Serving the 71st District with Mike Boland

migration

2009-05-01T07:52:00.002-05:00

I've become a fan of WordPress blogging software, and have set up a new blog about serving the people of the 71st district.

http://mikehuntoon.wordpress.com/

Please feel free to join me there!

Rep Boland tours WYFFELS Corn Seed Production

2008-10-14T08:17:00.005-05:00

Owners Bill and Bob Wyffels invited rep Mike Boland to their seed corn production facility in September of 2008

Boland backed by Environmental Groups

2008-02-01T18:34:00.000-06:00

Illinois League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club endorse Boland

Press release submitted by Democratic Party of Illinois

EAST MOLINE, IL – State Rep. Mike Boland (D-East Moline) has earned the endorsement of the Illinois League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club in his bid for re-election as 71st District state representative.

“It is an honor to be recognized and endorsed by groups that are so important to improving air, soil and water quality in Illinois,” Boland said. “I am humbled and truly appreciative of the support of Illinois League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club. Environmental groups are playing a crucial role in creating a cleaner planet for our children and grandchildren to inherit.”

Despite the difficult political climate in Springfield this year, Boland is leading the charge at the capitol to be fiscally responsible and environmentally friendly. Boland sponsored a bill requiring state buildings to use energy efficient light bulbs that last longer and save taxpayer-dollars, while fighting global warming and climate change. In an effort to reduce harmful emissions and lower our dependence on foreign oil, Boland has pushed for an increased production of ethanol and a law requiring all gasoline-powered vehicles purchased with municipal funds to be flexible fuel vehicles.

“I am proud of my work on behalf of the environment and creating economic opportunities in the area, but we can always do more,” Boland said. “It is critical that we continue to pass laws to protect and preserve the environment in Illinois. We are making progress and I look forward to continuing to work to do even more for the 71st District.”

ABATE Backs Boland

2008-02-01T18:32:00.002-06:00

Boland wins endorsement from motorcycle Safety group

Press release submitted by Democratic Party of Illinois

EAST MOLINE, IL – State Rep. Mike Boland (D-East Moline) has earned the endorsement of motorcycle safety advocacy group A.B.A.T.E. (A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education) in his bid for re-election as 71st District state representative. A.B.A.T.E. represents over 12,000 members and 60 chapters throughout Illinois.

“I’m extraordinarily grateful to be recognized and endorsed by an organization like A.B.A.T.E. that fights for motorcycle safety and awareness,” Boland said. “In partnership with groups like A.B.A.T.E., we are making progress in keeping our roads and motorists safe. It has been a pleasure meeting and working with A.B.A.T.E. members in the area, and I look forward to continuing to work with A.B.A.T.E. to ensure our roads are safe.”

Despite the contentious political climate in Springfield this year, Boland helped greatly expand teen driving laws in Illinois. The new law establishes strict sanctions for street racing and punishments for repeat violations by drivers under the age of 21. The law also aims to prepare younger drivers to drive through extending learner’s permit periods and nighttime curfews.

“As a former teacher, I know how valuable education is in developing knowledge that can keep people safe, A.B.A.T.E. is a leader in educating motorcyclists,” Boland said. “It is vital that we continue our push to educate people about responsible motorcycle operation. We are making progress and keeping people sage. I look forward to continuing my efforts to do even more in the 71st District.”

Women’s Bar Association backs Boland

2008-02-01T18:32:00.001-06:00

Women’s Bar Association backs Boland

EAST MOLINE, IL – State Rep. Mike Boland (D-East Moline) has earned the endorsement of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) in his bid for re-election as state representative of the 71st district.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be acknowledged and endorsed by some of the brightest legal minds in the state, and country,” Boland said. “The WBAI has displayed an unwavering commitment to promoting and supporting the success of women lawyers in Illinois.”

WBAI's mission is to ensure the success of women attorneys through business and professional development and to advocate for women's interests. WBAI offers networking events, substantive law committees, and a judicial candidate evaluation program.

Despite an often bitter political climate in Springfield last year, Boland helped pass legislation requiring insurance companies to cover lifesaving breast cancer screening for women age 18 and over, and to provide additional testing and monitoring for women with a family history of ovarian cancer. Boland also passed legislation requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop a program to provide HPV vaccines to women who cannot afford them.

“The WBAI’s efforts over the years on behalf of women’s issues have been truly impressive and set a wonderful example for young women who aspire to be attorneys and judges,” Boland said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the WBAI to guarantee equal rights for all.”

Boland represents the 71st district which includes Rock Island, Carroll, Henry and Whiteside counties.

Boland wins endorsement of Citizen Action/Illinois

2008-02-01T18:30:00.000-06:00

Boland wins endorsement of Citizen Action/Illinois

Press release submitted by Rep. Mike Boland

EAST MOLINE, IL -- State Rep. Mike Boland (D-East Moline) has earned the endorsement of Citizen Action/Illinois in his bid for re-election as state representative of the 71st district. Citizen Action/Illinois is the state’s largest public interest organization.

“I am humbled to be recognized by a leading advocate for families, workers and consumers,” Boland said. “Citizen Action/Illinois is working hard to create social change throughout Illinois, as am I. We must strive to create fruitful and better lives for all Illinoisans. It has been a privilege to work with, and learn from, an organization that is working to create change.”

While politicians bickered in Springfield, Boland forced Ameren, ComEd and other electric utilities to provide $1 billion in electric rate relief to their customers and increase funding for programs that help seniors with their utility bills. Boland also passed a law making Illinois the first state in the nation to guarantee health care coverage for all children.

“To move Illinois forward, we must acknowledge a need for change,” Boland said. “Citizen Action/Illinois is leading the charge for social change in the state. I am proud to stand with them and fight for Illinois’ working families.”

Boland represents the 71st district which includes Rock Island, Carroll, Henry and Whiteside counties.

February Letter to the Editor from Mike Boland

2007-02-27T09:46:00.000-06:00

Dear Editor,

I hope your readers will join me in urging the Untied States Congress to re-authorize and strengthen the present tax credit for the purchase of hybrid cars and trucks by individuals and businesses.

The world's scientists have recently sent us a powerful warning about global warming and its devastating impact on climate change. It does not take a rocket scientist to know that the more oil we use the faster we move toward environmental and economic disaster. Some would even say the survival of the species is at stake.

The over dependence on foreign oil also has national security implications. If we were to become less dependent on petroleum from the volatile Middle East we could drive the price of gasoline down there by not only putting more money into consumers' pockets but less money would be going to the Saudi Arabians and the others who fund schools that preach hatred of America, hatred of the West, and hatred of Israel.

Lastly if stronger tax incentives were set up to encourage more people and business to purchase hybrid vehicles we would have cleaner air in our cities helping us to fight the increasing rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses, This in turn could result in savings in health care.

Updates on Boland's legislative activities can be found by visiting www.MikeBoland.blogspot.com. Rep Mike Boland can be reached at his district office at 4416 River Drive, Moline IL 61265, or by phone309/736-3360. Boland's local email contact is ILRepMikeBoland@aol.com. Sincerely,Mike BolandState Representative71st District

Boland News Conferences - Today and Tuesday

2007-02-09T11:21:00.000-06:00

Rep Boland will be holding two informational news conferences to educate the public about a new proposal he's made in Springfield regarding Ethanol and E85 fuel

News Conference - Friday 2-9-2007 1:00 PM
Morrison - FS Fast Stop Service Station 615 E Lincolnway

News Conference - Tuesday 2-13-2007 1:00 PM
Albany - Albany Fire Station 409 Church Street

MORRISON /ALBANY /FULTON - State Representative Mike Boland (D-East Moline) will announce that he is continuing his efforts to make Illinois a leader in the Ethanol Industry by introducing legislation requiring local governments to purchase flex fuel vehicles when making new purchases. In the 2006 legislative session, Boland passed HB 4137, requiring all new vehicles purchased by the state either be Flexible Fuel Vehicles, vehicles that run on both E85 and traditional gasoline, or be fuel efficient hybrids. Boland’s new proposal simply adds a requirement for local governments to comply with this rule as well. Boland will point out that supporting E85 is a choice that’s not only environmentally responsible, but also allows us the choice of using homegrown middle western fuels rather than relying on oil from the middle east. In addition to manufacturing E85 in Illinois with ethanol made from corn grown in the state, E85 burns significantly cleaner than traditional gasoline. E85 compatible vehicles run on a fuel blend compromised of 85% ethanol, produced from domestically grown corn, and 15% traditional unleaded gasoline. This fuel blend provides comparable fuel economy and power to high octane and high performance unleaded gasoline.

Director IL Department of Aging to Visit QC Region Monday

2007-02-02T09:24:00.000-06:00

I just got notice yesterday, that the Director of the Illinois Department of Aging will be at the Rock Island County Senior Center this upcoming Monday, 2-5-07, at 1:PM. It's my understanding that his visit is part of a statewide publicity effort for the Circuit Breaker and associated Illinois Cares Rx program.

Also, the last notification we got here at Mike Boland's office from the Department of Aging was that online Circuit Breaker applications would be available next week. Online applications are much more efficient and are processed more quickly that paper applications.

Here at Rep. Boland's office, we are always willing to assist disabled individuals and senior citizens filing their Circuit Breaker applications online. We've already booked more than 50 different individual appointments for next week alone, so it should be a busy next few weeks. Please call 309/736-3360 and ask Bobbi-Sue for an appointment for assistance filling out your Circuit Breaker.

IL DEPT of AGING - CIRCUIT BREAKER is a link to further information from the state about Circuit Breaker.

Boland Introduces E85 Legislation For Local Government

2007-01-31T13:40:00.000-06:00

Bill Would Save Taxpayer Money & Stimulate Local Ethanol Markets

SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Mike Boland (D-East Moline) announced today that he will continue his efforts to make Illinois a leader in the ethanol industry by introducing legislation requiring local governments to purchase flex fuel vehicles, when making new vehicle purchases. In the 2006 session of the Illinois General Assembly, Boland was the sponsor of HB 4137 which requires that all new vehicles purchased by the state be fuel efficient hybrids, or Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV’s), cars and trucks that run on both E85 and traditional gasoline,. That legislation was recently signed into law by Governor Rod Blagojevich. Boland’s newest proposal simply adds a requirement for local governments to also comply with this rule.

“By encouraging the use of E85 fuel, we are helping farmers here at home while also reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” Boland said. “This legislation will help to promote the development of greater capacity and infrastructure for the Illinois ethanol industry,” he continued. “Using E85 fuel produced from crops grown here in Illinois can also help stabilize commodity prices, and enhance agricultural profitability for our family farmers,” he stated. “By taking an active leadership role in promoting this new fuel technology, the State of Illinois will help to ensure a strong future for this important product and for our agricultural economy,” Boland emphasized.

“Because of our geographical position in our Nation’s heartland, and because we’ve been blessed with wonderfully rich agricultural soils, Illinois has a unique opportunity to become a leader in E85 technology,” Boland said. “Not only does the further development of E85 fuels open up exciting new markets for agriculture, it will also foster job growth as this industry continues to develop,” he stated. “By promoting and developing further markets for a cleaner burning fuel that frees us from dependence on foreign sources of oil, all the current and future residents of the Land of Lincoln come out far ahead,” Boland continued.

E85 fuel is produced by blending 85 percent ethanol, which is produced from domestically grown corn, with 15 percent traditional unleaded gasoline. This fuel blend provides fuel economy and power comparable to normal unleaded gasoline. In addition to the economic benefits of manufacturing E85 in Illinois with Ethanol made from corn grown in our state, there is the added benefit that E85 burns cleaner than traditional gasoline. E85 has the highest oxygen content of any motor fuel available today, so it burns cleaner than gasoline. This reduction in exhaust emissions improves air quality and reduces smog, which results in lower rates of respiratory disease and a better quality of life for those with breathing problems.

Boland’s current proposal is being drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau for introduction in the upcoming, 2007 Spring Session of the Illinois General Assembly. Updates on Boland’s legislative activities can be found by visiting www.MikeBoland.blogspot.com. Representative Mike Boland can be reached at his district legislative office located at 4416 River Drive; Moline, Il 61265; or by phone at 309/736-3360. Boland’s local email contact is ILREPMikeBoland@aol.com .
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BOLAND-SPONSORED LAW PROTECTS HOMEOWNERS FROM EMINENT DOMAIN

2007-01-24T14:43:00.000-06:00

Legislation States Property Taken Must Have Public Benefit

MOLINE – Illinois law is now a leading example of stronger protections against property taking through eminent domain, due to legislation sponsored by state Rep. Mike Boland, D-Moline. Senate Bill 3086 makes it more difficult for government entities to occupy private property through eminent domain and went into effect on January 1, 2007.

“Just because the federal government has made a ruling, does not mean that Illinois cannot step up our protections a little higher,” Boland said. “This law is important because while we want to improve economic development in our local communities, we must also respect and protect the holdings of private landowners.”

In the case of ‘Kelo v. New London,’ the U.S. Supreme Court held that governments could use their eminent domain powers to transfer the land of one individual to another for private or public development. To protect against the major risk this ruling posed to landowners in Illinois, Rep. Boland worked with a bi-partisan group of legislators to pass SB 3086, ensuring that property can only be taken in Illinois under very specific conditions.

“An individual’s land is their investment and often their livelihood,” Boland said. “Illinois must be very clear about when and why land can be taken. I will continue working to ensure that the property rights of local residents are secure.”

According to SB 3086, the exercise of eminent domain power and the proposed use of the property must be consistent with a regional plan set out within a certain time and only for public, not private, benefit. Property owners must be properly compensated for costs associated with relocation, and specifications are laid out for recouping attorneys’ fees, setting valuation dates, and tightening the definition of “blighted” property.

This legislation was supported by the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Realtors Association, Illinois Home Builders Association, National Federation of Small Businesses, United Food and Commercial Workers, and the AFL-CIO.

BOLAND SPONSORS LAW TO PROVIDE SPEECH THERAPY FOR AUTISTIC KIDS

2007-01-24T14:42:00.000-06:00

Legislation Changes Healthcare Requirements for Developmental Disorders

MOLINE – As of January 1, 2007, group benefit health plans can no longer exclude speech therapy treatment for children with autism due to HB 4125, sponsored by state Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline).

“As a grandfather, it is a high priority for me that all Illinois children receive the health care they need,” Boland said. “This law is important because it recognizes the life-altering effects of autism and the benefits of early intervention to develop and improve communication skills.”

A report by the Illinois Autism Task Force found that some health insurers in Illinois excluded coverage for treatment for autism and other pervasive development disorders. Legislation was passed to require coverage, but this past year, Rep. Boland worked with the Illinois Autism Society and Illinois health insurers to pass HB 4125 and expand this coverage to include speech therapy. HB 4125 ensures that individuals with “Pervasive Developmental Disorders” such as autism and Asperger’s Syndrome receive 20 outpatient visits for speech therapy. Though not curable, these neurological disorders can be effectively treated with proven techniques of early intervention and speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

“It is not acceptable that health insurance companies can exclude coverage for patients with mental health disorders merely to cut corners and save money,” Boland said. “Especially when the sufferers of autism and Asperger’s are most often children, we cannot ignore the need for better medical attention.”

HB 4125 went into effect January 1, 2007. The legislation is supported by the Illinois Autism Society, the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois, the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois, and the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Representative Boland Announces Availability of Circuit Breaker Applications & Assistance

2007-01-24T10:30:00.000-06:00

MOLINE - State Representative Mike Boland (D-East Moline) announced today that his district office staff will be available, beginning Monday February 5, 2007, to offer assistance for individuals wanting to file applications for the Illinois Circuit Breaker program. Circuit Breaker is a state program which provides a variety of assistance to lower income disabled and senior citizens.

“I want to encourage anyone who is over 65 or disabled to contact my office for further information and assistance in signing up to qualify for this program,” Representative Boland stated. “The Illinois Circuit Breaker program provides some very important benefits for senior citizens and the disabled,” he continued. “Everyone who qualifies for the Circuit Breaker is entitled to a discount on the price of license plates for one vehicle, and they can also qualify for a property tax rebate, as well as pharmaceutical assistance,” Boland said.

“It’s important that folks remember to sign up for this program every year, so that there are no delays or problems with getting their benefits,” Boland continued. “Starting in February, my office staff will be available to assist seniors and disabled individuals with filing their circuit breaker online from my office,” he added. “By filing online through my office, people can expect to have their applications processed more quickly, and when they are finished my staff will provide a receipt showing that the application has been filed and accepted in Springfield,” Boland concluded.

In order to qualify for the Circuit Breaker individuals must be disable or over the age of 65, and meet certain income guidelines that depend on the size of the household. For more information or to see if you qualify, Representative Boland’s office can be reached by phone at: 309/736-3360 or via e-mail by writing ILRepMikeBoland@aol.com . Boland’s district office is located at 4416 River Drive in Moline.

Mt Carroll Check Presentation Thursday 1-25-07

2007-01-24T10:03:00.000-06:00

MEDIA EVENT
THURSDAY 1-25-2007

11:00 AM - MOUNT CARROLL
MOUNT CARROLL CITY HALL
302 NORTH MAIN AVENUE

Rep Mike Boland Presents $50,000 to Mt. Carroll for Infrastructure
State Legislator Helps to Fund Brick Street & Water Improvements

MOUNT CARROLL, IL —— At a news conference and check presentation ceremony, State Representative Mike Boland (D-71) will present a $50,000 ceremonial check to the City of Mount Carroll. Boland secured two different grants for the city, the first for $25,000 to help fund the redevelopment of Mt. Carroll's historic brick streets, and a second $25,000 grant for water infrastructure repair and improvements. Alderwoman Doris Bork, who played an essential role in helping to secure the grants, as well as other members of the City Council and City Staff, are expected to be on hand to accept the check from Representative Boland. Mount Carroll's grant presentation is part of a total of $1 million in grants awarded by Boland to the 71st district in 2006/2007.

"I am very excited to be able to award state funding in the amount of $50,000 to Mount Carroll," Boland stated. "I attended a special City Council Meeting early last year, and I've remained in contact with Alderwoman Doris Bork, as well as other elected officials and staff from the city, so I was well aware of the city's current needs," he added. "Hopefully, this grant will help take a bite out of the significant cost of infrastructure repair and improvement that Mount Carroll faces," Boland said.

"Mt Carroll is a beautiful historic community, so I was thrilled to be able to play a part in the repair of Mt Carroll's historic brick streets," Boland stated. "A safe and reliable water supply is an absolutely essential service, so everyone in the community should get some benefit from the grant for water infrastructure repair and improvements," Boland emphasized.

Rep Mike Boland Presents $100,000 to East Moline for Infrastructure

2007-01-23T11:55:00.000-06:00

Now that the Holidays are over, we're finishing up the check presentations we were not able to get to in the hectic days before the election. Next up is East Moline.

NEWS CONFERENCE - 11:00 AM WEDNESDAY 1-24-2007
EAST MOLINE CITY HALL - 915 16TH AVENUE

Rep Mike Boland Presents $100,000 to East Moline for Infrastructure
Legislator Helps to Fund Sewer Improvements for East Moline

EAST MOLINE, IL —— At a news conference and check presentation ceremony, State Representative Mike Boland (D-71) presented a $100,000 ceremonial check to the City of East Moline to help fund sewer infrastructure repair and improvements. Mayor John Thodos, as well as members of the East Moline City Council and staff, were on hand to accept the check from Representative Boland.

"I am very excited to be here today to award state funding in the amount of $100,000 to East Moline," Boland stated. "My office has been in contact with Mayor Thodos, as well as other elected officials and staff from the city, so I was well aware of the tremendous need for sewer repair and improvements," he added. "Hopefully, this grant will help take a bite out of the enormous cost of infrastructure repair and improvement that East Moline faces," Boland said.

"Water and sewer are absolute essentials, so everyone in the community should get some benefit from this funding," Boland emphasized. "I realize that investing in infrastructure, like helping with sewers in East Moline, the well here in Port Byron, or the water storage tank I am helping to fund for Orion, is not the flashiest or most exciting way to use the grants I can help with as a State Representative," he continued. "However, I also know that investing in infrastructure has the largest possible impact in helping local government provide essential local services that we all depend on every day," Boland added. "It’s all about making government work for people right here in our communities," Boland concluded.

The sewer grant for East Moline is part of the total of $1 million in grants awarded by Boland to the 71st district in 2006/2007. In total, Representative Mike Boland has brought home more than $2,000,000 in grants and funding to help local governments in the district he represents. For more information, Boland’s office can be reached at: 309/736-3360. Updates on Boland’s legislative activities are also available online at: www.MikeBoland.blogspot.com and he can be reached by e-mail at ILRepMikeBoland@aol.com.

Another Call for Open Primaries

2007-01-04T16:38:00.000-06:00

This story was on Page 1 of the St. Louis Post Dispatch Tues. Jan. 2nd.

I thought it was worth re-posting here since Rep. Boland has been a longtime advocate of election reform (Mike served two terms as the Chairman of the House Committee on Elections and Cmapaign Reform) and he is in favor of the concept of open primaries for Illinois.

Here is the link to the story. - Post Dispatch Open Primary Article

And here is the text of the story.

Supporters hope lawmakers will heed voters' wishes on open primaries
By Adam Jadhav - ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Supporters of allowing primary voters in Illinois to keep their party affiliation secret say they hope lawmakers will listen to the outcome of anumber of local referendums held in November. In more than 20 township advisory questions across the state, voters saidthey support a so-called open primary system by no less than 78 percent. The movement, spearheaded by Springfield attorney Sam Cahnman, who lost his race as a Democratic challenger for a state representative seat, was intended to get the Legislature to act. Illinois election law requires voters to choose one party's ballot in theprimary — and that choice becomes public information, something Cahnman anda number of state legislators wish to change. Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, has repeatedly introduced a measure to makesuch information secret, and he and other lawmakers have pledged to do soagain this spring. Such a move has historically met with strong opposition from partymachinery on both sides of the political aisle. "I know it's still an uphill battle despite the overwhelming public supportwe saw," Cahnman said. Supporters of changing the law cite a number of reasons. First and foremost, they say that primary participation is dampened because voters simply don't like the idea of their friends, neighbors or bosses being able to check their political proclivities at the local county clerk's office. Black and others say such information can also be used for dirty politics, such as cronyism and hiring discrimination. "We have a lot of problems in Illinois with perception that politics is not a clean and above-reproach business," Black said. "But simply put, you can't use politics to hire or fire. The courts have ruled on this." About 20 states use a variation of the open primary system. Some stateshave seen court challenges to such rules. Arguments for keeping the current system include the idea that it keepsvoters honest and would potentially stop one party pulling ballots for theother, just to vote for the weaker candidate. But some experts say that's largely a myth. Chris Mooney, a political scientist at the University of Illinois atSpringfield, called it more of an "urban legend" and offered a different reason why changes to the primary structure typically fail."Political parties need that information," Mooney said. "The party peopleand the people running for office can go down to the county courthouse andget a list of their voters. It helps them strategize. "Black himself has used such lists as a precinct committeeman to get voters to the polls. But he still thinks it's time for a change. "It's just an anachronism," Black said. "Why do we need to do it?"
by Adam.Jadhav@post-dispatch.com 618-659-3637

Congrats to State Scholars of the 71st District

2007-01-04T15:51:00.000-06:00

Every year the Illinois State Board of Education honors a select group of graduating high school seniors by naming them "Illinois State Scholars". Less than 13,000 students from the entire State of Illinois were honored in 2007, and our students in Western Illinois certainly earned more than their share of recognition, more than 100 students from the 71st District were were honored.

We all know how much hard work it takes to be an outstanding student, so each of these outstanding young men and women deserves some recognition for their academic accomplishments. Representative Boland and I want to encourage these students to continue striving for academic excellence, so each of them will receive a letter of congratulation from Mike. I also wanted to acknowledge their accomplishments by listing their names here on the blog I've dedicated to the work we do from Mike Boland's office.

I would like to extend my personal congratulations to these outstanding local students, and also encourage others to give your personal accolades to these fine young men and women from the 71st District.

Corey Akers - Geneseo
Brianna Allen - Carbon Cliff
Heather Andersen - Morrison
Emily Arnold - Geneseo
Joshua Bartels - Morrison
Sobir Bazarbayev - East Moline
Teresa Beiermann - Cordova
Kaitlyn Breaux - Port Byron
Erik Bredberg - East Moline
Trisha Brenner - Thomson
Brandon Brown - Hillsdale
Samuel Browning - Colona
Matthew Burch - Mount Carroll
Emma Burgess - East Moline
Tyler Bybee - East Moline
Andrew Cain - Moline
Chelsea Caldwell - East Moline
Richard Casper - Fulton
Jixin Chen - Silvis
Ashley Clark - Hampton
Kara Crawford - East Moline
Kendal Cross - Lynn Center
Kara Dasso - East Moline
Hilary Dauphin - Savanna
Joshua Day - Port Byron
Daniel DeJaegher - Moline
Jason Doh - Moline
Shelly Drehmer - Morrison
Eliot Driver - Morrison
Katelyn Duyvejonck - Moline
Adam Eaker - Moline
Stefan Escontrias - Hampton
Anna Evert - Cambridge
Christopher Flikkema - Lanark
Jonathan Flikkema - Lanark
Ashley Foglesong - Colona
Lisa Gombert - Orion
Willard Gombert - Orion
Jessica Halverson - Moline
Jerome Harms - East Moline
Jaclyn Harrington - Lynn Center
Michelle Hartman - Savanna
Travis Helgren - Colona
Brett Hockman - Port Byron
Alisha Hoffman - Thomson
Amanda Holland - East Moline
Jacob Hollars - Coal Valley
Laura Hull - Coal Valley
Ashley Huston - East Moline
Tali Jamir - Fulton
Charles Janicek - Morrison
Amber Johnson - Colona
Nicole Johnson - Moline
Kate Juhn - Moline
Sarah Juist - Fulton
Brittney Kajdacsi - Colona
Holly Kimball - Orion
Laina Logomarcino - Moline
Cory Law - Mount Carroll
Melanie Lindell - Geneseo
Rustin Lindsey - Morrison
Kelli Lofgren - Erie
Anna Lopez - East Moline
Karina Martin - East Moline
Jonathan McDonnell - Lynn Center
Shawn McNalley - Moline
Mollie McNitt - Morrison
Ben Meersman - Moline
Benjamin Moncivaiz - Silvis
Joshua Moshier - Port Byron
Brian Oostenryk - Morrison
Kayla Papish - East Moline
Nolan Paxton - Geneseo
Shaterika Perkins - East Moline
Adam Pierce - Orion
Trevor Popkin - Morrison
John Quandt - East Moline
Blake Rauba - Moline
Kelly Reese - Geneseo
Jose Rico - East Moline
Timothy Rogis - Fulton
Nicole Ross - East Moline
Natalie Rotz - Silvis
Thomas Rotz - Silvis
Marcus Saad - Erie
Kristen Schaeffer - Moline
John Scott - Moline
William Sedig - Morrison
Gautam Shine - Moline
Lindsey Smith - Morrison
Julianne Teerlinck - Orion
Victoria Teichman - Colona
Katie Tenboer - Morrison
Megan Thacher - Mt Carroll
Bryce Thomsen - Orion
Courtney Tichler - Fulton
Michael Tuttle - Orion
Tara VanZuiden - Albany
Arlene Vandermyde - Morrison
Austin Verbeck - Geneseo
Abigail Vock - Morrison
Emily Warren - Hillsdale
Staci Wherry - Fulton
Lauren White - East Moline
Mason Wiegel - East Moline
Wendy Wigant - Erie
Katelyn Witherspoon - Port Byron
Hannah Zurn - Morrison

The preceding list was provided by the ISBE for Rep Boland. I apologize in advance for any inadvertent errors or omissions which might have been made in compiling this listing of outstanding students from our area. And again, congratulations on your academic achievement!

Boland to Tour CHC Clinic - Friday 1/5/07

2007-01-04T15:33:00.000-06:00

ROCK ISLAND - On Friday afternoon, 1/5/07, beginning at 2 PM, State Representative Mike Boland will take part in an informational meeting and tour of the Community Health Care (CHC) clinic in Rock Island. Community Health Care offers acute and chronic care for individuals who could not access primary health care elsewhere in the community, acting as a safety net for the those in the community who are most vulnerable. CHC also offers laboratory, x-ray, pharmacy, nutritional, and health educational services to it’s clients. Without CHC, many patients would rely on emergency rooms or go without care altogether. On a previous date, Rep Boland visited and toured the CHC facility in Moline.

2:00 PM - ROCK ISLAND
Community Health Care Inc Clinic
2750 11th Street - Rock Island

Revisiting ARC of Rock Island County

2007-01-04T13:00:00.000-06:00

In a previous post I mentioned that Rep. Boland was due to tour the ARC facility in Rock Island on January 3, 2006. That visit was a great success, and two of our local television stations showed up to cover Mike's visit. I wasn't able to monitor 6pm news coverage because I was in transit to visit my mom in Blue Grass, but I did see at least one station giving Rep. Boland coverage at 10 PM.

Boland is now considering sponsoring legislation on behalf of ARC of Rock Island County's parent affiliate, ARC of Illinois. No one would accuse the workers who assist the disabled of being overpaid, in fact it's been several years since they've had any kind of significant funding/salary increases from the state. We also learned that the health care coverage offered to most of these workers leaves a lot to be desired.

At Boland's office, we are now looking for ways to improve that situation. In the last legislative session, Boland passed legislation to help workers at Child Advocacy Centers access state health care insurance, so we are looking at the possibility of something similar on behalf of ARC of Illinois. We'll also be working to see if it's possible to get these workers a well deserved COLA.

I know it’s a tough job working as the caregiver for any individual who is disabled, and I’d imagine that individuals who are developmentally disabled present very unique challenges. I also know workers who help the developmentally disabled are making a real difference in the lives of their clients, hopefully we’ll succeed in making a difference in the lives of those workers.

Barstow Fire Says "Thank You"

2007-01-04T11:36:00.000-06:00

I was recently notified that the Barstow Fire Protection District has posted a thank you message to Rep. Boland for our office's effort in helping to secure a grant for essential fire equipment.

Barstow Fire Web Link links you directly to their page thanking Mike. It includes several nice pictures as well as the following message.

All of us here at the Barstow Fire Protection District would like to thank Representitive Mike Boland. Representitive Boland recently awarded the Barstow Fire Protection District a grant for $50,000 to purchase a replacement piece of apparattus for the district. The Barstow Fire Protection District recently signed a purchase agreement to obtain Engine 83. Photos are on the web page Engine 83. We were notified at a press conference at the Colona Community Fire Protection District station #1 where Representitive Boland also announced that Carbon Cliff Volunteer Fire Department would also recieve a $50,000 grant to help purchase a replacement apparattus for protection of the Village of Carbon Cliff.

Starting off the New Year

2007-01-02T13:16:00.000-06:00

ROCK ISLAND / GENESEO - On Wednesday morning, 1/3/07, State Representative Mike Boland will tour the facility of ARC of Rock Island County beginning at 9 AM. The ARC of Illinois is an advocacy agency for persons with developmental disabilities who are committed to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices.
9:00 AM - ROCK ISLAND
ARC of ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

This Wednesday afternoon, 1/3/07, State Representative Mike Boland will take part in an awards assembly at Southwest Elementary School in Geneseo honoring student Payton Demay, winner of the “Smokey the Bear Conservation Award.” Boland will speak about environmental issues that the legislature has tackled and what improvements in environmental law still need to be made in Illinois.
2:30 PM - GENESEO
SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

"Always Faithful"

2006-12-19T12:43:00.000-06:00

I read a newspaper article that is Lane Evan's goodbye to the individuals he represented. - Letter from Lane

I thought I'd re-post Lane's farewell here because I found it quite moving, and I'd like to add a thoughtful comment or two of my own.

Here's the text of Lane's letter (to be followed by my own comments):

Cong. Lane Evans says farewell to constitutents

Published: Monday, December 18, 2006 10:46 AM CST

Congressman Lane Evans has issued a statement regarding his retirement from Congress at the end of the current term. The statement follows:

"It's never easy to say goodbye. This part of my life is ending and in just a couple of weeks I'll be entering a new phase.

"I think you know how much this job has meant to me and how much I've enjoyed it. Being the representative of this area has provided me with the greatest opportunity I could ever want -- the ability to serve people and make a positive difference in their lives.

"I wouldn't trade the last 24 years for anything. These have been the best of times for me.

"I want to thank my constituents. You are this country's strength and spirit and have continually spurred me on in my work. I first ran for Congress to be your voice -- to speak up for the average citizens of this country who weren't being listened to and to fight for your interests: for affordable health care, for good jobs at good wages, for fair trade, for a brighter future that allows every person to achieve the American Dream.

"I thank my parents who taught me the value of public service. They helped save lives and have inspired me every day. I thank great friends and colleagues and a dedicated staff. I thank everyone who has worked with me in the fights we have made -- and won.

"I am especially proud of the fight we won to deliver benefits and services to Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Let us never forget the sacrifices of those who serve our country. Later we won passage of law that delivers health and compensation benefits to children of vets exposed to Agent Orange who were born with spina bifida, a crippling birth defect.

"I'm also proud of my efforts to expand services for women veterans, for vets who came home suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the thousands of veterans who don't have a home. Here in the district we brought home new services -- outpatient clinics and Vet Centers which mean so much to our vets.

"When I became Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in 1997, it gave me the ability to do even more for vets. We've accomplished a great deal over the last decade. We have to continue to serve our veterans and our men and women overseas who will come home with the injuries of war. We can never leave anyone behind.

"I'm also proud of my work to ban the use of antipersonnel landmines that maim and injure thousands of our troops and innocent civilians every year. Working with Sen. Patrick Leahy, we made enormous strides in ridding the world of the scourge of landmines.

"When I was diagnosed with Parkinson's, I said I wanted to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. I think my efforts in support of stem cell research have helped change minds. I hope the new Congress can go even further and fund the research that can create cures and turn possibility into reality.

"I think we made great progress throughout the years in strengthening the Rock Island Arsenal so the Island will continue to be an anchor of economic opportunity and progress. It is an essential part of our national defense.

"I've always been proud of our constituent service work. Our door has always been open. From helping citizens with individual problems, to winning a grant that turned a roadblock into a building block, we have always worked to reach out and help out every part of our community.

"What has been most rewarding is not only seeing the results of our work, but hearing from constituents about how much they appreciate it.

"It's also gratifying to me to know that this district will be in capable and good hands and the work we started will continue through Phil Hare.

"I've always said how important it is for people to be involved, to speak up and take part in what is happening in the world. I'm going to follow my own advice and do just that.

"So, I guess that isn't really goodbye. Because I'm not looking back. I'm looking ahead to the next years.

"As long as I have been the representative of this district, the seniors who built this country, the veterans who defended it, and the working families, small business people, and family farmers who support it day in and day out haven't stood alone because I've been there standing up and fighting for you.

"To every one I have been proud to serve and work with, I look forward to seeing you soon.

Semper Fi.”

- Cong. Lane Evans

Lane Evans was the first politician I ever met that I actually liked.

I first had the privilege of sitting down directly across the table from Lane for a pizza lunch with the Congressman and a few members of his staff early in my career with Citizen Action, back about 1989. I walked away from that lunch very impressed. Lane was a real person, not a plastic politician, and Lane stood for some real ideals.

Since my Citizen Action office adjoined Lane's campaign office in those days, there's a part of me that feels like I was there with Lane and his staff for what I consider to be the height of Congressman Evan's career as a legislator. Phil Hare used my backroom for many private meetings to plot strategy, and Don Johnston used the space doing mailings for Senator Paul Simon as well as Lane.

I am proud to say that I helped with GOTV efforts for Lane's election efforts in '90, '92, '94, and '96 while with Citizen Action. Not only did I lead a rag-tag bunch of fifteen or twenty activists going door-to-door, I also convinced my wife and my father to spend election day as part of the door-to-door army that helped re-elect Lane in those elections.

I know Phil Hare will carry on in Lane’s tradition, and I expect he will be another great Congressperson for the 17th District. Becky Hare, Phil’s wife, was the office manager for the local Citizen Action office when I worked there as a canvasser, and for a short period of time I even rented a house that had belonged to Phil's Mother. So, I actually know Phil better than I ever knew Congressman Evans. But, it still feels bittersweet, it feels very much like the end of an era now that Lane is retiring.

I have no doubt that the transition will not always be easy, but please enjoy your retirement Congressman Evans, it’s well deserved. Rest easy knowing you've made a real difference and have inspired many other's to do likewise.

Thank you Congressman Evans for providing inspiration to myself and to many other activists. I believe your office "set the standard" that we also try to uphold in serving our constituents at Representative Mike Boland's office, so I owe you and your staff a personal debt for showing me the meaning and importance of public service.

In my Rock Island Citizen Action office, we always said we were lucky to have Lane Evans as our Congressman, because we could always count on Lane to vote based on principle, we knew he'd do what was right for ordinary people. Semper fidelis translates to mean "always faithful", and I believe that's a very fitting motto for a politician as well as a Marine.

Lending a Hand

2006-12-12T12:08:00.000-06:00

Clinton Herald Link - your link to a recent news story. Illinois Seventy-first district State Rep Mike Boland , along with Iowa Rep. Bukta, pitched in to assist an an effort to help fire vistims after a tragic fire in Clinton Iowa. For the convenience of readers, I've copied the article here as well.

Picking up the pieces
By Danica Baker - Herald Staff Writer

— CLINTON — As displaced Deer Ridge Apartment residents began to make living arrangements on Wednesday morning, a community awoke with a desire to help those affected by the fire that took their homes and belongings.

At a press conference held Wednesday afternoon at the offices of the Gateway Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, community leaders put out a call for help. Dave Frett, director of the Gateway chapter, acknowledged that surrounding communities already have been responding overwhelmingly to the fire. He said very concerned people are organizing donation efforts to secure funding and supplies for fire victims.

Several officials from J.T. Cullen in Fulton, Ill., attended the press conference to present Frett with a check for $5,000. Company officials added that they hope other businesses in the area will step up as well.

“I know that the community appreciates what this business can do for these families,” Frett said. “This will go a long way to help the families.”Frett added that he is amazed and pleased with the way the community is pitching in. He said Red Cross workers are meeting with the families to address their needs and figure out how to best help each individual involved.“A lot of them got out with nothing,” he said. “We will continue working with them until their needs are met.”

Frett said the disaster budget for the Gateway chapter is $16,000 for the year; it has responded to 17 disasters since July 1. He noted that monetary donations to the Red Cross ensure workers can aid families in their time of need. Frett said local Kiwanis members presented a donation on Wednesday of nearly $500 collected in just a few short hours.Frett remarked that other agencies have been assisting as well. He said anyone with donations of supplies or clothing should take them to the Benevolent Society or Salvation Army. Workers at both agencies are great assets to the community, he said, and provide much needed assistance.

Frett also made special mention of the volunteers helping out at the scene of the fire and the victim reception center on Tuesday night.“The volunteers helping out last night were amazing,” Frett said. “We couldn’t do it without the volunteers.”

Kathy Klahn, chairwoman of the local Red Cross Board of Directors, said the chapter is very fortunate to have Frett as its executive director. She said he has been a very capable director and is doing a great job to make sure the families have what they need to start over.

Local businesswoman Barb Suehl, who is helping to organize some relief efforts, said when she learned of the fire, she immediately contacted two local legislators — Rep. Mike Boland, D-Moline, Ill., and Rep. Polly Bukta, D-Clinton. “When I called them today, right away they said they’d like to make a monetary donation,” Suehl said.

Boland said neighboring communities in Illinois and Iowa are connected in spirit and that he and Bukta are more than happy to help. Boland said he hopes other companies and groups will follow the lead of J.T. Cullen and contribute to the relief effort.

Bukta and Boland presented Frett with individual checks of $100 each as a kickoff to the drive and urged the people of the Gateway area to contribute to the effort.“There’s never a good time for a disaster, but there’s never a worse time than right before Christmas,” Bukta said. She asked area residents to “please join in and help us.”Both legislators are encouraging their constituents to donate whatever they can.

“It’s great how the community comes together,” Bukta said. “Just look at the Kiwanis, they came up with $500, just in a lunch hour.”

Suehl added that a Christmas dinner will be served at the Red Dog Steakhouse and Saloon, 5253 Fulton Road, Fulton, on Dec 25. She invited families affected by the fire to attend the dinner, as well as firefighters who fought the blaze and the volunteers who responded to the incident.

Boland and Bukta praised Suehl for her efforts to help the donation drive through the Red Cross, Benevolent Society and Salvation Army.

“She dives right in and answers the call,” Boland said. “She’s an asset to both sides of the river.”“And she doesn’t take no for an answer,” said Bukta. “She is a great asset to the community and we’re very lucky to have her.”
Klahn noted that many people came to aid the families at the reception center after the fire, some bringing coats and food, others bringing toys and providing entertainment in an effort to abate the victims’ sadness for their loss, if only for a little while.
“It’s just heartwarming,” Klahn said, “All the people showing up saying ‘What I can I do?’”
Copyright © 1999-2006 cnhi, inc.

Events - Monday 12/11/06

2006-12-08T12:44:00.000-06:00

This coming Monday, December 12, 2006, Boland will continue his ongoing effort to publicize the recent passage of legislation promoting the use of E85 fuel. Boland's legislation which will require the State of Illinois to purchase flex-fuel vehicles wherever possible when making future purchases, was given final approval by the Illinois General Assembly during the Veto Session this November.

Monday morning, at 11:00 AM, Rep. Boland will be in Fulton, at the future construction site of a recently announced ethanol plant, to call on the Governor to sign the E85 legislation. And then Monday afternoon, Boland will visit the Carroll County portion of his district with the same message, holding a 1 PM news conference at the Savanna City Hall.

Events - Wednesday 12/6/06

2006-12-05T12:34:00.000-06:00

This Wednesday, 12/6/06, Representative Boland will be at the Erie Public Library at 10:30 AM to present a READ, literacy promotion poster to the Erie Public Library. I wrote about this effort on the blog once before in a post titled - "Today's Readers are Tomorrow's Leaders."

For those unwilling to look back in the October archives, I'll revisit the details behind the promotion briefly here. Representative Boland was contacted by the Prairie Area Library System to take part in a literacy promotion. The resulting poster, featuring the slogan -Today's Readers are Tomorrow's Leaders, features a picture of Representative Boland reading to his Grandson. We've given away several framed posters to area libraries and Erie is the latest to receive Boland's gift.

Stories about politicians getting pay raises and such are so common these days, I'd like to make one more personal comment to accompany this post. For those taxpayer watchdogs out there, I'd like to proudly point out no tax dollars were used to produce the framed posters. Representative Boland has personally covered the full expense of the production and framing of the posters from his own pocket. These posters are his personal gift to area libraries as a token of his ongoing support for libraries and the critical resources they provide for our communities, and we all hope they are useful as a tool to promote reading and literacy for our local children.

At 1:00 tomorrow, 12/6/06, Rep Boland will be in Morrison at the FS Fast Stop Service station to promote his recently passed legislation regarding E85 fuel in Illinois. I wrote about this legislation previously here at "Serving the 71st District w/ Mike Boland."

Everyone Wins!

2006-11-30T14:59:00.000-06:00

I recently ran across a post-election editorial by the Clinton newspaper that I found encouraging.

Clinton Herald Editorial - is the link to original editorial. Since many newspapers restrict access to their archives after a specific period of time, I'll also post the text here for those who are interested.

Money headed to good local causes

Now that the election is over, we feel it is appropriate to reflect on a few six-figure checks that were presented in various parts of Illinois House District 71 in October by the incumbent candidate.

Rep. Mike Boland, D-Moline, Ill., has done a good job being visible in the northern portion of his four-county district. Although voters up here strongly backed his opponent, Savanna (Ill.) Republican Steve Haring, Boland captured a seventh two-year term in the house, which means he’ll continue to be present in the Gateway area, doing everything from passing out $100,000 checks to reading to students at local elementary schools.

The money Boland distributed in the last few weeks — $100,000 to the Fulton (Ill.) Fire Department for facility planning, $100,000 to Albany, Ill., to develop a bike trail, $100,000 to Savanna, Ill., for a boat ramp, fire truck and sidewalk repairs and $50,000 to Morrison, Ill., for a community sports complex — came from what is known as individual legislative initiative funding, which is state grant money Boland and other legislators receive to help local governments within their legislative district.

The cynics will say the money is simply a bank account for buying votes (even if the polls don’t yield results). The idealists will say it allows a lawmaker to take care of concerns throughout the district, especially those communities typically ignored by the state budget. The realists will say $350,000 would go a long way toward more pressing issues, such as hiring a few more teachers here and there.

What we see is a combination of all three. Surely a politician facing a brutal campaign will leap at a chance to pose for photos with a big ceremonial check mere days before the vote. But also, a politician who is wholly unconnected with his or her district would be unable to know enough about the needs of these communities to make such sensible contributions, even if the timing is opportune.

And could that $350,000 be put to better use than boat ramps, bike trails and soccer fields? Certainly. But if we’ve learned anything from the state and federal budgeting process, it’s that those bodies decide who gets the money and how it’s to be spent. Given the choice between money toward a new fire station and no money at all, we’ll take the money.

The most important thing is that the money allocated is needed by those who will receive it, and it will go to projects that better the community. On that level, everyone wins.

Boland's E85 Legislation Approved in Veto Session

2006-11-30T14:06:00.000-06:00

HB4137 is a link to the General Assembly website's bill status for this legislation.
HB 4137 Text should bring you to the full text of Boland's bill.

Tomorrow (12/1/06) Representative Boland will be holding a news conference to call on Governor Blagojevich to sign this bill into law. The media event will be held at 11AM at the FS Fast Stop Gas Station located at 1601 1st Avenue in Silvis. I know that this particular service station was the 1st in the Illinois Quad Cities to offer E85 pumps, but I'm not totally sure whether or not it remains the only one of it's kind on our side of river.

For folks who aren't familar with all the terminology, E85 fuel is produced by blending 85 percent ethanol, which is produced from domestically grown corn, with 15 percent traditional unleaded gasoline. This fuel blend provides fuel economy and power fairly similar to normal unleaded gasoline.

Here's the text of the news release for this event.

Boland Calls On Governor to Sign E85 Legislation
SILVIS - At a news conference held in front of a Silvis gas station which offers E85 fuel, State Representative Mike Boland (D-East Moline) called on Governor Blagojevich to sign into law a recently passed bill promoting the use of ethanol in the State Of Illinois. Representative Boland was the sponsor of HB 4137 which received final approval from the Illinois General Assembly during this November’s Veto Session. Boland’s legislation requires that all new vehicles purchased by the state be Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV’s), cars and trucks that run on both E85 and traditional gasoline.

“By encouraging the use of E85 fuel, we are helping farmers here at home while also reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” Boland said. “This legislation will help to promote the development of greater capacity and infrastructure for the Illinois ethanol industry,” he continued. “Using E85 fuel produced from crops grown here in Illinois can also help stabilize commodity prices, and enhance agricultural profitability for our family farmers,” he stated. “By taking an active leadership role in promoting this new fuel technology, the State of Illinois will help to ensure a strong future for this important product and for our agricultural economy,” Boland emphasized.

“Because of our geographical position in our Nation’s heartland, and because we’ve been blessed with wonderfully rich agricultural soils, Illinois has a unique opportunity to become a leader in E85 technology,” Boland said. “Not only does the further development of E85 fuels open up exciting new markets for agriculture, it will also foster job growth as this industry continues to develops,” he stated. “By promoting and developing further markets for a cleaner burning fuel that frees us from dependence on foreign sources of oil, all the current and future residents of the Land of Lincoln come out far ahead,” Boland continued.

E85 fuel is produced by blending 85 percent ethanol, which is produced from domestically grown corn, with 15 percent traditional unleaded gasoline. This fuel blend provides fuel economy and power comparable to normal unleaded gasoline. In addition to the economic benefits of manufacturing E85 in Illinois with Ethanol made from corn grown in our state, there is the added benefit that E85 burns cleaner than traditional gasoline. E85 has the highest oxygen content of any motor fuel available today, so it burns cleaner than gasoline. This reduction in exhaust emissions improves air quality and reduces smog, which results in lower rates of respiratory disease and a better quality of life for those with breathing problems.

After it’s approval by the Illinois House, HB 4137 was amended by the Illinois State Senate, who made a small technical change. Boland was able to reconcile the minor differences between the bills during the November veto session, so it now awaits final approval by Governor Rod Blagojevich. Updates on Boland’s legislative activities as well as links to the full text of this legislation can be found visiting the website MikeBoland.blogspot.com. Representative Mike Boland can be reached at his district legislative office located at 4416 River Drive; Moline, Il 61265; or by phone at 309/736-3360. Boland’s local email contact is ILREPMikeBoland@aol.com .

Thank You!

2006-11-08T08:28:00.000-06:00

Let me begin with a sincere thank you to the volunteers who played a critical role in Representative Boland's campaign for reelection! There's no doubt that your help was critical in allowing us the opportunity to make a difference in lives of regular people for another two years.

Major thanks are also due to the staff who worked here in the 71st for Mike Boland's reelection, your efforts on Boland's behalf are also greatly appreciated. Boland ended up being the #1 target in the state, and each one of you played an important role in one of the most contested House races in Illinois, and you won!

And finally, a large thank you to all of the voters. Your support for Mike Boland and our efforts from his office are very gratifying. I look forward to continuing me reports on the activities of the 71st district, and the many and varied public servants working to make life a little better in our neck of the woods.

Today's the Big Day - VOTE!

2006-11-07T14:05:00.000-06:00

As you might imagine, it's been a busy morning here at casa Huntoon.

While all the various political orginizations have been doing their own GOTV thing, we've been working our own special magic here. We've made many hundreds of phone calls to our friends, reminding them it's election day.

For better or for worse, it'll all be over, except for the counting and crying, once the polls close at 7 PM, so there's still time to vote as I write this.

I give my personal regards and best wishes to all candidates. Just putting your name on the ballot shows a certain brand of courage. For nothing else, all candidates deserve recognition for their willingness to "go under the microscope" as happens in modern elections.

May the best candidate win!

Democratic Party leaders decry Haring ad, voice support for Boland

2006-11-06T12:54:00.000-06:00

Election Eve Story - link to the Argus/Dispatch story by Jenny Lee that's copied here . . .

ROCK ISLAND --Area Democratic politicians stood alongside Mike Boland Sunday, decrying his opponent's ad that portrays some party members as having a negative opinion of Mr. Boland.
But GOP challenger Steve Haring said Sunday he stands by his ad.

More than 20 Democratic leaders showed their support for Mr. Boland, of East Moline, at a press conference at the Rock Island County Democractic Party headquarters.

The television ad from Mr. Haring, and its twin mailer, uses photos of several former and current Democratic officials and uses quotes published in The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus.
During their highly contested race for the state 71st House District seat, both candidates have lambasted each other about negative ads.

Last week, Mr. Haring, of Savanna, was outraged that Mr. Boland and his supporters ran a television ad that said voting for Mr. Haring would lead to jobs being outsourced overseas.

When asked if he had negative ads, Mr. Boland said, "Our ads point out the differences between myself and my opponent."

Mr. Haring said Sunday that the quotes used in his ads were not made up. "I'm not going to get into any finger-pointing or name-calling. My intent is to focus on the issues," he said.

Rock Island County board member John Malvik was appalled that Mr. Haring's political mailer used Mr. Malvik's photo and a quote without his permission.

In a 2001 article, Mr. Malvik said, "I'm shocked. I don't think there's any place for that type of behavior in politics," according to a press release from Mr. Haring.

Mr. Malvik said the quote was taken out of context. "In my judgment, the literature was dishonest, deceptive and misleading," he said. "In 10 years on the Rock Island County board, I have supported Mike Boland's past re-election campaigns and today continue to support Mike Boland in his current bid for re-election."

Mr. Haring said he had no response to Mr. Malvik's comments.
The 2001 article refers to Rock Island County board members being upset with Mr. Boland for choosing not to go to a spring 2000 meeting that members hosted. At the time, Mr. Boland said he attended meetings based on how much support he's received from that group. That remark made some county board members angry.

Quotes from board members Bill Armstrong and Don Jacobs from the same 2001 article were also used in political ads.

Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Jacobs both said Sunday that they support Mr. Boland.

A television ad, mailer and press release from Mr. Haring's campaign also feature quotes from former state Sen. Denny Jacobs, former state Rep. Joel Brunsvold, D-Milan, former Democratic legislator Don Wooten and Rep. Boland's chief of staff Mike Huntoon.

Mr. Wooten said Sunday night that he'd spotted the television ad that evening, in which he was "quoted as saying something to the effect that (Mr. Boland) was 'not very substantive in state government.' "

"That is simply not true. I never said such a thing," Mr. Wooten said in a written statement to The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus. "The only time I have spoken to a reporter about Mike was for a background story, in which I commented that he was considered an "odd man out" by some local Democrats. But that's because he is independent, a quality I have never disparaged.
"I was misquoted and lied about when I last ran for the Illinois Senate," he said, "but thought I was safely out of such garbage."

Mr. Haring said he believes voters want a change. "There's definitely a riff between (Mr. Boland) and his constituents regardless of party," he said.

Rock Island County Democratic Party chairman John Gianulis and state Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Milan, also voiced their support for Mr. Boland Sunday.

Teachers Back Boland

2006-11-05T09:32:00.000-06:00

One more letter to the editor . . .

Dear Editor,

As educators, we want to dispel misinformation being spread about State Rep. Mike Boland. As an educator for 30 years, Representative Boland knows how important a quality education is to our children. To improve the quality of education and give our children more opportunities to succeed, he secured millions of dollars in new state funding for local schools and he sponsored legislation to provide much needed money to modernize and repair several schools in our area, legislation which was opposed by Boland's political opponents.

Recently, Mike Boland has come under attack by his opponent, Steve Haring. Steve is trying to use scare tactics by telling teachers that Mike Boland raided our pension system in order to pay for the FY 2007 state budget. This is simply not true! The retirement benefits teachers earn are protected by the state constitution. Further, the annual 3 % cost-of-living adjustment for retirees, as mandated by state laws, is preserved.

During the 94th General Assembly, Representative Boland worked to pass legislation preserving the Early Retirement Option (ERO) and implementing pension reforms. While we support these reforms, there were some unintended consequences that took place as a result of this legislation. However, this past spring Rep. Boland took our concerns to Springfield and worked to address those consequences. Through working with the Illinois Education Association, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois School Board Alliance and EdRed, legislation addressing these unlimited consequences was introduced and passed. Mike Boland supported this bill.

As a former teacher, Representative Boland appreciates our dedication t o educating the youth of our community and will continue standing up for us in Springfield.

Sincerely,
Sue Foehrkolb, Teacher Glenview Middle School
Bob Feller, Teacher, U.T. High School
Patricia McLeod, Teacher, Morrison High School

Savanna Mayor Supports Boland

2006-11-05T09:19:00.000-06:00

My friend, Savanna Mayor Bill Lease, recently wrote a letter of support for Representative Mike Boland. Bill's a great guy who really cares about the people he's been elected to represent. He actually reminds me a lot of my Father-In-Law, who has an incredible combination of intelligence, wisdom, and practical know-how. Not only is Mayor Lease a great public servant, he's also an excellent cook too!

Here's the letter he wrote on behalf of Boland.

Dear Editor,

As the mayor of Savanna, I hope you will join me in supporting State Representative Mike Boland in his campaign for re-election for the 71st District.

Representative Boland wants to keep our families healthy. Boland passed a measure to fight breast and ovarian cancer, which requires insurance companies to cover mammograms and screenings for women at-risk of developing these deadly diseases. Due to the increasing number of middle class families unable to afford health insurance, Boland also supported a new law that makes Illinois the first state in the nation to guarantee healthcare coverage for all uninsured children.

As our State Representative, he will continue working to improve our quality of life while upholding our values. In response to a Kansas hate group that has been picketing the funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mike Boland recently backed the "Let them Rest in Peace Act," which makes it a crime to protest at a funeral, giving the families of soldiers killed in Iraq peace and respect when burying their loved ones. Mike also worked to enact legislation protecting seniors from rising property taxes by increasing the senior homestead exemption.

Representative Boland is a proven independent leader who puts partisan politics aside in order to get the job done. This year, Representative Boland stood up to the Chicago special interests and helped secure millions of dollars in funding for important local projects, like roads bridges, and to open Thomson prison, which will create good jobs in Carroll County.

As an educator for 30 years, Representative Boland knows how important a quality education is to our children. To improve the quality of education and give our children more opportunities to succeed, he secured millions of dollars in new state funding for local schools.

Boland also fought for new laws to increase exports for Illinois' farmers and to increase production of ethanol to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Last spring Mike fought for $25 million in new funding in the state budget for the creation of ethanol plants in Illinois and to promote the state's bio-fuels industry. He recognizes how important ethanol and biodiesel are not only to farmers, but to consumers and the overall economy as well. Boland believes we need to look towards establishing programs that encourage the development and use of renewable fuels. Currently, Iowa produces more ethanol than Illinois does. Boland knows we need a better renewable fuels package so we can compete with our neighbors.

Mike has also been working with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help us with important local projects, including costs towards new sidewalks, a boat ramp and to assist us with purchasing a new fire truck. I hope you will consider my personal endorsement of State Representative Mike Boland when you vote. Please also ask your friends and family to vote for Mike. Mike Boland has proven his leadership for us.

Sincerely,
William C. Lease
Mayor of Savanna

Boland Works for Senior Citizens

2006-11-04T21:15:00.000-06:00

Letter to Q.C.Times - A recently published letter to the editor that appeared in the Quad City Times.

Boland works for senior citizens
By Barbara Fackler, East Moline Thursday, October 26

As a fellow senior citizen, I know that as the years pass, we are met with more scams, paperwork and demands. It’s not always easy to navigate the challenges we are faced with. Our community’s senior citizens deserve a strong voice to ensure that our needs are represented in Springfield. As senior citizens, we know that the person who represents us best is State Representative Mike Boland.

Many senior citizens live on fixed incomes, often facing difficult decisions when forced to choose between expensive, but important, medications and other necessities. For the past 12 years, Rep. Boland has fought to increase prescription drug coverage by expanding the state’s medication assistance programs. To protect our seniors from rising property taxes, Mike Boland also helped enact legislation to expand the senior homestead exemption.

Mike has stood up to Chicago interests and has been a strong voice for our region. His office is committed to helping us navigate any red tape we might face. Our community has benefited tremendously from the service of State Rep. Mike Boland, and we hope every senior citizen will help send him back to Springfield so he can continue to serve as a strong voice for seniors and families.

Barbara Fackler - East Moline

Mike Huntoon's Letter to the Editor

2006-11-04T15:37:00.000-06:00

A month, or perhaps a little more back, I wrote a letter to the editor defending Representative Boland's vote on the budget this year. It got published in a number of newspapers, but a couple of the newspapers in the 71st declined to print it. I'll include it here for anyone who might not have caught it the first time around.

Dear Editor:

I am writing in response to recent letters criticizing Representative Mike Boland because he voted for this year’s state budget. I believe those criticisms were unjust, because a yes vote on the budget was a vote to move in a positive direction. Boland’s yes vote is about bringing significant new economic development to our area.

When the budget is presented to the members of the legislature, it’s usually put forth as a single piece of legislation, so there are always pluses and minuses to be weighed. It’s not usually a simple choice, but this year’s budget had so many benefits for our region, that the choice was pretty obvious.

The current budget not only included the long awaited opening of the Thomson Correctional Facility, it also contained the "local matching funds" necessary to secure millions of Federal dollars to transform Route 30 to a modern four lane highway. Boland’s vote for the budget was a vote to bring a full fledged Western Illinois University campus to our area, and there’s much more of benefit to our region that has not yet been announced.

When minority leader Tom Cross held a news conference with Steve Haring denouncing Boland’s vote, Cross perhaps wasn’t aware of all the great things the budget brings to the 71st district. As minority leader, Tom Cross does have the entire Republican Party to look out for, so, I can’t really fault him for wanting Steve to follow their party line. But it’s also pretty obvious that our regional needs, and one party leader’s personal interests, are not necessarily alike.

If either one of them had taken the time to study the budget and learn about all the improvements it brings to the 71st district, they would have easily understood why Boland voted yes. It’s simple really, a vote in favor of the budget was right thing to do for the 71st district!

I don’t believe that politics in the 21st Century should be about following party lines or pointing fingers in fancy news conferences with party leaders. I believe that being a good representative is about helping the people of your district, and getting things accomplished that will improve the quality of their lives. I am proud that Mike Boland represented his district so well with his votes in Springfield, and I commend Boland’s courage in standing up for us all and fighting for what is right.

Sincerely,
Michael Huntoon

It's not like trying to remember who your waitress is . . .

2006-11-04T09:06:00.000-06:00

In a paid newspaper ad run in several newspapers in the Carroll County portion of the 71st district, Steve Haring proudly touts his endorsement by Mayors of Milledgeville, Lanark, and Prophetstown.

What’s wrong with that you might ask?

Lanark is NOT contained inside the district boundaries of the 71st District.
Milledgeville is NOT contained inside the district boundaries of the 71st, not even close!
And likewise Prophetstown, NOT in the 71st district, not by a long stretch!

Don’t those mayors know or care who actually represents them?

I am 100% certain those towns don’t fall within the boundaries of the 71st District that Mike Boland currently represents. I don't have a district map in front of me, but, I’m pretty sure Prophetstown is in Jerry Mitchell’s district and that Lanark and Milledgeville are both contained in Jimmy Sacia’s district.

Could it be that Steve Haring really doesn’t know the district yet, despite the fact this is his second attempt at election here? Or perhaps, are Steve and the mayors of neighboring Republican districts trying to fool the good people of the 71st?

To add to the apparent egg on their face, Steve and friends also claim the endorsement of Moline’s Mayor, but they butcher the spelling of his last name. Ooops!

Argus-Dispatch Coverage of Grant Announcements

2006-11-04T07:49:00.000-06:00

In this morning's paper, Dawn Neuses of the Argus - Dispatch writes an article about the $1,000,000 in grant funding that Representative Boland will deliver to local governments in the 71st District in '06.

The following link should take you to the article for at least a day or so before it ends up in the "subscriber only" zone - $1,000,000 in grants for 71st .

Representative Boland's opponent doesn't speak so kindly about Boland bringing home these grants to the 71st District, but to me the criticisms ring hollow. I am actually reminded of an old Aesop's fable. I'm sure most every reader will know the one I'm talking about, it's the one that ends with the Fox walking away with his nose in the air, saying: "I am sure those grapes are sour."

This is the list of '06 Individual Legislative Initiative grants Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, will distribute.
-- $25,000, city of Savanna, new boat ramp
-- $50,000, city of Savanna, sidewalk renovation, repair and replacement
-- $25,000, Savanna Fire District, new fire truck
-- $50,000, city of Morrison, development of new sports recreation complex
-- $25,000, Geneseo Public Library District, building new district library
--$100,000, Village of Albany, purchase and development of bike path
--$100,000, Village of Port Byron, development and drilling of new well
-- $50,000, Village of Orion, replacement of groundwater storage tank
-- $50,000, Village of Orion, street repair, replacement and renovation
-- $50,000, Barstow Fire Protection District, purchase of new pumper truck
-- $25,000, Lynn Township, help pay off township building
--$100,000, city of East Moline, water and sewer renovation
-- $25,000, city of Mount Carroll, water infrastructure renovation
-- $25,000, city of Mount Carroll, brick street redevelopment
-- $50,000, Erie Police Department, new police station
--$100,000, Moline Public Library, new library
--$100,000, Fulton Fire Protection District, building expansion and renovation
-- $50,000, Village of Carbon Cliff, new fire/pumper truck

Boland Announces $7.75 Million for 4-Lane Highway 30

2006-11-04T04:26:00.000-06:00

In '06 Representative Mike Boland fought hard to secure appropiate state funding for the future development of Highway 30 in Whiteside County from Rock Falls to the Mississippi River. Here's the news release from the banquet that was held to announce our success.

Boland to Announce $7.75 Million in State Funds Earmarked for 4-Lane Highway 30
Fulton- At a news conference and banquet, State Representative Mike Boland (D-East Moline) announced today that he has obtained a commitment from the Illinois Department of Transportation (I.D.O.T.) for a total of $7.75 million in state funding to go towards converting Highway 30 to a 4-lane Highway. This major transportation improvement for Western Illinois will be a major step along the way to completion of a 4-lane Highway 30 from the Sterling / Rock Falls area to the Iowa Border.

"It has been quite a struggle to get to where we are today, so it’s incredibly gratifying to be able to announce that we’ve got a significant financial commitment from I.D.O.T. to move forward with the four-lane Highway 30 project," Boland stated. "It’s really been a team effort, the hard work of the Highway 30 Partnership and a number of dedicated individuals like Barb Suehl have been essential in bringing us to this point," he added. "So it’s quite wonderful to be able to do my part as State Representative, and to be able to announce that we are bringing this project another step forward and nearer to completion," Boland said.

"The entire Western Illinois region wins with this project," Boland commented. "It’s important to note that this project has the potential to stimulate our region’s economic vitality in a number of ways," he added. "Not only will a four-lane Highway 30 help to promote economic development by providing a transportation corridor which is inviting to business, it also can help us to bring more recreational and tourist visitors to destinations like Fulton’s Dutch Windmill," Boland said.

The $7.75 million commitment Boland has obtained, will serve as the local matching dollars to leverage an even larger sum from the Federal Government for this project. Boland’s efforts have resulted in a commitment for $1.5 million in funding being earmarked for Fiscal Year 2007 by I. D.O.T., and a total of $6.25 million in Fiscal Years 2008 thru 2012.

Boland Presents $50,000 each to Carbon Cliff and Barstow Fire Districts

2006-11-03T07:07:00.000-06:00

At Representative Boland's office, we have a strong commitment to helping the first responders who put their lives on the line protecting the well being of our communities. Today at 11:30, Representative Boland will hold a ceremonial check presentation ceremony to present $50,000 grants for new fire trucks to both Carbon Cliff and Barstow Fire districts.

The event will be hosted by Fire Chief John Swan at the Colona Fire Station. John Swan's a great guy, and I am proud to know him. In addition to his duties in Colona, Fire Chief Swan is also the President of the Volunteer Firefighter's Association. John's a real inspiration, he has been tireless in the work he does to help firefighters across all of Illinois. Illinois is a little better place due to the work of John Swan, and I am honored to consider him a friend.

Here's a copy of the news release for the event.

Boland Awards $100,000 To Local Fire Departments
State Representative Helps to Fund Fire Trucks For Barstow and Carbon Cliff

COLONA, IL — At a news conference and check presentation ceremony, State Representative Mike Boland presented two giant oversized checks, for $50,000 each, to Barstow Fire Protection District and Carbon Cliff Fire Department. Boland’s grants will help fund new fire trucks for each of these two departments. Colona Fire Chief John Swan, who also heads the Illinois Volunteer Firefighters Association, hosted the check presentation ceremony which was attended by firefighters and fire board members from both Barstow and Carbon Cliff.

"I have great admiration and respect for the proud men and women who provide fire protection to our communities," Boland began. "As a State Legislator, I consider it a real privilege to be able to play a role, not only in passing legislation for both professional and volunteer firefighters, but also in providing much needed funding to help local fire districts," he added. "So, I am very proud to be here today presenting checks for $50,000 each to fire protection districts from Barstow and Carbon Cliff," Boland said.

"Volunteer firefighters from our more rural areas were once overlooked by legislators from urban areas with paid full time fire service," Boland added. "It’s taken some time to educate legislators from the more densely populated cities in Illinois, of the valuable and essential role our volunteer firefighters play," he continued. "To make it personal for some of my colleagues, I’ve had to point out that in the event of a car accident or similar emergency on their drive to Springfield, about 90% of their trip would be covered by volunteer firefighters," Boland commented.

In 1998, Boland was recognized with the Legislator of the Year Award by the Firefighter’s Association. In 2004 Boland was the recipient of the highest honor Firefighters award to civilians, the prestigious "Golden Helmet Award." Volunteer firefighters have also recognized Boland with their highest honor, the "White Helmet Award."

Boland is providing this grant from what is commonly called Individual Legislative Initiative funding, grant money legislators receive to help local government within their legislative districts. Boland is distributing a total of $1 million in grants for the 71st district in 2006.

Boland Presents $100,000 Grant to Moline Public Library

2006-11-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Later this morning, at 10:00 AM, Representative Boland will hold a ceremonial check presentation at the Moline Public Library. The $100,000 grant Boland secured for library construction in Moline, is a part of $1 million in grants Mike Boland will deliver for his district in 2006.

Here's the news release that goes along with the event.

Boland Awards $100,000 To Moline Public Library
State Representative Helps to Funds New Library Construction
MOLINE, IL — At a news conference and check presentation ceremony, State Representative Mike Boland presented a giant oversized check for $100,000 to Karl Huntoon, President of the Moline Library Board, and Leslie Kee, Moline Library Director. Boland’s gift to the library will help fund construction costs for the newly built south east branch library in Moline. Also joining Representative Boland for the ceremony, were representatives from the Moline Library Board of Directors, as well as library staff, and library patrons.

"Without a doubt, delivering grants for projects like this new library construction is the favorite part of my job," Boland stated. "I am extremely proud to be here today, contributing funding for this beautiful new facility ," he said. "More than ever, in today’s information age, libraries remain an essential educational and recreational resource for our communities," Boland continued.

Boland added that he had a special place in his heart for libraries, "My career in politics actually began when I was elected to serve on a library board," said the sixth term representative who was also formerly a schoolteacher. "Until her recent retirement, my wife Mary was a school librarian for the Geneseo school district, and my daughter Susan carries on the tradition teaching law library to prospective law students at N.I.U. in DeKalb" he said.

Boland is awarding this grant from what is commonly called Individual Legislative Initiative funding, grant money legislators receive to help local government within their legislative districts. This is the second $100,000 grant Boland secured for the Moline Public Library. Boland has also helped fund construction or renovation for several libraries in the 71st district, including Geneseo Public Library, Moline Public Library, Silvis Public Library, and York Township Public Library in Thomson .

Tom Stocking - Fighting for People

2006-11-01T08:44:00.000-06:00

Here's a picture of myself, your humble narrator, with Tom Stocking. Tom's the guy wearing the sharp looking Packer's jacket.

Tom is an individual with disabilities, but he doesn't let that keep him from fighting for what he believes is right.

Tom Stocking lives in Port Byron, but bus service only goes to Hampton, and that can be a great hardship for lower income individuals living in more rural areas of Rock Island County. With some help from places like ProjectNOW, Tom could probably access transportation that's dedicated to individuals with disabilities, but Tom's not in this just for himself.

Because of efforts of individuals like Tom Stocking, there is now a board that meets on a regular basis, with the goal of expanding bus service to more rural areas of Rock Island County. I've had the privilege to be a part of a couple of those meetings, and I believe that there's great hope down the road that a number of different transportation funding streams can be brought together to expand bus service in Rock Island County. METROLink, as well as Project NOW, The Iowa-Illinois Center for Independent Living, Bi-State Regional Planning Agency, and a number of other individuals and organizations are now involved, so it's a genuine community effort.

Tom stopped into Mike Boland's office earlier this week to give me an update about the committee, and Bobbi-Sue took that opportunity to shoot a photo of Tom while he spoke with me.

Delivering $100,000 for a New Well

2006-11-01T07:31:00.000-06:00

On Monday, we delivered a $100,000 dollar grant to the Village of Port Byron to help alleviate their chronic water shortage. I already posted the news release for the event, but I didn't have time to put up any pictures or tell any of the story in my own words, so here's the rest of the story.

I've actually worked with more than one group of elected officials from Port Byron on this project, the well problem has been an ongoing issue for years. As Federal EPA drinking water standards become more stringent over time, villages and smaller municipal units often struggle to provide water that meets the increasingly strong regulations. The bottom line for Port Byron, was they needed another new source of water, because one of their existing wells produced water that no longer met EPA requirements.

Representative Boland was actually advised to break his grants into smaller amounts, and to also use them all for projects that would be more likely to generate a plaque or similar lasting recognition. New wells, or water tanks, or streets aren't likely to get a politician's name engraved anywhere. Investing in infrastructure like wells, water lines, sewers, or streets isn't necessarily the flashiest use of the grants we are able to access to help local governments. But, I am personally of the mind that infrastructure investments like these are often overlooked and ignored because they aren't as "sexy" as new buildings or parks.

Just another example of Mike Boland getting the job done right for the people.

Mount Carroll’s Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies

2006-10-31T07:32:00.000-06:00

Did you know that in Mt. Carroll there is currently a school being put together to teach the art and science of historic preservation to everyone from interested amateurs to National Park Service professionals? Mount Carroll’’s Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies is even expected to draw students from other countries, acting as a global learning and teaching center for historic preservation.

Representative Boland and I both believe that historic preservation is vitally important to protect critical elements of our vast heritage, here in the melting pot that is America. Once lost, some historical artifacts can never be restored or replaced. Mike Boland was a history teacher for 30 years before being elected to office, so it's pretty obvious where his appreciation of history developed.

My family currently lives in, and are slowly restoring, a house built in 1929-1930, and our previous residence was built by German immigrants in the late 1800's. I also had the privilege to live for a year at Grand Canyon National Park (where I worked as a chef,) and I was an avid backpacker when my health was better. So, I have a great appreciation and respect for the National Park Service and their work, not only in protecting wild places but also in protecting historical sites and artifacts.

When Representative Boland and I learned about Mount Carroll’’s Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies, we were very excited about the school's potential. It's truly a beautiful setting for teaching historic preservation. The Campbell Center is located on the historic campus of what was formerly Shimer College. The present 14-acre campus, with its quadrangle of Georgian Revival buildings, dates from the early 20th century. The buildings were designed by Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge. Their Chicago office also designed the present Chicago Cultural Center and the main building of the Art Institute of Chicago. Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge also designed other college campuses, including that of Stanford University.

There was even a Huntoon, or two, who attended Shimer College in Mt. Carroll, if I remember my family history correctly. If you'd like, you can follow this link - Campbell Center - to learn more for yourself about what is happening today at Campbell Center from the source.

During a previous session of the Illinois General Assembly, Representative Boland secured a $100,000 grant to assist the Campbell Center. If I remember correctly, Senator Dick Durbin also helped to secure additional funding for the Campbell Center not long after the grant that Representative Boland presented. The news release from Boland's check presentation to Mount Carroll’s Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies follows.

Boland Presents Campbell Center Grant
Representative Delivers $100,000 in State Funding to Mt Carroll School

MT CARROLL, IL — At a news conference and check presentation ceremony, State Representative Mike Boland presented a $100,000 ceremonial check to Mount Carroll’s Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies. This check represents state funding obtained by Boland to help provide for infrastructure improvements and rehabilitation at the Campbell Center, which is located in Mount Carroll on the former campus of Shimer College.

"I am very excited to be here today to award state funding in the amount of $100,000 to the Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies," Boland stated. "It was a major undertaking to secure funding for any projects in this last year," he continued, "So it’s especially gratifying to have been able to deliver this grant despite ongoing state budget difficulties."

"As an educator who’s spent more than 30 years teaching history classes, I get great joy from being able to help the Campbell Center teach historical preservation," Boland said. "It’s wonderful to be a part of this effort which is focused on teaching the preservation the past as an educational tool for the future," he added. "I know from first hand experience, that giving folks a better understanding and appreciation of history will give them a lifetime of enrichment down the road," Boland continued.

The Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies offers continuing education to meet the training needs of individuals who work to preserve historic landscapes and cultural, historic, and artistic properties. The Campbell Center was founded in 1979 because many museums in the United States did not have adequately trained staff to properly care for historical artifacts. Located in Mount Carroll on the historic former campus of Shimer College, the actual campus is celebrating its 150th year of continuous use as an educational facility.

"I would also like to stress that the Campbell Center is not only an educational asset for those people working in the conservation and preservation fields," Boland stated. "It is also a valuable asset to the rural area of Carroll County," he added. "The restoration and rehabilitation of the exisiting Campbell Center campus, and the expansion of their educational programs, will have far-reaching, positive economic effects on the entire area," Boland concluded.

We Support the Arts @ Mike Boland's Office

2006-10-31T07:01:00.000-06:00

Every year at Representative Boland's office, we have the pleasure of hosting Karla Kunzeman of the Illinois Arts Council. Karla's yearly visit is to announce state grants that support the arts within the district Mike represents. I will always remember and cherish the opportunity to coordinate the last several years worth of check presentations with Karla, who is the Legislative Liason for the Illinois Arts Council. The grants always go to very worthwhile causes, and Ms. Kunzemanla is a joy to work with.

Here's the press release from the most recent grant presentation.

Boland Presents Arts Council Grants
More Than $36,000 in Grants Awarded by Arts Council
MOLINE, IL — At a check presentation ceremony, held in conjunction with the Illinois Arts Council, State Representative Mike Boland (D-East Moline) announced today that his district will receive more than $36,000 in Art Council grants for fiscal year 2006. Illinois Arts Council Legislative Liaison Karla Kunzeman joined Boland to award certificates and ceremonial checks to local grant recipients.

"We must always remember," Boland added, "The arts are important not only in giving meaning and value to peoples lives, these programs also provide an important economic benefit as well, contributing more than $1 billion annually to the Illinois economy." Boland cited the Mississippi Valley Blues Society’s annual Blues Festival, which attracts thousands of tourists to the region, as a local example of the economic impact the arts can have in our communities.

"So, I am very pleased to be here today to help award the 71st District’s Arts Council grants," Boland stated. "I would like to thank Karla Kunzeman and the Illinois Arts Council for their support of these programs which do so much to enrich our communities," he continued. "The economic return these programs provide to our region enrich the local economy in much the same way that the arts programs they support also enrich the social and educational opportunities of Western Illinois," Boland concluded.

Local Grant recipients include the Mississippi Valley Blues Society who will receive a general operating support grant of $17,760, and the Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll who will receive $18,370 for general operating support. Officials from the Mississippi Valley Blues Society were on hand at Boland’s office to accept a ceremonial oversized check that represents the $17,760 they will receive in general operating support from Illinois in the upcoming year.

Don't Take Boland for Granted - Letter from Grandma

2006-10-31T06:40:00.000-06:00

Bobbi-Sue's Grandmother wrote the following letter to the editor on behalf of Representative Mike Boland. I don't know if it was mailed to the paper in time to be published before the election, but a copy did make it's way to my desk here at home, so I can share it with you.

Audrey Gregg, Bobbi-Sue's Grandmother, genuinely likes Representative Boland ,and has even gone so far as to join Representative Boland in the Colona Memorial Day Parade. Audrey was a W.A.C. back during the Second World War, and Bobbi-Sue's late Grandpa Cliff Gregg was with the Military Police.

People of the 71st District please do not take Rep Boland for granted. I do not live in Rep Boland’s district, so I can not vote to keep him in office, even though he is my favorite State Representative. I admit that Rep Boland is in the news a lot! He actually works hard to notify thegeneral public here in Illinois about the legislation being voted on in Springfield. That way I can voice my support or concerns about that certain legislation to MY House Representative. Otherwise the general public has no idea of the legislation being passed into law in Springfield until it has already passed. Rep Boland is actually working as Rep and lobbyist for the little guys. Rep Boland works to make sure that laws designed to protect children, seniors, veterans and the working folks are brought to OUR attention so that we can voice our opinions.
Audrey Gregg
Viola IL 61486

We Deliver $25,000 for Lynn Township Hall

2006-10-30T20:27:00.000-06:00

I updated this news release slightly, to express gratitude for the wonderful hospitality shown by the great folks of Lynn Township! Bobbi-Sue and I attended the grand opening of the hall, so it was nice that one of us could be there for the check presentation.

Boland Presents $25,000 Grant to Lynn Township
Legislator Helps Fund Recently Completed Township Hall
LYNN CENTER, IL — At a news conference and check presentation ceremony, State Representative Mike Boland (D-East Moline) presented a $25,000 ceremonial check to Lynn Township to help fund the recently completed Township Hall. Supervisor Sheldon Larson, as well as Township Trustees and staff, were on hand to accept the check from Representative Boland.

"I am very proud to be here today to award state funding in the amount of $25,000 to Lynn Township," Boland stated. "I have a great appreciation for Township Government, it can be the government that is closest and most responsible to the people," he said. "I know that all the individuals here in Lynn Township work together to make a difference for the people you serve, and that you have fought hard to increase the services you provide without increasing the taxes you levy," Boland emphasized. "I want to personally acknowledge and reward that kind of service to the taxpayers," he added.

"I realize that investing in infrastructure, like helping with the Township Hall here in Lynn Center, or the Fire Station for Fulton, is not the most visible or flashiest way to use the funds I can grants as a State Representative," he continued. "However, I also know that by investing in our Villages and Townships, I can have the largest possible impact right here in our communities, and that’s an important part of making the government in Springfield work for us right here at home," Boland concluded.

"After attending the grand opening of the Township Hall a while back, it was really great to accompany Representative Boland to give this grant award today. It feels kind of like Christmas," Boland staffer Bobbi-Sue Huntoon was heard to say. It was such a special and historic event for Lynn Township, that Supervisor Sheldon Larson had the original architect for the project on hand to say a few words.

Boland Helps Fund Drilling of New Well for Port Byron

2006-10-30T19:51:00.000-06:00

Here's the news release written to accompany the $100,000 check presentation Rep Mike Boland held in Port Byron earlier today.

Boland Presents $100,000 Grant to Port Byron
Legislator Funds Drilling of New Well for Village
PORT BYRON, IL — At a news conference and check presentation ceremony, State Representative Mike Boland (D-East Moline) presented a $100,000 ceremonial check to the Village of Port Byron to help fund drilling and development of a new municipal well. Village President Mike Ferretti, as well as members of the Village Board and staff, were on hand to accept the check from Representative Boland.

"I am very excited to be here today to award state funding in the amount of $100,000 to the Village of Port Byron," Boland stated. "My office has been in close contact with Mayor Ferretti, as well as other elected officials from the Village, so I was well aware of the tremendous need for a new water source in Port Byron," he added. "Hopefully, this grant will go a long way towards helping end the chronic water problems suffered by the community," Boland said.

"Water is an absolute essential, so everyone in the community should get some benefit from this funding," Boland added. "I realize that investing in infrastructure, like helping with the well here in Port Byron, or the water storage tank I am helping to fund for Orion, is not the most visible or flashiest way to use the grants I can access as a State Representative," he continued. "However, I also know that by investing in infrastructure, I can have the largest possible impact in helping local government provide essential services, and that’s an important part of making the government work for people right here in our communities," Boland concluded.

Mike Boland will be announcing a total of $1 million in grants awarded to the 71st district in 2006, in addition to the more than $1 million in legislative initiative funding he has secured to benefit his constituents in previous years.

Fighting for Firefighters!

2006-10-30T17:34:00.000-06:00

One of the ways we try to make a difference in people's everyday lives from Representative Boland's office is by providing support and assistance for firefighters. Mike Boland has been a true champion for firefighters, both in Springfield, and here at home.

All the way back in 1998, Mike Boland was given the "Legislator of the Year" award by the Firefighter’s Association. More recently Boland received the prestigious "Golden Helmet Award" from the Professional Firefighter’s Association. The Golden Helmet Award is the highest honor given to a civilian by Firefighters. Mike also was awarded the "White Helmet Award" by the Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, their highest civilian honor.

Mike has passed legislation protecting the jobs of volunteer firefighters if they are late or absent from work while responding to an emergency. He’s also passed legislation making it a crime to impersonate a firefighter. Not only has Boland passed legislation in Springfield to help Illinois Firefighters of all kinds, he’s also delivered a number of grants to fund desperately needed firefighting and lifesaving equipment for many of the fire protection districts in the area Boland represents.

I’m especially proud of our successes at Mike’s office this year on behalf of firemen. In Savanna we were able to secure a $25,000 for a new fire truck. We also recently awarded Fulton Fire Protection District with $100,000 for new construction. Later this week we will be announcing grants for both the Barstow Fire Protection District and the Carbon Cliff Fire District.

A few years back we were able to secure $90,000 for Albany to help purchase a new pumper truck. From Boland’s office we were also able to secure $40,000 for Erie Fire District to help with the construction of a new fire station. At the same time, $30,000 was allocated to the Henry County Emergency Services Center through Boland’s efforts, and Port Byron received $25,000 to help with thermal imaging equipment which allows firefighters to identify victims even if their vision is obstructed by heavy smoke. Another $20,000 went to Hampton Fire and Rescue district to help with a pumper truck, and $18,250 was awarded to the Moline Second Alarmers group to help with the cost of an air supply vehicle. Finally, $1750 was granted to Thomson for an auto-defribrillator.

Pictured above is Representative Boland presenting a $100,000 check to Fulton Fire District.

An Inspiration to me - Sheldon Larson

2006-10-30T08:06:00.000-06:00

Pictured here with Representative Mike Boland, is one of my favorite individuals from the 71st district, Lynn Township Supervisor Sheldon Larson.

Sheldon is a family friend, I've known him for a number of years. But, it was only when I became more involved in public service, that I really realized how special Sheldon is, and how lucky the people of Lynn Township are to have him serving them.

Recently, Sheldon was honored for his service driving Veterans to visit their Doctors in Iowa City, something he's been doing for many many years. I also know Sheldon does some very special things to assist the people of Lynn Township. For years, Sheldon has arranged to collect surplus goods from local grocery stores to take back to help assure no one in Lynn Township will go without food.

Sheldon is a Republican, and I'm a Democrat, so I can't say we always agree on everything. But we do agree that making government work for people right here in our communities is the real meaning of "public service." Later today Representative Boland will recognize Lynn Township's (and Sheldon Larson's) commitment to public service by awarding Lynn Township a $25,000 grant to help pay off debt incurred in the building of the recently completed Lynn Township Hall.

Lynn Township has "held the line" on taxes, building their township hall and providing excellent quality services to the people they represent, without asking for tax increases in return. Regardless of other stresses of my job, it's really gratifying to help true public servants of the 71st District regardless of party affiliation. Sheldon Larson, the trustees and staff of Lynn township are making government work for people, and that's what it's all about!

Friend of Libraries

2006-10-30T07:28:00.000-06:00

As a former school teacher, Mike Boland has a great respect for libraries. Mike even met his wife Mary in a library, and their daughter Susie Boland, teaches law library to aspiring law students at N.I.U. in DeKalb.

On Friday, Rep. Mike Boland presented a ceremonial check for $25,000 to Geneseo Librar. The state grant Boland secured will help fund new construction. Pictured above with Representative Boland is Brenda Fowler, who is the Director of Geneseo Library.

During my time serving the 71st with Mike Boland, we've been able to help a number of libraries with new construction and expansion. The York Township Public Library in Thomson benefitted from a $75,000 grant for expansion, and we secured a $100,000 grant for expansion of the Silvis Public Library. Moline Public Library also received a $100,000 construction grant courtesy of Mike Boland, and we are expecting to announce another grant to that library in the near future.

In almost all cases, libraries provide internet access to those who otherwise might not be able to travel the "information superhighway," and they continue to provide essential resources for people from all walks of life and age groups. At Mike Boland's office, we are proud of our efforts to help local libraries!

August & Sept '06 - School Supplies Drive

2006-10-27T19:32:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year, we put together a nice little school supplies drive for students in Representative Boland's district. Many of the more urban schools in the Quad Cities region already benefit from other drives of this type, but we found there was a need in some of the smaller more rural school districts.

In the end, something around 15 boxes were collected, many of them heaping full with supplies for children in need. On top of that, Rep Boland personally purchased more than $150 of school supplies himself to add to the total. The school supplies drive was coordinated by Anne from Representative Boland’s District Legislative office.

The drive was supported by a number of local businesses and libraries who all were kind enough to allow us to place drop-off boxes at their location. Many thanks go out to all who helped, especially the individuals who supplied the donations, and the libraries and businesses who assisted.

Here, Representative Boland is pictured with Connie Boonstra, who is the Director of Morrison's public library.

Making a Difference- Parks In Morrison

2006-10-27T19:10:00.000-05:00

Representative Mike Boland was in Morrison today to present a $50,000 grant to Morrison to help fund the development of an athletic complex. As you can see from the artist's rendition above, the plan is fairly ambitious. I wasn't along for the event this morning, but Bobbi-Sue was kind enough to bring back a picture or two for me.

If I remember correctly what Bobbi-Sue told me, this is Morrison Mayor Roger Drey pictured with Representative Boland getting a good look at what the completed project will look like. This is the second grant Boland has secured for parks in Morrison, and the third grant overall. In total, Boland has secured $150,000 for Morrison in grants from individual legislative initiative funding.

Kurt Dreger - Making a Difference

2006-10-27T07:48:00.000-05:00

As I've mentioned more than once, this blog isn't just about Mike Boland, it's a little more personal than that for me. I've met a lot of wonderful people while working as Chief of Staff for Rep. Mike Boland, and I've made some wonderful friends.

One of the individuals who stands out from the crowd is Kurt Dreger. Kurt is the owner and operator of the Surf's Up Java Hut in Savanna, but he's much much more too. Kurt is a community activist, and those kind of folks are near and dear to my heart.

Kurt collected thousands of signatures on petitions asking the Governor to open Thomson Prison, and he's been tireless in his efforts pushing to get Thomson opened. Kurt's a strong voice for economic development, and he's also an advocate for building a skate / bike park in Savanna to give local youth more recreational opportunities.

Kurt's been doing this kind of citizen advocacy for years, and Kurt recently also decided to get more involved by running for elected office himself. In my eyes, Kurt Dreger would be a great asset to his community and region if elected. His combination of energy and enthusiasm, along with a quick mind and a "can do" attitude, really sets him apart as someone who can and will make a difference in peoples lives.

Thank you Kurt Dreger for your past and current service to the community, and best of luck to you in all your future endeavors. Kurt Dreger is pictured above with Rep. Mike Boland during a visit Mike made to the Surf's Up Java Hut back in August.

Gerald and Doris Bork - Serving Carroll County

2006-10-26T07:51:00.000-05:00

One recurring theme visitors to this blog will notice, is that I return time and time again to the wonderful people I’ve had the chance to meet and become friends with because of my service to Rep. Mike Boland and the people of the 71st District.

Gerald and Doris Bork are a couple of the great folks I’ve had the good fortune to associate with during my time with Mike Boland. Gerry is the Democratic Carroll County Chairman, and Doris serves on Mt. Carroll City Council, as well as currently being a candidate for Carroll County Treasurer.

As I mentioned once before, they are hosting a fund-raising reception for Representative Boland this Saturday, October 28, 2006 from 4 until 7, at their home in Mt Carroll. The Borks are always terrific hosts, so this is one of the events I truly enjoy attending. Bobbi-Sue will likely shoot a couple of good pictures of the event for me to share here on Sunday. Hopefully I’ll see you there!

In the meantime, here’s a picture of Rep. Boland with Gerry and Doris outside of Savanna City Hall earlier this week. The Borks were kind enough to take a few minutes out of their day this Tuesday to attend the check presentation in Savanna. I hope Gerry and Doris realize how much Mike and I appreciate their continuing support!

Don't Forget to Visit the Archives

2006-10-26T07:25:00.000-05:00

For those not familar with blogs, (I am admittedly fairly new to the medium myself,) I wanted to point out the feature that allows visitors to access everything I've posted to this site. The links to articles archived by month is in the lower left hand corner of this page, just below the links to other blogs and news media of interest.

For instance, clicking on this link - October 2006 Archive - will show everything I've posted during the first month of this blog's existence.

The picture for this post, the facade of the National Archives, comes from a US Government website.

$100,000 For Village of Orion's Water Storage and Streets

2006-10-26T06:30:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned before, Representative Boland (and his staff) have worked hard to help find and secure grants for a pretty good number of worthwhile projects. One of our recent accomplishments was securing $100,000 for the Village of Orion. We were able to deliver a $50,000 grant to help with the replacement of Orion's groundwater storage tank, and a $50,000 grant for street resurfacing and repair.

Orion's groundwater storage tank was in great need of replacement, and street resurfacing was another priority for the Village Board, so those projects were among our top priorities at Mike's office. Yesterday, Representative Boland travelled to Orion to official announce the approval of our grant requests on Orion's behalf. Pictured above is Representative Boland presenting Orion VIllage President James Cooper and a variety of other city staff and officials with an oversized ceremonial check for $100,000.

Orion Veteran's Memorial Site

2006-10-25T12:48:00.000-05:00

The offocial unvieling of the Orion Veteran's memorial is upcoming this November, and Representative Boland is scheduled to speak then. But Bobbi-Sue managed to get a preview of the memorial bricks Mike Boland purchased and dedicated in memory of his brothers who were both Veterans.

Here are the bricks honoring Dennis Boland and Tom Boland for their service to our country.

Grants to Fund Important Local Projects

2006-10-25T07:39:00.000-05:00

One of the more gratifying aspects of working for a legislator is the ability to help find financial assistance for worthwhile local projects. From Mike Boland's office, we've been able to find a number of grants to assist a number of local governments and non-profit agencies.

Just yesterday I was speaking with a local elected official who was requesting assistance in purchasing land and developing a boat ramp and park on the Mississippi River. I explained to him that in Illinois state government, there are a couple of usual avenues to funding. Most of the grant funding in Illinois is distributed through competitive grants from Executive Branch Agencies like the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or Department of Natural Resources. In cases where a non-profit or local government unit applies for state grants of this sort, our office can assist by providing letters of support for grant applications. We also can phone the agency once the application has arrived in Springfield, to check the progress of the application in the grant making process, and to highlight the Representative's support for critical projects.

There are also times when there can be a small amount of funding available through the direct intervention of the State Representative. This program, called "Individual Legislative Initiative" grants by some, isn't always available. In years where this grant money can be found, it gives Representative Boland the ability to directly obtain and deliver grants to local governments. Representative Boland secured $1 million in individual legislative initiative funding for the 71st district this year, and we are going to be busy the next week handing out a number of large ceremonial checks to local officials who's grant requests were approved.

Outside of State of Illinois grant programs, there are also often private and corporate funds or endowments that can be helpful. These are usually more likely to be available to non-profit groups, and they are usually competitive. Our office can provide letters of support to non-profit groups to help assist grant applications of this sort.

Pictured above is Representative Mike Boland with Savanna Mayor Bill Lease. Bill is a great guy and I believe the citizens of Savanna are quite lucky to have a Mayor with his energy and abilities. Mayor Lease and his City Council helped to identify three projects of local importance, and Mike Boland was able to find $100,000 to assist. Through the combined efforts of Mayor Lease, the Savanna City Council, and Representative Mike Boland, we were able to find $25,000 to assist with the building of a new Mississippi River boat ramp in Savanna, $25,000 for a new Fire Truck for Savanna Fire Protection District, and $50,000 to help improve community infrastructure with much needed sidewalk repair and replacement.

I Love a Parade . . .

2006-10-24T17:49:00.000-05:00

One good way to meet your State Representative (and many other elected officials) in person is to show up at a parade. Before I began working in politics, I rarely even attended a parade as an observer.

Now, I've walked in hundreds of parades, averaging something around twenty parades per year for the last several years. The season starts in March with the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Rock Island. Other highlights include Dutch Days in Fulton, Memorial Day parades in Colona and Erie, Father's Day parade in Geneseo, 4th of July parades in East Moline and Mt. Carroll, and the Labor Day Parade (and Labor Picnic) in East Moline.

Some of the very best folks from the 71st district that I've had the good fortune to meet and call friends are pictured with this post. Pictured sitting in a van with a "Boland for Illinois" sign, are Will and Bill Freres, Amber and John Smith are shown standing. It's always a pleasure to share the company of real and genuine folks like the Smith family and the Freres family.

Mission Statement

2006-10-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

My blog was meant to be a place where folks can drop in to check on the activities of their State Rep, and as a sort of virtual record of my own service to the people of the 71st district in association with Representative Boland.

Some folks have misunderstood the title and by-line to a small extent. The tagline "The on-going story of a public servant working to make a difference in people's lives . . ." actually was meant as a reference to me, rather than to Boland. I don't mind if folks think it was a reference to Mike, but the final intent for the blog is a little more personal for me than perhaps people have understood. In fact the title, "Serving the 71st with Mike Boland" was also meant to refer to me.

Yes, I did start this blog at an opportune time for Mike’s campaign, it happened that way because I’ve only become really interested in blogging myself in the last year. I never took on creating a campaign website for Mike Boland because I didn’t feel I had the time or energy to maintain it in my spare time. The blog medium seems to be more personal that a sterile web page simply advertising a candidate, hence it's appeal to me personally.

For sure I’m going to be writing about Mike Boland as a legislator, but I also am including information about the staff, interns and volunteers that serves the people of the 71st district, and where appropriate, about the people of the 71st district themselves. Working for a legislator has allowed me to help people in ways I never could have imagined, and this blog is meant to record of some of those accomplishments. I’ve met a number of interesting and wonderful folks through the years I’ve been working with Mike Boland, and over time I hope to make my blog about them too!

Mike Boland's Staff - We Are Here to Serve!

2006-10-23T18:40:00.000-05:00

The office manager and primary caseworker at Representative Boland's office is Bobbi-Sue Huntoon. Like the old "I bought the company" commercial, she's so talented and beautiful that I married her!

Bobbi-Sue was the City Clerk of East Moline from 1999-2001, and prior to coming to work for Boland, she was the Fitness and Activity Director for the YWCA in Rock Island. Because Bobbi-Sue taught aqua exercise classes and arthritis foundation classes in the warm pool, we get the occasional lady into Mike's office who Bobbi-Sue remembers from the YWCA. Because they almost always saw her in a swimsuit, if does lead to the occasional funny comment like - "Oh honey, I didn't recognize you with clothes on!"

Bobbi-Sue is usually the first face folks see when they come to Representative Boland's district office at 4416 River Drive in Moline. She's almost always got a smile and a friendly word for folks visiting, and she is great at filling out Circuit Breaker forms and other documents needed to make government work for regular folks.

Come on down to Mike's office and see what we can do to help you!

Helping the Families of Fighting Men and Women

2006-10-23T18:05:00.000-05:00

At Mike Boland’s office, one of our primary goals is to make a difference in the lives of the people we represent. One piece of legislation Representative Boland passed has not only made a difference for the families of fighting men and women in Illinois, it has also served as a model for other states. I am talking about a bill Mike Boland sponsored and passed from the Illinois House, and into law, called the “Military Family Relief Fund Act”.

This legislation created a voluntary income tax check-off in Illinois, with all funds dedicated to helping families of fighting men and women from Illinois. The Military Family Relief Fund assists the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists called to active duty, with rent, car payments, and utility bills. As of 2005 it had distributed more than $2.4 million to 4,300 Illinois military families.

In 2004 when this legislation passed, it joined several other voluntary donation check-offs already on the State of Illinois individual income tax form: wildlife preservation, child abuse prevention, Alzheimer’s research, homeless assistance, breast cancer research, prostate cancer research, and the World War II Memorial fund. The Military Family Relief Fund Act has served as a model for similar legislation in California and other states who wished to help active service men and women.

Mike Boland is pictured here with Lt. Governor Pat Quinn. Lt. Governor Quinn worked tirelesslyfor the passage of Military Family Relief Fund Act.

Making a Difference - Constituent Services @ Mike Boland's Office

2006-10-22T20:25:00.000-05:00

One thing we take pride in at Representative Mike Boland's office is the quality of the constituent services we work to provide the people we serve. One thing even Scott Reeder couldn't even fault with, is the quality of the services we offer, and I was really thrilled to see comments from Minnie Anderson and Jane Young in today's newspaper praising the work we've done for them.

We fill out many hundreds of Circuit Breaker applications every year at Boland's office. We also provide a great number of other services to senior citizens, disabled individuals, and to regular folks who need a hand navigating modern government.

Pictured above is Mike Boland with members of a group working to bring a Mississippi River Ferry to Mercer County. I can't remember everyone's name, but Representative Boland is on the far right, and the gentleman second from the left, with the hat and bib overalls, is Larry McHenry.

Larry is a wonderful guy and a very effective citizen activist, who has worked tirelessly to make the dream of a Mercer County Ferry into a reality. Larry knew that Mike Boland didn't directly represent Mercer County, but he also knew that in order to have any hope for this project, he'd need the assistance of the entire legislative delegation from the Quad Cities area.

We really do our best to work with groups and coalitions of all kinds, to help the people of Illinois regardless of artificially drawn lines on a map, lines that change from one decade to the next anyway. I know my wife Bobbi-Sue and I actually dislike a lot of the baggage that goes along with politics. For instance, I am still learning to try and find the humor in people dressed in chicken costumes dancing across from our office.

But at the end of almost every day, we feel like we’ve made a real difference in someone’s life. Mike Boland believes very strongly in making government work for people, and his attitude and leadership show through in the services we provide at his office.

Listen to Mike Boland speak

2006-10-22T19:48:00.000-05:00

The more I've been exposed to the blogging community and blogs as a means of expression and citizen reporting, the more impressed I get.

A while back I was given a link to a page from the 2005 NFBI Convention - NFBI - where a blogger has captured a speech Mike Boland gave at that gathering. Clicking on the 009_StateRep.mp3 link should play the speech for you.

As I said before, I grow more and more impressed daily with the ability of blogs to record news and events and make them available for public consumption.

Mike Boland's Campaign Office

2006-10-19T17:56:00.000-05:00

Mike Boland's campaign office is on 15th Avenue in East Moline, down where Tony's Key and Hobby was once located. The office has been very active lately, full of volunteers, and people stopping for yard signs and more information about Boland's campaign.

The campaign office can be reached by calling 309/755-6769.

Pictured is one of our campaign workers, Anne.

Anne is a great young lady with a bright future ahead of her. She and the rest of the campaign staff have really been working their tails off for Boland, and I hope they know how much I appreciate their efforts on Mike's behalf!

I'm getting too old and infirm for 18 hour days like these folks have been working, being staff for a campaign really is a young person's game for a reason! I hope they know I am with them in spirit, even when I can't quite get my body to cooperate.

THANKS!

An Advocate for Children - Mike Boland

2006-10-19T12:49:00.000-05:00

Because of Mike Boland's 30 year background as a school teacher, he's been a strong advocate for education and for the children of his district.

My wife Bobbi-Sue recently traveled with Representative Boland to Peoria for a statewide meeting of the Children's Advocacy Centers. I know she took a few pics and wrote a news release, because Rep Boland was presented a very prestigious award. I'm going to encourage her to write up a short account of the day for the blog, and hope to post that here in the next day or two.

Here is a picture of Representative Boland with Sue Swisher, who is the Executive Director of our local Child Abuse Council. This last year, the Child Abuse Council in Moline, was recognized as a regional leader and was awarded the Voices for Illinois Children’s 2005 Kids Count Award!

An Original Founder of C.U.B. - Mike Boland

2006-10-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

Long before Rep Boland was ever elected to office, he was one of the grassroots activists who fought for and brought into existence the Citizen's Utility Board, often abbreviated as C.U.B. If my memory is correct, Boland also served on the C.U.B. Board of Directors, including two terms as the C.U.B. Vice- President.

The C.U.B. charter doesn't allow elected officials to remain on it's board, but Mike Boland remains an active supporter of, and a leading voice for, the Citizen's Utility Board. I believe this picture is from a "birthday celebration" for C.U.B., if my memory is correct, it was the 20th anniversary of C.U.B. being formed.

Here's a little blurb about C.U.B. and it's mission, quoted directly from their own website. C.U.B. Website

When the Illinois General Assembly created CUB in 1983, it gave the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization a clear mission: to represent the interests of residential utility customers across the state. The statute directs CUB to carry out that mission by intervening in ratemaking proceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), in the courts and before other public bodies and by providing consumers with information and assistance regarding their utility companies. Since its inception in 1984, CUB has been doing just that—working for lower rates and better service from the state’s investor-owned electric, gas and telephone companies. Over the last 22 years, CUB has saved consumers more than $10 billion by blocking rate hikes and winning consumer refunds.

Contacting Us @ Rep. Mike Boland’s State Office

2006-10-18T08:53:00.000-05:00

Representative Boland’s District Legislative Office can be contacted by a variety of means.

For constituent services or to discuss legislation, Mike Boland’s mailing address is:
Rep. Mike Boland
4416 River Drive
Moline, IL 61265

The phone number at Mike’s office is - 309/736-3360.
Boland can be reached by FAX at - 309/736-3478.

To reach Representative Boland’s local state office via e-mail, the address is ILREPMikeBoland@aol.com

Mike Boland’s local office is normally open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday thru Friday. We are generally closed on weekends and state holidays, but we are always willing to schedule appointments outside of normal office hours if needed. All of Representative Boland’s constituents are invited to visit us, we fill out Circuit Breaker applications for the disabled and elderly, and provide for a variety of other assistance as well.

Representative Boland also has a state office in Springfield.. We generally prefer to have all mail and calls directed to Mike Boland’s District Office in Moline. Our Springfield secretary is a great lady, but there’s only one of her, and she’s responsible for more than one Representative. However there could be times during legislative session when communication with our Springfield office is needed and necessary.
Rep. Mike Boland
243-E Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-3992
(217) 782-5201 FAX
ILREPMikeBoland@aol.com remains the preferred contact for e-mail even when Rep, Boland is in session.

When I first went to work for Mike Boland, we talked at length about his philosophy of what a state legislative office could accomplish. I already had some ideas of my own, and what I heard from Representative Boland fit in well with my own feelings about public service.

My background is in consumer activism. My career in politics began with I.P.A.C. (Illinois Public Action Council), where we were fortunate enough to have Congressman Lane Evans on our Board of Directors. In fact, the Citizen Action office I ran was next door to Congressman Evans’ old campaign office on 18th street in Rock Island, and that was no coincidence. Because of the association with Congressman Evans, I was able to learn a fair bit about the constituent services Lane’s office provided, and I knew that could serve as a model for the kind of services we could offer for Representative Boland.

Mike Botlo was Rep. Boland’s office manager when I signed on as an employee. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how very much I appreciate all he taught me about the nuances of running a State Legislative Office. Mike Botlo had previous experience in the office of Rep. Pennie von Bergen Wessels, so he really knew what he was doing. Botlo escaped the grind of fighting for his job every two years, and last I heard was still serving the people of our area in a slightly different capacity, working at the local Secretary of State’s office.

I’ve been with Representative Boland since 1997, and my wife Bobbi-Sue joined the Boland team in 1998. Bobbi-Sue is Representative Boland’s Office Manager, a role she stepped into as Mike Botlo moved on. Bobbi-Sue also was a consumer activist with Illinois Public Action and Citizen Action, but her job experience is actually quite varied for a lady who’s still well under 40 years of age.

Bobbi-Sue was a long term employee of the YWCA in Rock Island, where she worked a variety of jobs. She started as a lifeguard, and helped in their child care center for a while. She was promoted first to Pool Director, and then later to what was essentially a Program Director’s job, in charge of coordinating all Pool, Weight Room, Gym, and other assorted athletic programs.

Not long after being named office manager for Boland, Bobbi-Sue was elected East Moline City Clerk. She served in that position for two years, keeping notes for all City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings, as well as serving on a variety of other municipal boards and committees.
Bobbi-Sue and I are usually assisted by a variety of volunteers and interns, but I’d like to save those introductions for another time. Please feel free to contact any of us at Mike Boland’s office, we are here to serve the people of the 71st.

Third Annual Carroll County Reception

2006-10-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to announce the next Mike Boland fundraising event.

WHAT - Third Annual Carroll County Reception - Spaghetti Supper
WHEN - Saturday Oct 28, 2006
WHERE - the Home of Gerald and Doris Bork
ADDRESS - 1 Mill Drive, Mt. Carroll Illinois
Suggested donation is $15 for individuals and $25 for couples.

I've got to say up front that I really like Gerry and Doris Bork, they are great individuals that I am proud to call friends. Gerry Bork is the Carroll County Chairman for the Democratic Party, and is a former candidate for State Representative. Gerry ran a very strong race in the district that neighbors the 71st to the north. If I remember correctly, that's the 89th legislative district, and it's currently represented by Republican Jim Scacia.

Doris Bork is a delightful lady and a great hostess. Doris is politically active also, she is a member of the Mount Carroll City Council and is a candidate for Carroll County Treasurer. I know Doris has been working really hard walking in Carroll County talking to voters, so I think she's going to do very well. I think the taxpayers of Carroll County will win when Doris wins this November.

I'm still searching thru the archives here at "Casa Huntoon" to see if I can find a nice picture of Gerry and Doris Bork, until I find a good pic of them, I've posted an image from one of the Carroll County Parades we marched in for Representative Boland this last summer.

Recent Event at Evelyn and Burt Phillips - Mike Boland's 4th Annual Henry County Cookout

2006-10-14T23:23:00.000-05:00

Back on Saturday, September 23rd we held Mike Boland's 4th Annual Henry County Cookout at the home of Evelyn and Burt Phillips. Evelyn and Burt are always wonderful and gracious hosts, and Burt's pork chop sandwiches are very tasty (I think I ate at least 3!).

Burt and Evelyn's home is beautiful, and the rural property it's located on is like a picture postcard of where I'd wish to retire! Burt has a stocked pond, with "pet" catfish he feeds regularly, although he does allow fishing for this event (no minnows!).

Our dog Sadie enjoyed chasing some of Burt's chickens (egged on by John Green!) and generally going "dog wild" for the event, which is always one of my personal favorites. The weather threatened all afternoon which probably held down turn-out a little, but it only sprinkled a bit, so the weather was overcast but actually quite nice.

The picture associated with this post was taken by my wife Bobbi-Sue (© Huntoon - 2006), who is an excellent photographer, and who is one of the great joys of my life! It features Representative Boland with a trio of members from S.E.I.U. (Service Employees International Union) who braved the weather to attend. I think they enjoyed the afternoon too.

Today's Readers are Tomorrow's Leaders

2006-10-14T22:20:00.000-05:00

One of the great things about working with a State Representative, is the ability to participate and help in a number of wonderful community activities. Recently Representative Boland was contacted by the Prairie Area Library System to take part in a literacy promotion. The resulting poster, featuring the slogan -Today's Readers are Tomorrow's Leaders - is pictured here.

P.A.L.S. is a link to the Prairie Area Library System website. They serve a great number of local libraries and school libraries. It was truly a pleasure working with them putting together this poster promoting literacy and libraries.

Visit Rep. Boland's General Assembly Page

2006-10-14T18:57:00.000-05:00

Click on the following link - Boland's General Assembly Page - and you will be able to access Representative Boland's official web page as a member of the Illinois General Assembly. On that web page, you will find some brief biographical information about Representative Boland.

Boland Bills - Primary Sponsor - links into a list of current legislation personally sponsored by Mike Boland. In "legislative speak", he is the Primary Sponsor of all bills on that list, this often means the bills were drafted at his request. In the case of bills originating in the Senate, as the Primary Sponsor Boland would have been the lead Representative in passing the legislation through the Illinois House after it's approval by the Senate.

All Boland Sponsored Bills is a more comprehensive listing of bills Mike Boland has sponsored in the current legislative session. In addition to including all legislation Boland personally sponsored, this listing includes bills where Mike is the co-sponsor.

Boland's House Committees is a listing of the committees Representative Boland currently serves on.

Illinois General Assembly Site is the main page for the Illinois General Assembly, a very useful research tool for those interested in our state legislature.

Meet Your Host - Mike Huntoon - Chief of Staff for Mike Boland

2006-10-14T12:36:00.000-05:00

I suppose I should tell you a bit about myself. I’m really a guy that prefers to shy away from the spotlight, so I’d rather do my work quietly in the background than be the one up speaking on a stage. I’m most comfortable with regular working folks, and the favorite part of my job is helping the individuals who come into Rep. Boland’s office needing help.

Way back in 1989 I began my "career" in government and politics, starting as a door-to-door canvasser for Illinois Public Action Council (often known simply as IPAC.) Within weeks of joining the organization I was promoted to a trainer position, and then to field manager. By 1990 I was promoted to Regional Canvass Director, and I ran offices for Illinois Public Action and Citizen Action in the Quad Cities, and in the Belleville area near St. Louis.

I met Mike Boland fairly early on in my career, because Mike was a local Quad Cities activist. Boland was one of the original founders of the Citizen Utility Board (often called C.U.B.) In 1994 Mike Boland was first elected to the General Assembly, and he was one of the few legislators willing to come to my Citizen Action office and tell my activists how things were really happening in Springfield. I developed a lot of respect for Mike, and a good working relationship evolved over the next few years.

I left Citizen Action in 1997 and went to work as a Legislative Aid in Mike Boland’s district legislative office. In 1998, Boland named me his Chief of Staff, and I have worked with Mike Boland ever since. I’ve met a lot of wonderful individuals while serving the people of the 71st district with Mike Boland, and I am very thankful for the friendships I’ve made through the years.

Just as many of Representative Boland’s former students were inspired to go on to forge their own careers in public service, many of the interns and associates I’ve worked with over the years in Mike’s office have gone on to much greater things. I hope that many of these young individuals continue in the field of public service, I’d rest a lot better in my old age knowing such quality individuals were in Government.

Meet State Representative Mike Boland - Educator / Legislator

2006-10-14T11:31:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't met Mike Boland, I'll try to give you a virtual introduction.

As a former school teacher, Mike Boland brings a unique perspective to the State Legislature. Mike taught Middle School History for 30 years before being elected to office, so he knows education from a teacher's perspective.
Through the years, Mike Boland has taught hundreds (if not thousands) of students about Government, something he continues to do still today. Rep Boland is a regular guest speaker at schools in his district, in fact Mike will be speaking to Joan Eastlund's class at Blackhawk College this upcoming week. Hopefully I'll be able to share a photo or two from that visit once it's happened.

Mike's wife Mary was also a School Librarian for the Geneseo School System, and their daughter Susan Boland carries on the education tradition on for the family. Susan teaches Law Library at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Mike's son-in-law, Kevin Stuckwisch, also is a teacher and athletics coach for U.T.H.S in East Moline.

Serving the 71st with Mike Boland

2006-10-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome to "Serving the 71st with Mike Boland".

My name is Mike Huntoon, I work in Representative Boland's District Legislative Office as his Chief of Staff, and I'll be the "virtual host" for this blog. My staff and I endeavor very hard to bring real meaning to the words "public service", and we are quite proud of the wide range of services we provide for Representative Boland's constituents.

I've created this blog as yet another form of outreach to the community we live in and serve. Not only can we document some of the good we are able to accomplish, but perhaps we can also use this forum/medium as a form of outreach, to inform people of the services we provide from Mike Boland's office.

I welcome constructive comments and suggestions, and even constructive criticism, however I will not allow this blog to become an overtly politicized place where discussions are about personal feuds or even political feuds. The 71st District of Illinois is a wonderfully diverse place full of interesting and inspiring individuals, so I believe there's plenty of positives to discuss.

I hope you feel welcome to join me here again, to live and learn with me, as I go about "Serving the 71st with Mike Boland".

Serving the 71st District with Mike Boland

migration

Rep Boland tours WYFFELS Corn Seed Production

Boland backed by Environmental Groups

Illinois League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club endorse Boland

ABATE Backs Boland

Boland wins endorsement from motorcycle Safety group

Women’s Bar Association backs Boland

Women’s Bar Association backs Boland

Boland wins endorsement of Citizen Action/Illinois

Boland wins endorsement of Citizen Action/Illinois

February Letter to the Editor from Mike Boland

Boland News Conferences - Today and Tuesday

Director IL Department of Aging to Visit QC Region Monday

Boland Introduces E85 Legislation For Local Government

BOLAND-SPONSORED LAW PROTECTS HOMEOWNERS FROM EMINENT DOMAIN

BOLAND SPONSORS LAW TO PROVIDE SPEECH THERAPY FOR AUTISTIC KIDS

Representative Boland Announces Availability of Circuit Breaker Applications & Assistance

Mt Carroll Check Presentation Thursday 1-25-07

Rep Mike Boland Presents $100,000 to East Moline for Infrastructure

Another Call for Open Primaries

Congrats to State Scholars of the 71st District

Boland to Tour CHC Clinic - Friday 1/5/07

Revisiting ARC of Rock Island County

Barstow Fire Says "Thank You"

Starting off the New Year

"Always Faithful"

Lending a Hand

Events - Monday 12/11/06

Events - Wednesday 12/6/06

Everyone Wins!

Boland's E85 Legislation Approved in Veto Session

Thank You!

Today's the Big Day - VOTE!

Democratic Party leaders decry Haring ad, voice support for Boland

Teachers Back Boland

Savanna Mayor Supports Boland

Boland Works for Senior Citizens

Mike Huntoon's Letter to the Editor

More Check Presentation Pictures

It's not like trying to remember who your waitress is . . .

Argus-Dispatch Coverage of Grant Announcements

Boland Announces $7.75 Million for 4-Lane Highway 30

Boland Presents $50,000 each to Carbon Cliff and Barstow Fire Districts

Boland Presents $100,000 Grant to Moline Public Library

Tom Stocking - Fighting for People

Delivering $100,000 for a New Well

Mount Carroll’s Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies

We Support the Arts @ Mike Boland's Office

Don't Take Boland for Granted - Letter from Grandma

We Deliver $25,000 for Lynn Township Hall

Boland Helps Fund Drilling of New Well for Port Byron

Fighting for Firefighters!

An Inspiration to me - Sheldon Larson

Friend of Libraries

August & Sept '06 - School Supplies Drive

Making a Difference- Parks In Morrison

Kurt Dreger - Making a Difference

Gerald and Doris Bork - Serving Carroll County

Don't Forget to Visit the Archives

$100,000 For Village of Orion's Water Storage and Streets

Orion Veteran's Memorial Site

Grants to Fund Important Local Projects

I Love a Parade . . .

Mission Statement

Mike Boland's Staff - We Are Here to Serve!

Helping the Families of Fighting Men and Women

Making a Difference - Constituent Services @ Mike Boland's Office

Listen to Mike Boland speak

Mike Boland's Campaign Office

An Advocate for Children - Mike Boland

An Original Founder of C.U.B. - Mike Boland

Contacting Us @ Rep. Mike Boland’s State Office

Third Annual Carroll County Reception

Recent Event at Evelyn and Burt Phillips - Mike Boland's 4th Annual Henry County Cookout

Today's Readers are Tomorrow's Leaders

Visit Rep. Boland's General Assembly Page

Meet Your Host - Mike Huntoon - Chief of Staff for Mike Boland

Meet State Representative Mike Boland - Educator / Legislator

Serving the 71st with Mike Boland