Achievement, and enjoy piloting 
			my hot air balloon, Done Deal!
 
			
			 As Mayor, I would be able to offer the ability to work with various 
			individuals  of all different ages and walks of life. The key to a 
			successful city in my opinion is to have an involved city. 
			Individuals typically want to be involved and not excluded. They 
			should be kept up to date with issues that are raised as well as be 
			able to participate in decisions that are made that will impact 
			their city as well as themselves individually. In running for Mayor, 
			I am certainly not doing it for myself, but rather for all us that 
			have made the decision to call Lincoln, Illinois our home. Currently 
			in my eyes, we lack transparency and knowledge. It is in my opinion 
			that decisions are oftentimes made abruptly, without the complete 
			understanding/satisfaction of those in charge. No large monetary 
			decision that will impact the City of Lincoln should be made without 
			full approval of those in charge as well as the remainder of the 
			citizens. One of the major issues currently facing Lincoln would be 
			our monetary state  which is definitely one left to be desired. We 
			as a small community cannot continue to outprice ourselves and make 
			large spending decisions hastily that hurt citizens as well as 
			endanger the future of our community. [to 
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			 As far as strengths  I am one that will never give 
			up on an issue until it has been resolved to the best of my ability. 
			I am a hard worker, I am dedicated, I am strong. I know when I am 
			right, but I also know when to back to down and trust the leadership 
			of those around me. I realize going into this position that I do not 
			know everything there is to know about small town 
			politics/government procedures. But I do however know that I have an 
			open mind, two hands that are fully able to work hard, and a heart 
			for anything and everything Lincoln. 
 One of my primary focuses would be to work with the youth within our 
			community. I oftentimes speak with various classrooms throughout 
			several area schools and stress the importance of hard work as well 
			as getting your foot in the door at a young age. I also mentor 
			students one on one and work with them to shape/build their future 
			plans as well as goals. Additionally, I strive to empower our youth 
			and to show them that anything is possible  regardless of age. 
			Anything is possible  regardless of location. That truly great 
			unheard of things can be accomplished in little old historic 
			Lincoln, Illinois. I am proof of that.
 
 If elected, I would make it my primary goal to serve you  the 
			citizens of Lincoln, Illinois  above all else. That involves having 
			an open door, being transparent, and being willing and open to fresh 
			innovative ideas at all times. We have a rich history, a wonderfully 
			centralized location, wonderful people, and the potential for 
			greatness in the future. However, we must all work together toward 
			the common good. Decisions must be made as a whole in an effort to 
			preserve who we are and where we want to go. Without proper 
			leadership, a community cannot thrive. I realize that I am not 
			perfect, that I may be young, lack political experience  but trust 
			me  I am capable, I am ready, and I am willing to lead OUR city 
			through tough times in an effort to enable Lincoln to flourish for 
			our upcoming generations.
 
 Your candidate for Mayor,
 Seth A. Goodman
 
			
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