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[January 31, 2025]  To the Editor:

I am respectfully submitting this letter to the citizens of Ward 4 and everyone in this community. My hometown, Lincoln, Illinois.
 

The combined primary election is coming soon. I am humbling asking for your support and vote to once again allow me to be your voice as Alderman of Ward 4. Your selection on February 25th is an opportunity for you to elect me as your Alderman. A person who has served on your City Council in both Ward 4 and Ward 2. I was first elected in 1993 and was blessed to be re-elected for a 2nd term. Near the end of my 2nd term, I resigned due to moving to a home in Ward 2. I ran for office and served my constituents of Ward 2 for two more terms.

I want to make one thing very clear, during those nearly 16 years, my dedication to the city of Lincoln and the citizens within was never defined by boundary lines. I have previously, and if I am blessed with the opportunity to serve our community again, will do my very best to be your voice for the betterment of our community regardless of your street address. While my priorities will be focused on the constituents of Ward 4, we all drive on the same roads, pay the local taxes and deserve elected officials dedicated to improving the quality of life for us all.

Now for the portion of my letter that may cause some of you to stop reading. Honestly, this is where I admit and understand, it gets a bit too long.

My experience:
I proudly served under three previous Mayors.

Under the first mayor, as a political newcomer, I learned so much and to this day I am very proud of the accomplishments and advancements made. The economic development achievement during those years was a result of strong leadership and the proactive council members that I had the pleasure of serving with.
While serving under the last Mayor there were many talks about ways to “think outside of the box” to best serve the constituents of our community. I was Mayor Pro Tem and served as chair of the finance committee. Thinking and exploring new ideas, we went to D.C. and secured millions for our water treatment plant. We worked tirelessly to rebound from the loss of LDC. During this period, I was member of the Lincoln Logan County Economic Development Board of Directors. Our team landed the Sysco Distribution facility over 16 other communities trying to secure this facility, thus proving that hard work, dedication, and strong leadership does matter.

[to top of second column]

I have served, throughout my nearly 16 years as Chairman of the following committees: Finance, Fire, Police, Street and Alley, Sanitation, Building and Grounds and Ordinance.

Why am I running?

I am asking for your support for the very same reason I first ran for Alderman.
For the betterment of our community. To do my part, to the best of my ability, in a proactive manner and to move our community in a positive, forward direction.

Back when I first ran for Alderman. My 3 children were young. I served this community because I felt that I needed to do my part in preserving and improving the community that I was able to enjoy growing up.

Now, I am very proud that my adult children are near and I want to do my very best to enable my 8 grandkids (soon to be 9) to have the same opportunities to thrive, both educationally and safely in the community that I love.

I want the same for you and your family as well.

I have been in leadership roles for most of my adult life. I know that nothing comes easily. Leadership is compromise, willing to listen and accepting other ideas that are better than my own. Everyone's voice matters and I am humbling asking that you allow me to represent your voice as your City of Lincoln Ward 4 Alderman.

Sincerely,
Verl A. Prather
[Text from file received]

 

 

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