Wants to race again
After reading your editorial about the goldrush we are in for I wanted to confirm something. Before I moved to Minonk (in my younger years) I belonged to the Mustang Club of America. My local Chapter (near Joliet) would go to Indiana to find a raceway to run our cars on. There are specialty clubs of all sorts for many cars that use race tracks around the country. I enjoyed my time with that organization and hope to have a Mustang again someday. Maybe I'll even be able to drag it right here in my own community.Thanks for all your hard work, especially hard recently as there has been a lot for you to post. Jeffrey S. Carver
More racetrack comments
Dave, In response to Mr. Horwich's comments on Byron Dragway and the noise, Byron Dragway was built in the early to mid 60's when there was nothing but farmland around it. All the new housing developments that have been built over the last few decades near the track were fully aware that the track was there. So if they complain about noise, Who's fault is it? You also have to realize that there have been many advances in the way tracks have been designed so that they reduce noise levels. I would be more concerned about the Nuclear power plant in Byron,s back yard having a problem that could kill and cause major problems for hundreds of thousands of people. As a parent of teenagers I know how hard it is to find employment for them, this track is a god sent. Just the fact of knowing there will be jobs available for those who want them outshines any small problems that could arise. It's about time that Minonk moves away from being a bedroom community towards being self sufficent. I further believe Bob Hakes should be honored for being brave enough to get the ball rolling. His foresight has opened a new page in Minonk's history. Thank you, Chris Oakley
Thanks to all for racetrack
Dave, first of all I would like to thank you for your great website
that gives everyone an opportunity to voice their opinions and views.
Next I would like to voice my appreciation to the Mayor, City Council,
and Bob Hakes who made this an exciting and hopeful future for Minonk.
Our small community was in dire need of new businesses and I'm sure
this will put us on the map as a town of success and prosperity. And a
HUGE THANK YOU to the Racetrack Developers who believed in our town.
The next step will be to all work together and make this dream a
reality! Like the developers stated at the informational meeting last
Thursday, this will not happen overnight. So we will need to be patient
and give our support when is needed. Once again THANK YOU Randy Hellyer
and your fine group of developers of RPM.Susan Skaggs Drag racer applauds approval of race track
I want to commend the Mayor and City Council of Minonk with their
approval of the new racing facility.Your decision shows a very positive
approach to promoting growth in your area. As this project progresses,
other businesses will come because they realize the economic gain that
they can realize by being located near this facility. To the citizens
of Minonk, I am thankful for your support of this facility. I
personally am a drag racer and I would say that the vast majority of my
fellow participants are very professional and friendly people. Many of
us tend to support the people who support us by allowing us a place to
compete. Many of the competitors have mufflers on their vehicles
already and with the prevailing winds and the talk of the racetrack
trying to control the sound, noise shouldn't be a problem. If you
havent experienced a drag race yet, travel to one of the tracks such as
Cordova, Gateway, Byron or Route66 and check out the action. I wish
this track WAS in my backyard but I am happy that it is located within
25 miles of me. Jeff Spierling,Streator,IL Not in favor of Raceway
Not me! I use to love to go out at night and enjoy the peace and quiet
and then came I-39. Have you listened lately? Now I am not saying I-39
is not a good thing, it is! But you all need to go outside some night
and listen and then imagine the noise of 20 no exhausts hi performance
stock cars on top of what you hear, don't miss the big picture. I was
against the landfill too but at least it would have generated a lot of
jobs, I like the races too but like the landfill in someone else's back
yard, we would be giving up the smell and gaining a lot of noise,
please don't jump too quick. How about a golf course, a movie theater
or even a hi tech. racing simulator or maybe all three? It would give
the younger people a lot more to choose from. That's all I felt it
needed said. Thanks DaveDave Howell Editor's note: This letter was received last week but was without a name until now. That is why it was not printed last week. Thanks for approval Dave...I just have one quick feeling I need to express after last night's City Council Vote: WOO HOO!!! It's Approved!!! Thanks everyone!!! Joe Spence - Operations Manager RPM - "Home of the Jumbo" Thank you from the raceway developers Dave Uphoff and Minonk Residents... Your city name is correct! This really is a "good place". Ever
since we met with Bob Hakes and others on New Years Eve day, we have
been excited about the possibility of locating our racing facility in
your community. After the warm welcome we (and the IHRA)
received on the public information meeting on March 17th, we can't
imagine finding a better community to locate a major development of any
type. Since the Thursday meeting, we have already received 2
informal inquiries about the proposed commercial lots. So it looks like
our idea of more jobs and more taxes for the community will more than
likely be a big "WIN-WIN" for us, Minonk, the school district, etc. The
development team of R.P.M. wishes to thank everyone that attended the
Thursday night meeting! Also, thanks for all the supportive emails
generated from Minonk Talk and those submitting emails directly through
our website. Our goal is to help Minonk maintain and expand its status as a "GOOD PLACE!" Joe Spence - Operations Manager of the proposed I-39 Raceway Park Minonk "Home of the Jumbo" Support for mayoral candidate
I am giving my support to Bill Koos. The reason for this is simple.
Last December I was given a ticket for violating the automotive
ordinance here. I paid the $194.00 fine and was given till Jan.17th. to
have the van up to date. On Jan. 3rd I had legal plates on the van. In
Feb. I was given a summons to appear in court on contempt of court. I
called Bill Koos and asked him what I was doing wrong, the summons did
not say. He said he did not know but would get back to me. Let me say I
have never met him or talked to him before this. I then called the
mayor and left him a message. The next day he had not called back so I
called him again. He said he did not know what the ordinance was and
did not offer to help find out what I was doing wrong. In fact he told
me that it was basicly only enforced if someone complained. I told him
of a yard right behind me that has had several cars in there yard for
YEARS WITH NO PLATES ON THEM and they are still there. So I guess with
him it is who you know. Back to Mr.Koos. He called me back three
different times to check on progress. Bill will listen to the little
fish in town. He not only listened to me but checked back. By the way,
after taking off a day from work to go to court the charge was thrown
out. Thank you Bill for checking in with someone you did not even know.Larry Tasker Racetrack great opportunity for Minonk Dave,I've
been reading about the proposed race track in Minonk, and although I
don't live there anymore, I'm putting my 2-cents in anyway. I
see both sides of the issue, but I have to go with growth. I think that
the track would be a good thing for the city. Isn't economic progress
what you need there? I do know that down here, we have several tracks,
one in Austin, another in Waco, plus others. Sure,
there are draw backs like noise, but the money is there. All tracks
down here do very well. Plus, they bring in other businesses like food
services and shops with racing items to sell, plus jobs for local
people. I have to agree with Sherry Willis when she wrote that Minonk
should welcome these developers, and get on with doing something
positive about new businesses coming into the city. Lately, I've seen
more buildings being torn down there, so I think it’s time to build
something positive. In
my opinion, this is a great opportunity for Minonk and I think it will
benefit the entire community once it is in place. Go for it! Art Kettelhut Round Rock, Texas Response to answers from mayoral candidatesDear Dave: This is in response to Christina Jenkins' questions which she recently posted here. Christina
first asks the candidates to state their positions on the proposed
racetrack. I am strongly in favor of this development. I am proud to
say that with the help of others I help convince the developers that
Minonk was the right place to build a racetrack. The
track would have a significate positive impact on Minonk. All the
taxing bodies would benefit. It would make Minonk a destination for
people to come and enjoy the racing and also spend their money at our
current businesses and also businesses it would attract. In addition it would end the threat of a landfill on that property for all time. I
have been trying to think about what in Minonk's history to compare
this to, but this is so big there is nothing to compare it to. I
encourage everyone to come to the official announcement this Thursday,
March 17 at 7:15 p.m. in the Fieldcrest High School gym to get more
information about this development. I know the city, both the city government and the people of the city will work hard to see this become a reality. Christina also asks whether the candidates are in favor of maintaining a full time ambulance staff. Yes,
I am strongly in favor of maintaining a full time ambulance staff. We
owe it to the people to ensure that medical help is not far away. Also
maintaining a quality ambulance staff with full time and volunteer
staff is an economic development issue. No business wants to come to a
city that cannot provide quality emergency medical services in a timely manner. That
is why I was so proud of all the people who helped to resolve this
issue last year. Working together we made it possible to hire a
full-time staff. As
Chairman of the Public Safety Committee for 6 of the 7 1/2 years I
served as an Alderman I have had a up close and personally look at the
quality people we have on the ambulance staff. Not many of us can do or
want to do what they sometimes have to do many times a day. We need to
support them in every way possible. I think and I hope I have done that
as an Alderman and now as Mayor. And
just a brief note on how it is going, response time are down,
membership in the squad is up and the ambulance is paying for itself.
You can't hardly beat that. I
look forward to seeing how Mr. Koos answers this question since he was
the only alderman to vote against hiring a full time staff. Thanks
again Christine for your questions and thank you Dave for providing
this forum for discussion. These are the issues I always hoped this
campaign would be about. Mark Spencer Candidate for Re-Election for Mayor
Opinions on several issuesDave, I've been sitting silent for too long. I'm offering my opinions for several issues that have been addressed recently... Editorial: An editorial IS a person's opinion. I did not see anywhere in Mr. Buchanan's
editorial that he was speaking for the entire council. He was
expressing how he feels as a council member. Everyone is entitled to
their opinion. I'm so glad to have the option of having a venue to
express our opinions (thanks Dave for all your hard work). I'm
guessing (just a guess) that Mr. Buchanan offered an editorial
writeup...maybe more people should step up to the plate and offer one. I'd
like to see Editorials from Mayor Spencer and Mr Koos (in their own
words and submitted to Dave). I want to hear what their plan is for the
future of Minonk. Most of what we've seen in writeups/flyers is what
they've done. What do they want to do and how do they expect to do it? Tell us why we should cast our vote for you? Sign removal/vandalism: On
the sign/vandal issues...this has been going on here for a very long
time (as well as every town). This is NOT due to any lack of parenting
or parental political views. The bottom line is that there is nothing
for our kids to do here (not every kid skateboards). These kids are
bored. Yeah, it still doesn't give them a right to do this stuff. We
cannot keep our eyes on them 24/7. We need to allow our children to be
independant and eventually make their own decisions, whether right or
wrong. These teens responsible for the recent activities will learn
their lesson and unfortunately will learn the hard way. The charges
from this recent incident will haunt these teens the rest of their
lives. We try the best we can to lead our children in the right
direction. Unfortunately, it's not real easy these days as there's all
the outside influences trying to work against you. All this comes from
a parent of a 14 year old boy and 11 year old girl. Our 14 year old has
recently decided what direction he wants to go. He had to come up to
this decision on his own. We're proud of the decision he made. Race Track opportunity: Our
Son has expressed his excitement over the possibility of the race track
and hopes to be able to get jobs up there over the summers. The track
will give our boys something to do (not to single out boys, but there
are more things for girls to do here than boys). Most boys don't enjoy
babysitting or working food serviced based jobs. I sure hope we don't
pull a Brimfield here and not accept these developers into our
community. We need this! Let's welcome the developers into our
community!!! My
Husband and I heard a comment about Woodford County having it's say
over this race track development. We heard a comment that since it's
not being developed in Eureka, the county will probably not accept it. Does
anyone know how much influence the county has if we all except this as
a community? Can they knock it down? Why would they if it would benefit
the county too? I'd like to hear responses from what others think on
this. Sherry Willis Minonk Woodford County Tobacco Coalition invites membersThe
Woodford County Health Department would like to invite two or three
community members from Minonk to be a part of the Woodford County
Tobacco Coalition. We are a group that plans and implements anti
tobacco policies in Woodford county. BE HEARD! Please join us, it is a
minimal time commitment. We meet at the Eureka Woodford County Health
Department four times a year for approximately an hour and a half. If
you are interested and passionate about tobacco issues in your
community that apply to all age groups, PLEASE call Jill Hageman at
309-467-2371 x4709 to find out how to attend our April meeting. Just
think, you could help save a life!! Jill Hageman Reply for signs, ordinances, etc.When
people are having signs put in their yard, and they are not being asked
if this is ok, then it is the owners right to pull the signs and do
what he or she feels fit to do. Some people say they wait for the whole
story before putting anything down. Well, we know that this is not
true. I myself believe that everyone has a right to support whoever
they want and that the childish games of the signs being removed should
stop. It is also easy to say that everything is ok now, and let the two
candidates get on with other more important things. That is difficult
to do, while one candidates signs are still all over town , and the
other candidate has to start over again because almost all of his signs
were taken down. I will not lie. I am for Mayor Spencer, as you can
tell, but I would also stop someone from tearing down a Koos sign,
because I believe that everyone has a right to their opinion. Now
on another note. Mr Buchanan said that we have the worst looking town
around, or something to that effect. Mr Buchanan also said we have one
of the best ordinance laws that you can have. Well, the part about the
town I do not agree with. About the best law, we might. But what Mr
Buchanan, and alot of other people, do not understand is just because
you think there is a violation does not make it so. Also, there are
many things that you have to go through to get something fixed. It is
not like you can just go up to a house and say fix it or else. Fixing
things take time. Some people do not want to hear that, but many more
understand it. There are proper processes and procedures to go through,
before the time for a ticket comes. (Other actions are taken prior to a
ticket being issued.) So, Mr Buchanan, when you state that nothing is
being done, maybe you should find out the facts before you state your
opinion. I
believe that Mr Buchanan stated something about the vandlism being done
in Minonk. Well, guess what? We are not alone. Every town has it, and
you will never fix it all the way. I do not care if you have one
policeman on duty, or you have twenty officers on duty, no one can be
everywhere at all times. I also do not know of anyone that is going to
do something, stand there, and wait for an officer to show up before
doing it. Also there are many times when an arrest has been made, and
the officer has to take someone to jail. Now the officer has to leave
town to do this, because the officer can not just have that person
drive themself to jail. So I again say find out your facts before you
decide to put people down. If you want to help the problem start
neighborhood watch programs and get involved. Mr. Jackson had some good
ideals. Maybe you should re-read what he wrote. David Jenkins Minonk
Glad sign vandals are caughtI
am glad to hear that the individuals responsible for the sign vandalism
were finally caught and admitted to what they had done. Now all the
finger pointing and accusations can be put to rest and Mayor Spencer
and Candidate Koos can concentrate on the real issues facing Minonk. It
is really unfortunate that something like this caused several peoples
names to be drug through the mud and accused of something before anyone
really knew what happened. Talk about "dark ages"!!! I am glad I waited
to get the whole story and waited to see who was responsible for the
vandalism before I posted anything on this website or discussed it in
public. This whole ordeal has reinforced to me that I have made the
right decision of who I am backing for Mayor. Jason Buchanan Explanation for pulled signsTo Whom May Be Concerned, This is regarding particular political signs that were placed in our deceased parents yard. Recently
political signs were posted at this location without the permission
from the owner, which now happens to be the daughters of the deceased
Minonk couple. Upon arriving to start a dreaded task of cleaning out
our parent's house, we noticed some political signs in the yard. We
pulled the signs and disposed of them. We felt that there was no need
to put the signs in the yard since there was no one in this house to
support either party. All three of us daughters live outside the Minonk
voting area. This was not an immature act or an act to support one or
the other parties running for mayor, simply a removal of signs due to
lack of permission by the owners to put them there. Not
only did we hear the uproar over the missing signs, but our spouses and
children came under attack also. I really think that the people of
Minonk should focus on more important issues that need to be dealt with
than a few missing signs from a residence where people no longer live. We
three surviving children have had an extremely difficult time these
past months with losing two beloved parents in such a short time. We
find your sign problem very insignificant in light of other matters. We were asked to send this note on Minonk Talk by a resident so that all would know the REAL reason the signs were pulled. Signed The daughters of Bob & Geneveive Walls... Jill, Brenda & Karen Stray cat problemDave,
Is
it just me or are others in town having a problem with stray cats? The
day I found the pile of red feathers was the last straw............they
had killed a cardinal! Actually, the cat owners in my neighborhood are
very responsible and I have called all around the surrounding couple of
blocks to find out who these cats belong to and no one seems to know.
So where are they coming from? I've heard there might be a problem over
on 10th Street at the trailer court. When I called the city I was
pretty much told to kill them or dump them, and when I called the
animal control in Eureka I was told that they don't do cats! (maybe
they should change their name to Dog Control then instead of Animal
Control). I don't want to hurt these animals, I just want them out of
my yard. I love to feed the birds and I have a pond with fish and I
feel that it is my right to have these things in my yard without having
to worry about irresponsible pet owners letting their cats come into my
yard and destroy them.
Joanie Miller Racetrack will provide jobs for young peopleDave, I've
just read your editorial regarding the possibility of the racetrack
development. While I have some mild concerns about the noise having
come from a city with a 1/4 mile dirt track with races every Friday
night, I agree with you that it is a wonderful opportunity for the city
of Minonk. One thing that I haven't heard mentioned is the
opportunity for the young people of Minonk. Since moving here in 2002,
my wife and I have heard people talk about the lack of jobs for the
teenagers, particularly the young men. The seasonal jobs that are being
talked about with this racetrack will be exactly the types of jobs that
can be filled by the teenage workforce, ticket takers, parking,
concessions, custodial, etc... If this community is really as concerned
about their youth as they seem to be from all the talks about the
schools, I would think that the decision in the community would be
unanimously for the development of this racetrack. Keep up the good work with the website Sincerely Jeffrey Carver Missing signsDave I just read the letter from Sherry Stalter. I was about to email you about the two signs missing from my own yard. This
is the acts of a few people who are not adult enough to conduct
themselves as such. This is not only the actions of losers but shows me
that I have made the right choice in who's sign I decided to place in
my yard. My neighbor has an opposing sign in his yard yet it remains,
Huh! What does that tell you? I will protect his right to have his sign
and report anyone I see tampering with it. Like I said in my original
letter to you, " if the choice is going back to the dark ages of Minonk
politics or moving forward I choose Mark Spencer". Bob Jackson Minonk Ripping up campaign signs an immature actDave,
Your
site is hopping lately with all of the latest school happenings and the
city of Minonk happenings. I would like to commend you for doing a
great job.
On another note, as I was getting ready this
morning for work, my husband came home after taking our daughter to the
bus stop to tell me about "Mark Spencer" signs ripped out of peoples
yards during the night. Some were laying in the middle of the road and
others were completely missing. I know the community is aware that this
is not going to be a very pretty election, but sometimes that is the
democratic way. We do not need to act like immature people. How poor of
someone to do this. "Shame on you!!" to whoever did this act. It makes
a person mad and the first reaction is to do the same back to the
opponent, but that is not the answer. I hope this was not an act of
Bill Koos or his supporters, but maybe a kid doing it as a joke. I also
hope that Mark Spencer and his supporters do not do the same to Mr.
Koos's signs. This was an issue on the news several nights ago
regarding signs being taken out of yard and ripped in half down in
Peoria. Does one not realize the cost and time put into these signs?
Think about this before you do it again.
Once again this
touches on the issue that Jason Buchanan mentioned regarding the
vandalism happening in our community. We do need to crack down on this
issue and if some parents or kids get mad, so be it!! People need to
take pride in their community and be proud enough to do so.
In
closing I just ask that both sides have the maturity not to do such
acts of destruction. We need to be proud of where we live - so "Show It
and Prove It"!!!
Sincerely, Sherry Stalter
|
Clarification on quote from Mr. Horwich
I believe there is a misunderstanding concerning my prior post. I was the one who posted, not Mr. Horwich. Please see the bottom of the letter for my name.I was simply quoting him. Also, please note that the quote from Mr. Horwich's show was not regarding the Byron racetrack. The point of my prior post was and remains: I am concerned about the noise level for myself and for others. Again, thank you for your time. Karen Jones
Who is Jeff Horwich?
Who is Jeff Horwich from Minnesota Public Radio to be commenting on Minonk's decisions? Martha Eikenmeyer Owens
Raceway opinion
Dave, I am surprised by the number of people in favor of this raceway. Are the citizens of Minonk unaware of the noise level this project will generate? There are quite a few houses south of the athletic field that will be affected, as well as those further away. My step-brother attests that the drag strip in Byron can be heard for miles away, so you can bet all of Minonk should be privy to weekend events. The owner of the development by the new Millenium Park might lose out as well. I realize this may be an opportunity for Minonk, economically. However, how many people in Minonk choose to live here based on econmonic development? Will people want to purchase homes, knowing that 6 mos out of the year, every weekend they will have to deal w/noise, dust and increased pollution? I personally purchased our home here because I love the small quiet town. Here's an excerpt from Minnesota public radio to think about.....By Jeff Horwich Minnesota Public Radio If it's Thursday in the summer, that means it's race-day in Willmar. The city features stock car races every week at the Kandiyohi Racing Association Speedway, just blocks from downtown. But the thrill of one of the Minnesota's hottest summer sports is wearing thin for some who live close to the track. Even if you don't have a ticket, you can still get a good dose of stock car action from Jeff Peterson's front yard. The retired science teacher lives just across the road and perhaps 100 feet from the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds. The smell, the grit, the roar of the race: Peterson says he's got it all. On race night, his house at first looks deserted; every window is shut, with the shades drawn tight. "We're gonna feel the windows shake, sometimes we might feel the house shake a little bit," he says. "A few years ago we had somebody with a decibel meter go out in the street here and it was over 100 decibels, which is unacceptable according to the pollution control people." Racing here has grown in frequency and popularity over the past decade. This summer it happens every Thursday night for 15 weeks. "In the morning," Peterson says, "you can go out there and there's dust all over the car. You can't hang out laundry." Thank you for your time. Karen Jones Editor's note: There will be no dirt tracks in this raceway.
Congratulations Minonk Dave,Wow,
I can't tell you how excited I am that Minonk is going to get the race
track! This will be a huge stepping stone for future growth. At last,
some progress for Minonk's future, and a wonderful outlet for family
fun! As
a former resident, I am vitally interested in Minonk. I've always had,
and will have a special place in my heart for this town. After all,
it's where I was raised, and I still have many friends around the area. That's all I wanted to say. Just a little note of congratulations for the city. Keep on growing! Best wishes to all, Art Kettelhut. "Meet the candidates" night very informative Dave I
attended the "meet the candidates night" at city hall this evening. I
can say that the voters who did not attend this meeting missed a very
well organized and informative meeting. I still stand firm in my
support of Mayor Spencer, although I would like to thank Mr. Koos for
responding to the questions I had posted on Minonk Talk which could
have been easily addressed on Minonk Talk without fear of harming the
political process or casting Minonk in an unfavorable light. Thanks Bob Jackson Minonk Let's not gag the internet Dave With
exception of the importance of every single vote, I couldn't disagree
with Mr. Ruestman more. I believe that with the advent of the internet
and sites like Minonk Talk, it gives the voters an open avenue to ask
and receive answers to the many questions that this or any other
communities residents might be seriously concerned about. Not every
citizen is able to attend these open meetings or able to get an
unbiased answer second hand. They are then left with hearsay, innuendos
and half truths which by the way are still half true. I think coddling
Mr. Hellyer or worrying about newcomers to the community is a copout. I
would think that Mr. Hellyer or families looking to locate in this area
would welcome a place where their thoughts or opinions could be voiced
and not sequestered because there is no mediator. As an American I do
not take my right to speak out or vote for granted. I believe that all
avenues aimed at getting educated on the issues whether internet, open
forum or one on one are very important to this community and it's
voters, and if MY questions of any alderman or candidate in this race
are perceived as slanted, biased, negative, political bomb shells or
harming the political process then I apologize for wanting to uncover
the truth. I think all the questions I posted earlier are important to
me and do merit a response. Bob Jackson Minonk Get Educated on the Issues Dear Residents of Minonk,
Obviously there is a very contested mayors race in the City of Minonk.
Good debate and dialogue is an excellent way to choose a candidate for
any office. Although I do not think the Minonk Talk e-mail is the
proper place. It appears to me that a lot of innuendos and half truths
are beginning to be slung in this forum. One of my main concerns is
that this ugly type of political lambasting may in fact be harmful to
the future of Minonk and it's possibility of development. Obviously,
Randy Hellyer and his fine group of people read Minonk Talk. We do not
want them or anyone else interested in Minonk to think we are a
community of people that can't debate both sides of the issues in a
civilized way. If a family is thinking about relocating to Minonk and
visit Minonk Talk the negativity may in fact influence their choice to
a different city.
The best and most effective way of choosing a political candidate for
any office, from the President of the United States to Mayor of Minonk,
is to public debate. The fairest and most efficient way to do this is
the candidates each answer the same set of questions from an impartial
moderator. Simply hurling slanted and biased questions at a candidate
does not tell you anything about how he or she will serve their
constituents. Some questions may be designed to favor a particular
candidate while some very important issues may never be addressed.
I think the people who are truly undecided about their choice for mayor
should personally contact both candidates and make their decision or
attend the public forum on Tuesday, March 22nd where both candidates
will be present. Airing negativity and launching political bombs on the
internet will do nothing but harm the political process that we as
Americans have come to take for granted.
Make your choice for mayor based upon what you personally have obtained
yourself, not what someone else tells you. Remember your single vote
may be the one that decides the result of the race. Be sure you are
well educated on the issues, the past service of each candidate, and
the political philosophies of each. But most important be sure to vote.
Rodney Ruestman Former Woodford County Sheriff and Former Woodford County Board Member Editor's
note: It is this website's policy to print all letters that are signed,
have no profanity, and are less than 500 words in length. I believe in
the First Amendment right of free speech and do not want to manage the
news. However, I urge letter writers to refrain from using innuendos
and non-verifiable statements. I wish this to remain a respectable
website that provides a forum for civil discourse.
Response to Christina Jenkins
First off I am glad I gave you a laugh today. But to call me a liar is
showing what kind of person you might be. I was talking from a true
experience. Just because Mr.Koos may not want to respond to MinonkTalk
does not mean anything. Maybe he figures even with a full page on this
site he cannot explain his views. Reading something you can read what
you want. To the PEOPLE OF MINONK if you base your vote based on if he
responds to this site or not, that is your decision but first try
giving him a call or going to the Meet the Mayoral candidates on
Tuesday. I believe if he blows you off then, by all means vote for
Spencer if you want. In a small town like this I base my decison on
personal experience over views by the candidates, not saying I agree or
disagree with some on both sides. He is only one vote. This is not a
dictatorship. If he is for something you are against, the whole council
has to vote on it. So for him to get his way the others would have to
agree with him. So I would want someone who would listen instead of
talk over you. Again I was just showing my support for someone other
than yours. Maybe this letter can bring you another laugh. Have a nice
day.Larry Tasker Still waiting for answers to email questions
It has been nearly a week since I submitted an email to Minonk Talk
with questions for both mayoral candidates. To my surprise, only one
candidate has bothered to address my concerns. This bothers me. How
much time is needed to answer two simple questions, questions that are
the meat and potatoes of this election?!?Today
I read an email from Larry Tasker who states, "Bill will listen to the
little fish in town." I laughed when I read this statement because it
is apparent from the lack of response to my email by Bill Koos that
this statement is false. If
I am not important enough to have my concerns addressed (and they are
valid concerns)- then citizens of Minonk should question whether this
candidate is the best choice for their town because it is quite
possible that someday you could be deemed "unimportant" too. Then your
concerns would then be ignored, just like mine have been. And
if Bill Koos would like to pointlessly argue that he is justified in
ignoring me because I am not a citizen of Minonk, fine, what is his
excuse for ignoring the email questions from Sherry Willis? Unless she
moved this morning, she IS a citizen of Minonk! Her email has been
ignored as well. There you go Minonk voters---what a
wonderful example this candidate is showing you. Bill Koos, why are you
afraid to address my concerns? What are you hiding? The clock is
ticking.......I'm waiting. Christina Jenkins PS.
Thank you Mayor Spencer for taking the time to answer my questions. The
fact that you see the importance of responding to email on this site
shows the citizens of Minonk that YOU are at least interested in
people's concerns------no matter who the concerns come from. Questions for mayoral candidate Dave I
read the emails from Christina Jenkens and Sherry Willis. Like them I
have many questions about this mayoral race. I have seen the
accomplishments of our incumbent mayor, so now let me ask some pointed
questions of his challenger Mr. Koos. You are the only alderman to
oppose the hiring of a full time ambulance squad, is this correct? With
a high school, grade school, nursing home facility, factories, baby
sitters and a constituency ranging from infants to seniors, why on
earth would you vote against something this crucial to our community?
What was your premeditation? I have heard that you were initially
against the race track locating in Minonk. Is this true? Are you
currently opposed to this development? I have heard that you are
running your campaign with the sole intent of re-staffing the Minonk
police department. Is this true? If so how do you intend to accomplish
that and with whom? I have also heard that as recently as last year
2004 you were seeking employment outside the state of Illinois. Is this
true? If so are you currently seeking employment that would take you
away from your commitment to the citizens and voters of Minonk? Except
for the ambulance vote, these are just a few of the rumors that can be
heard around town, or are they? I honestly would like to see a reply. Bob Jackson Minonk Memories of Kent Lumber and CoalHello Dave, It
was interesting in watching the progress of the tearing down of Kent
Lumber. I remember when it was called Kent Lumber And Coal (I believe),
because we used to have our coal delivered from them at home. The
truck would pull up to the side of our house, and load it down through
a chute into the basement. It was my job to see that the furnace bin
was kept full, so it could feed into the furnace. As always, it’s sad to see old landmarks come down, but in these days and times, changes come fast. Well,
I just wanted you to know that I appreciate your story on Kent Lumber,
and the pictures. It’s great to keep up with Minonk with your site. Thanks again, Art Kettelhut Wants answers from mayoral candidatesI
have been reading, with much interest, the opinions in this email
section concerning the city of Minonk Mayoral race. Although I do not
live in the city of Minonk, I would like to ask a few questions because
ultimately, I am affected by the answer. I
think the candidates should answer the following questions on this
website. Voters need to know without a doubt where each candidate
stands on these issues. Answering on this website is crucial, because
those who do not buy the paper, or attend council meetings read this
site. This would also combat the "grapevine" problem that Minonk seems
to be plagued with as of late. I have always been one who believes
people should "put it in writing," so I would like to see the
candidates do just that and answer the following questions. 1.)
I would like to know how each candidate feels about the proposed
racetrack, and whether they will work with the developers and welcome
this racetrack to town. If the racetrack is not supported, I would like
to know WHY that candidate feels the way they do. 2.)
What is the opinion of each candidate concerning maintaining a
full-time ambulance personnel in Minonk? Will the ambulance ever be in
jeopardy of being cut due to costs, with ElPaso EMS hired out to cover
the district? Should
I ever need an ambulance, I would call Minonk. I have many reasons for
doing so, but the most important are the skill of the personnel, and
the speed with which calls are responded to. My son attends school in
Minonk, and I have many extended family members who live in Minonk.
Should any of them need an ambulance, it comforts me to know that
emergency personnel are less than 5 minutes away, as opposed to an
average of 20. I should think Minonk residents would be concerned about
this as well, which I am sure was why the full-time crew was designed
in the first place. Therefore, electing a mayor that will realize and
protect the Minonk EMS is a must. As
far as a racetrack is concerned, it is my opinion that if a mayoral
candidate cannot support economical growth for the community by
endorsing the proposed racetrack that would provide said growth, then
the citizens need to know. If revenue isn't generated for our schools
by economic growth, then it will most likely result in higher taxes
(even when property values aren't increasing). I for one do not care to
pay higher taxes. I think I know how one candidate feels about the
racetrack, but I have never heard the stance of the other. I look
forward to reading the responses from each mayoral candidate. Christina Jenkins No mud here!!!Dave I
feel that certain phrases from my previous e-mails to you, have been
plagiarized as a veiled reprimand for my thoughts and opinions. In my
original email to you about the school boards decision, I referred to
the board as a whole governing body. I did not use your forum to single
out any one individual, nor did I drag anyone's name through the mud. I
simply stated my opinion. Which leads me to an issue with a member of
our city council who was given an editorial spot on Minonk Talk. "State
of Minonk". Correct me if I am wrong , but aren't there six council
members and a mayor that govern Minonk? So, how is it that one
individual has the power or authority to speak for all those elected
officials? I thought the article was rife with platitudes and should
never have been given editorial statues, but merely the opinion of one
alderman. Referring to the matter of the vandals being caught and it is
all over, I take issue with that as well. I was a victim of this crime
and yet, I do not know who the perpetrator(s) are because of their
minor status. I know I am not allowed to know their names ,but what
about their parents names and or parents political slant? What part, if
any did parental guidance or misguidance play in this crime? Was it
condoned? Who's campaign sign if any are in their parents yards? For me
there are many unanswered questions and yet still no mud from me. I
stick by all of my original statements as I have yet to make any
comments that I feel were inappropriate or disrespectful. Also, I am
unable to forget about right and wrong as one would suggest. I think it
is wrong to steal signs from yards. I think it is wrong to place signs
in the lawns of the deceased. I think it is wrong to use ones position
to impose political beliefs or pressure on ones employees or
subordinates. I think it is wrong to place signs in unregistered voters
lawns. I think it is wrong to place signs in tenants lawns unless
requested by the tenant . I think it is wrong for one individual to
assume he speaks for the entire city council when in fact he does not.
I think it is wrong for Alderman Buchanan to assume that he can
intimidate anyone who feels they need to voice their opinion on Minonk
Talk. I do know right from wrong. I think it was right that I requested
a Re-elect Mark Spencer sign and was not strong-armed by anyone to do
so. I think Mark Spencer is the RIGHT man for the job as Mayor of
Minonk.
Bob Jackson Minonk
Editor's comment:
Editorials published on this website by other individuals do not
necessarily represent my opinion. This website is a public forum for
those who wish to speak their piece whether it is through an editorial
or an email. Minonk community needs to get involvedFrom
what I can tell, Mr. Buchanan is frustrated with the status of our
political and governmental situation. I'm not trying speak for him.
This is just my understanding and opinion. The point I want to make is
that all of us, the entire Minonk community needs to get involved. We
need to write our alderman letters. We need to ask for information, we
need to participate. I truly believe that our mayor and alderman care
about what they are doing. That they are trying and that the system can
be improved if the citizens attend the meetings, if the citizens write
letters and if the citizens consider their individual needs but also
respect the needs and opinions of their neighbors. I think we all need
to forget about right and wrong. We need to acknowledge the full nature
of a situation by talking about the perceived positives and negatives
and then make a decision on what policy to support. There are checks
and balances in our system. I think the citizens need to step up more
and participate before a single problem that affects them greatly
sparks a rare trip to the council meeting. Politics gets depressing
when the vocal few only speak of the pros of an issue or only represent
their needs. I respect and appreciate the service of our
representatives. I don't agree with the procedures and level of
communication by all parties. I've made my support of Bill Koos public
by allowing the sign in my yard. That being said I fully respect Mr.
Spencers right to run and participate. I too offer any service I can
provide to help him get his message out.
John Hawk Reply to vandals sign removalThe
only signs that have been accounted for are the signs that were located
at 433 E. 7th. The article explained that the property owners removed
THOSE signs. There is still no explanation for all of the other stolen
signs. The property owners did not give anybody permission to place any
signs there. Mrs. Freeman Cat email appallingI
think it is appalling that someone would not only write in talking
about the possibility of having to resort to killing cats in her
neighborhood because she doesn't like them, but including a picture as
well. I understand that coming home to a dead bird isn't the most
pleasant sight but has it gotten to the point where all cats in the
neighborhood are in danger of being killed? Maybe neighbors of Ms.
Miller do not appreciate her bird sanctuary which more than likely
results in bird droppings all over everything. I
know that people who live on the west edge of town have, in addition to
cats, problems with possums, coons, geese and foxes. So I guess a small
cat problem doesn't seem so bad. Have
we come to the point where we don't have anything better to complain
about than stray cats? Really, there are much bigger issues going on in
Minonk that we can be concerned about and involve ourselves in to
solve. Lacy Orabutt Fieldcrest students want racetrackI
whole-heartedly agree with Martha Eikenmeyer Owens about the racetrack.
Being a high schooler doesn't help every time the school wants the
community to vote on a referendum. If the racetrack gets built, the
NHRA (National HotRod As.) might recgonize the school district and
maybe even, if we're lucky, fund the schools in our area.
After
doing some research, I found out that the average drag strip alone
offers 150 jobs! This is a lot of jobs. Better security would be
needed, pushing the police dept. on getting more full-time officers to
secure the town. Improved rescue and fire teams would be needed to help
out in the event of an accident. Racing channels, such as Speed Channel
or Nascar, would bring in publicity that would put this town on the map.
Being
a 16-year-old probably means that I can't vote on this decision, but on
behalf of most of the students at Fieldcrest High, we would like the
racetrack to be built.
Our town is said to be the first town
with electric street lights. If that is true, lets keep going with it
to Minonk, Illinois to have the first racetrack/dragstrip in the area.
Kelby M. Tarmann Greetings from HollandI
found your site when looking for information about Illinois. Very nice
and informative. I made a link from my website, so everyone can enjoy
it. When placing this link is a problem, please let me know and I will
remove it from my site. You can find my website at: http://jkersten.topcities.com.
Greetings from Holland
Jan Kersten Supports racetrackI
am really impressed with the fact that someone (Randy Hellyer) sees
some very positive value in locating in Minonk. The size of the
proposed racetrack, the jobs it would create, and the tax money it
would generate for both the city and the school district are all very
positive factors for Minonk...and it could not come at a better time
given the financial state of the school district. I
won't be there to hear all the pros and cons, but, as someone who still
pays a healthy tax bill back there, I would like to add my voice to
those favoring going forward with this project.
As I told
someone, I think Minonk's ship is finally coming in, and I hope the it
is allowed to land. I think the potential benefits to Minonk are
numerous. This is definitely not an opportunity that happens often in
Minonk. Martha Eikenmeyer Owens Both candidate's signs ripped upI
totally agree with Sherry on this. However, there were a number of Bill
Koos signs either kicked over or stolen as well. Unfortunately it
happened to both candidates. This happened back in October for the
Presidential Election as well. I just hope we can find out who is doing
this and they are punished. It is unfortunate that each Candidate can't
put out signs for fear of some kids or whoever knocking them over or
tearing them up. It boils down to not having any respect for our City
and the people who live in it. Jason E Buchanan
|