Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Position Statement for Mayor

[February 18, 2017]  "Make Lincoln Home Again” is my position statement. I grew up in Emden but spent many hours in Lincoln at my grandmother’s house and Mrs. Darby’s School of Dance. After high school, I attended Illinois State University, then Sangamon State University, and the University of Illinois in Springfield. Of course, Lincoln became my home when I started my career at the Lincolnland Area Vocational Center at LCHS. Later, it became Lincolnland Technical Education Center. After years of teaching in the Business Department and earning my Master’s Degree, I became a Guidance Counselor. When people address me as Mrs. Rohlfs, I am pretty sure how I knew them. It is a feeling of belonging, a feeling of home.

However, my position statement is not about me, it is about the Citizens of Lincoln. We know that there is rapidly changing and what Lincoln was like as I grew up and began teaching here will never be the same. My position statement deals with how many of the citizens of Lincoln are feeling about the lack of respect and concern for their well-being, transparency and fiscal responsibility. Well over 150 years ago, Lincoln was built around integrity with groups of people who came here from European Countries. They came here to make this strange land their Home. As it became home it grew in significance because of Abraham Lincoln. We know where he stood as far as honor, respect, openness and communication. We know his values centered on those who were less fortunate and oppressed. Why do residents have those feelings at this time in history? What can we do to revive the feelings of belonging, being valued, and of feeling safe or having equal representation? Perhaps, we need to look at what this community has been through in the last five years, we need to face reality and we need to make some changes.

We are at that crossroad, we have the opportunity to accept the issues the city is facing and head toward an enhanced community which makes everyone feel at HOME. After having worked with the youth for most of my life, I know what they can bring to the table. Working with fellow teachers was inspiring because every age group had valuable contribution to bring to education. Various clubs and organizations at local and state levels have reinforced that productivity does not end at 40 or 50 years of age but carries upward and even becomes more intense with a greater appreciation than ever. Experience is always the best teacher. We need to capture all of the energies, skills, and genius that is out there to revitalize this community.

Experience comes from years of being involved and having direct contact in a variety of areas of life. It teaches one how to be collaborative, how to be a leader and how to be a follower. It increases one’s honor and humility. As far as the role of Mayor, my four years as an alderman and the last four years as a watch dog has given me knowledge and hands on experience with interaction with the city council. I have some in depth working relationships and strengths in the City’s working environment.

It is important to note that there is a correlation between the citizens and all employees of the city. The Mayor and City Council have the responsibility of being the connection between those departments and individuals. We need to educate each other, we need to motivate each other, and we need to keep focused on our role in city government. We have to value each other’s responsibility and accountability in carrying out our duties.

The focus of my administration would have to be on financial solvency and working to not only sustain our community but to rebuild and enhance as many aspects of our community as is possible. As the state has placed burdens on many communities in Illinois, we are faced with shortcuts. We have many projects in process which can impact the taxpayers substantially. We need to concentrate on how we can stay solvent.

Many people are still concerned about the loss of the Balloon Fest and want that revitalized. There are people who are questioning the misjudgment of the Logan County Alliance and how that has impacted Lincoln. Recently, we have seen or heard about the misgivings regarding the downtown TIF district. We do not ignore those concerns, so the city has to handle these issues.

I have a passion for the citizens in the City of Lincoln. I have the qualifications. I can take action now. I have the time and fortitude so the City would be my main priority. I have no connection with former leaders. If I am elected Mayor, my desire is to Make Lincoln Home Again.

Wanda Lee Rohlfs
217-735-2057

[Text from file received]