Primary 2020
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David Newberg, Jay Wickenhauser and Cole Ritter are among the current county board members who have brought back respect and financial security. The opposing candidates are supported by, and some were members of, the Reform Coalition that tried to ruin the county. They are running on one position and have not shown concern about the present and future financial state. I, personally, would not depend on the State of Illinois to bail us out.
Please cast your votes for David Newberg, Frederick “Jay” Wickenhauser and Cole Ritter. They have proven their commonsense leadership for DeWitt County.
Barbara McMath
Clinton
The election cycle for 2020 has begun!
It is a civic duty to cast your ballot for the candidates of your choice and I would encourage you to do so.
While you’re in the voting booth deciding which candidate to select, I would ask you to consider a few factors important to your selection.
1. Which candidate has the courage to represent DeWitt County, regardless of the inevitable criticism they might receive, in a fair and equitable manner that ensures the
County remains a viable and growing area?
2. Which candidate will listen to ALL of the citizens in our county and vote on matters with sound judgement based on the facts presented and not upon personal bias.
This is an attribute desperately needed in order to make a wise decision. Listening only to the loudest voices, to those with incorrect information or to those driven more by emotion instead of a complete knowledge of the issue could result in bad decisions for the county and its citizens. Although elected in districts, board members represent all citizens within the county with each decision they make.
3. Which candidate will commit to the time required to address county business? It takes more than a meeting once-a-month (and at times the job can consume hours in a week) to perform the job properly so the residents are represented as they expect to be.
You need to determine whether you want proven leaders who made the hard choices and balanced a budget that was $1 million in debt or whether you want to take the chance of another special interest group taking over our county government and possibly creating another huge deficit.
This is a consequential election. There are certainly many more questions which you should ask yourself before voting, and each voter should do so to ensure you have made the right choice.
Regardless of whom you select, please take the time to vote. This privilege/right is important and should not be taken for granted. Get out and vote! Please vote for:
District C, Dave Newberg; Jay Wickenhauser, Scott Nimmo; District A, Cole Ritter, Camille Redman, and States Attorney, Dan Markwell.
Lance Reece
Clinton
There is an excellent candidate running for a position on the Dewitt County Board from District C. Megan Myers is an intelligent and thoughtful person who has leadership qualities and an abundance of experience serving on boards that enrich the lives of Dewitt County residents, including the 4H Foundation Board, and the Clinton Community Educational Foundation. I urge you to vote on March 17 and help elect Megan Myers to the Dewitt County Board.
Patrick Ryan
Farmer City
I am writing to endorse three members for the DeWitt County Board, David Newberg, Cole Ritter and Jay Wickenhauser. They have served all residents of DeWitt County and have done a good job.
I think we should continue with their experience and knowledge and maintain stability on the board. Please join me in voting for the above three members.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Paul Nothnagel
Clinton
If you had a heart condition, would you choose an experienced cardiologist or a medical student.
If you took bankruptcy and received excellent guidance which returned you to the right course, would you go to a less experienced for a second opinion?
Within the past decade, one county board had leaders who failed to balance a budget, who disbanded committees and raided our contingency fund regularly, creating a million dollar deficit for future leaders to address.
They left a disaster in their wake.
We were lucky enough to have a group of bi-partisan leaders who were willing to put in the hard work necessary to return the county to a better condition. Why would we choose unproven options rather than rely on choices with documented track records?
Vote for Cole Ritter, Jay Wickenhauser, and Dave Newberg on March 17. Return them to the DeWitt County Board to continue the work that they have done so well for the entire county.
Kim Spencer
Clinton
The DeWitt County Board has moved from the combative and dysfunctional group of several years ago to a responsible and co-operative governmental body. The result has been fiscal responsibility and accomplishments for our county.
The current board members should be recognized for their hard work, dedication, and co-operation for the benefit of our residents. Chairman Dave Newberg, Jay Wickenhauser, and Cole Ritter deserve another term of serving on our board. We have many challenges ahead and their experience will be valuable.
I urge our voters to come out to support these candidates on March 17.
Sincerely,
Terry V. Ijams
Clinton
DeWitt County is having an election on March 17 for the county board in District C. There are five candidates from the Republican ticket, and one candidate from the Democratic ticket who are running for election. That is six candidates with three of them to be elected. It is a good thing that we have as many good people running for office as we do in our county.
I am recommending that David Newberg be reelected to the county board. I have known David for many years, and he is a friend of mine. That fact is not what qualifies him for election, but the 14 years on the board does.
As a board member, he served as chairman of the board through some difficult times. While on the board, there were acrimonious times that he handled judiciously.
It is common that a voter will find one issue and vote against whoever is for it. It is very seldom that the voters have the truth of all the facts of either side. As Mark Twain said, “A lie can travel half-way around the world, while the truth is putting on its shoes.”
David is approachable, and if he is taking a position a voter disagrees with, a civil conversation might change the voter’s mind, or the voter might change David’s mind. I realize civil disagreement in politics is hard to come by these days, but try.
Ray Moss
Clinton
As the upcoming March 17, 2020 Primary Election approaches, we voters should reflect upon the future needs of our county.
I urge all Republican voters in District A to vote ONLY for Cole Ritter for county board.
In District C, I urge all Republican voters to vote ONLY for Dave Newberg and Jay Wickenhauser for county board.
All three of these incumbent board members have demonstrated commitment, wise judgment and proven consistent leadership.
All three of these board members support economic growth within our community, which we desperately need.
Reelection of these three incumbent board members is crucial to sustain the continued stability and continuity of our county. We should NOT elect new, inexperienced “single issue” members to the county board.
Please support these worthy candidates for a bright future for DeWitt County.
Becky Fatheree
Clinton
I am writing to support Cole Ritter, Jay Wickenhauser and Dave Newberg for DeWitt County Board and under voting for the board.
We need people who know how to work hard and will do what is needed for our county, participate in committee meetings and are not afraid of hard work. They understand how to get things done and can make hard decisions.
We also want to keep those on our board who will work to keep our taxes down and be fair to all of our residence and businesses.
Unlike their opponents, they are not single- issue board members or candidates and will address the many issues our county needs addressed.
Sara O’Brien
Wapella
This is my first time writing to endorse political candidates because I believe this election cycle is one of the most important ever in DeWitt County.
About a decade ago, DeWitt County voters voted out almost every incumbent. What resulted was a group of board members who damaged the finances of the county through inexperience. We are about to face the same problem.
I would like to urge DeWitt County voters to retain current board chairman David Newberg and incumbents Jay Wickenhauser and Cole Ritter. These people spend hours at the courthouse each week making sure the county stays on track.
In order for them to win in the primary, I urge voters from District C to vote ONLY for Newberg and Wickenhauser, though the ballot says they can vote for up to three. I urge voters from District A to vote ONLY for Cole Ritter.
Becky Adams
Clinton
With the primary election of the County Board coming up, I am writing to put my support behind Jay Wickenhauser, Dave Newberg, and Cole Ritter.
These three members of the county board want to see Clinton grow economically and prosper by bringing in new industries to DeWitt County.
We have many assets in our town, such as three new schools, a beautiful library, and a caring hospital, just to name a few.
With the possible closing of the power plant in a few years, what’s going to happen to these places? I don’t want to see my taxes going up further to keep them running or maybe eventually closing.
We have a chance right now to bring a new industry to DeWitt County and these three incumbents approve of this opportunity.
So if you want to see Clinton grow and keep taxes lower, put your support behind these candidates.
Peggy Lamar
Wapella
I have known Cole Ritter since he was a kid. He is honest, hardworking and a good member of the DeWitt County Board.
He believes in DeWitt County and understands the duties that go along with being a responsible board member. He is for economic growth, against increasing tax burdens, has been an active member of our community, and will continue to do a great job for DeWitt County.
Steven Paddock
Clinton
And now comes the March Primary Elections for voters in DeWitt County on March 17.
Voters, this may possibly be the most important election within our county in several decades. The reason being the urgency to elect county board members who will assertively address issues facing us now and in our future. 1. Pro-job creation for our work force. 2. Keep property taxes affordable. 3. Maintain safety and emergency services in our county.
I urge you to talk to the candidates. Ask them questions and voice concerns you have. Find out their stances on the issues at hand.
The future financial security of this county hangs in limbo. When financial challenges become reality, some may choose to leave DeWitt County while others will choose to stay to protect and preserve the place that is and has been their life-long home. Help protect the future of our county by voting for Cole Ritter, David Newberg, and Jay Wickenhauser.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Ann Thomas
Clinton
DeWitt County is having an election on March 17 for the county board in District C. There are five candidates from the Republican ticket, and one candidate from the Democratic ticket who are running for election. That is six candidates with three of them to be elected. It is a good thing that we have as many good people running for office as we do in our county.
I am recommending that David Newberg be reelected to the county board. I have known David for many years, and he is a friend of mine. That fact is not what qualifies him for election, but the 14 years on the board does.
As a board member, he served as chairman of the board through some difficult times. While on the board, there were acrimonious times that he handled judiciously.
It is common that a voter will find one issue and vote against whoever is for it. It is very seldom that the voters have the truth of all the facts of either side. As Mark Twain said, “A lie can travel half-way around the world, while the truth is putting on its shoes.”
David is approachable, and if he is taking a position a voter disagrees with, a civil conversation might change the voter’s mind, or the voter might change David’s mind. I realize civil disagreement in politics is hard to come by these days, but try.
Ray Moss
Clinton
