Dateline Will County

Dateline: Will County - Friday, April 18, 2008

Congratulations to Curt Paddock and the Land Use Department, along with the county’s preservation manager, Amy Munro, (see more on Amy below) and the Historic Preservation Commission for helping to preserve the history, tradition and rich heritage of Will County. I applaud their hard work and commitment to historic preservation.

Not only has the Commission done a great job in preserving our past, but is recognized on a national level as well. In fact, I recently received a letter from First Lady Barbara Bush declaring Will County as a Preserve America Community. Mrs. Bush is the honorary chairman of the Preserve America Initiative and understands that receiving this distinction is no easy feat.

Dateline: Will County - Friday, March 07, 2008

Well, we’ve made to March and hopefully the month will bring warmer days, more sunshine – and no more snow. Today’s column is going to consist of some of the news that has happened during the past several weeks that I hope you’ll find informative.

As you may have heard, for the first time in history, Will County will have a seat on the

Regional Transit Authority Board. The board serves as the corporate authority and governing body of the RTA and with this change in the governance structure, the board of directors will go from 13 to 16 members on April 1. With that in mind, I have recommended J. D. Ross, current executive director of the Will-Grundy Medical Center and former president of Joliet Junior College. I made the recommendation based on many factors, including his knowledge and competency. However, I also put forth his name because he is very respected throughout the community and known for his unbiased and ethical behavior.

Dateline: Will County - Friday, February 22, 2008

With the ongoing talk of growth and expansion in Will County, discussion regarding

the aging and shrinking workforce is often put on the back burner. However, our Workforce Investment Board at the County recently released a Workforce Indicator Report urging businesses and organizations to take action before the issue impacts the economy.

Our shrinking workforce is the result of many variables. However, retirement of the Baby Boomer generation and a slower growth in the labor force are the most visible causes. Baby Boomers (1946-1964) represent about 76 million individuals in the United States - many who will begin retiring within the next few years.

Dateline: Will County - Friday, February 08, 2008

Last Friday, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic (DCEO) held an information session in the County Board Room for not-for-profit organizations seeking funding to upgrade their Community Technology Centers (CTC). Known as Bridging the Digital Divide Grant Program, DCEO is offering grants up to $75,000 to help increase access to computers, telecommunications technologies and related training for populations residing in low income areas.

Although the session’s turnout was great, I want to make sure that all of you are aware of this excellent opportunity. With that in mind, I’m devoting this week’s column to providing additional information on the Digital Divide grant. With an application deadline of Friday, Feb. 15, there still is time to apply.

Dateline: Will County - Friday, January 25, 2008

It’s winter, it’s cold - and the giving spirit of the holidays is merely a memory. So what better time than now to feel warm again by doing something nice for others? Here’s my challenge to all of you… Which department can collect the most food for a very worthy cause?

During the week of March 3, the County Executive’s Office will officially kick-off a food drive for the Spanish Community Center in Joliet. As part of a countywide event coordinated by Will County Recorder Laurie McPhillips, each elected official will host a week of collections within their departments. With an average of 50 individuals receiving

weekly food pantry assistance at the Spanish Center, the hope is to offer one bag of groceries per person. I know we can achieve that goal and more during our week!

Dateline: Will County - Friday, January 11, 2008

Happy New Year to you all! It is my wish that 2008 brings you happiness, good health and prosperity. The New Year has kicked off with a flurry of activity. I’d like to highlight some of the recent news.

$2 million in federal funding: We expect to receive more than $2 million for county projects from the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The funds are a response to the Federal Agenda and Priorities submitted jointly to Illinois Congressional representatives in March 2007 by my office and the County Board. Legislators were asked to help alleviate “the tremendous stress Will County’s growth has placed on local infrastructure –

both human and physical.”