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| US Senator Dick Durbin arrives |
By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE | Sauk Village played host Friday, January 24th to the quarterly meeting of the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation’s Winter Forum. Never before has a United States Senator attended a function in Sauk Village, however, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) was not there to address the residents, he was the guests of honor along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL2nd). Both were introduced by the organization’s Executive Board Chairman Michael Scholefield who served as master of ceremonies for the event.
SAUK VILLAGE | Sauk Village played host Friday, January 24th to the quarterly meeting of the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation’s Winter Forum. Never before has a United States Senator attended a function in Sauk Village, however, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) was not there to address the residents, he was the guests of honor along with Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL2nd). Both were introduced by the organization’s Executive Board Chairman Michael Scholefield who served as master of ceremonies for the event.
About 200 were in attendance at the Quarterly Forum which generally draws from 150 to 250 people on average according to Scholefield.
Durbin was greeted by a standing ovation as he came to the
podium. “I’m not going to forget this
turnout in Sauk Village, Mayor Hanks congratulations, you have a beautiful
Village Hall. It took a little
investigation to figure out the key to his political success, but I’ve got
it! 10 Kids” Durbin quipped.
Durbin talked about Congress’ budget success. “Something happened that was just miraculous
in Washington last week. We passed a
budget” Durbin said to a round of applause.
“The Speaker of the House John Boenher said I’m going to
support this bi-partisan budget and I thought praise the Lord. I hope this is the beginning of the efforts
on some bipartisan developments” Durbin said.
Durbin spoke about the Marketplace Fairness act that sales
tax will be collected on internet sales which will come back to the local
municipalities Durbin supports sales
tax on internet sales so that the revenues are not lost. When someone makes a purchase online the
local communities will get the revenues Durbin said. Durbin feels that this will level the playing
field with local businesses and online businesses.
“Something that is critically important to the state of
Illinois. We are smack dab in the middle
of this nation” Durbin said. Durbin
spoke about the Transportation bill that the government needs to develop ways
in which we need to increase revenues for improving infrastructure for roads.
Durbin said that Amazon wants to build logistic centers all
across the state of Illinois once the Marketplace Fairness Act passed.
“I never ask what your political affiliation is. I work with mayors from both political parties and we treat everyone professionally and I hope they feel they have been treated professionally in my office” Durbin said. “When it comes to creating jobs and moving our state forward party is second. The first obligation that we have is doing the very best for our state” Durbin said.
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| Gene Williams Mayor of Lynwood & Robin Kelly |
Other speakers included Congresswoman Kelly, David Hanks,
Mayor of Sauk Village the host community Brian
Quigley of Dermody Partners who spoke about the success of the LogistiCenter of
Sauk Village, Mike Wojick, Senior Vice President of the Horton Group who spoke
on the Affordable Care Act, Rusty Winchel who told the organization about the
advantages of the South Suburban Mayors and Manager Broadband Networking
offering to businesses in the Southland .
Finally, Michael Jasso addressed the group and discussed strategic
planning coordination with Cook County.
who discussed the history of the
Village and the business environment. |
| Anthony Deluca & Robin Kelly |
Local mayors from other communities were in attendance
including neighboring Lynwood, Richton Park, Olympia Fields, Lansing, Country
Club Hills, Mokena and many other elected officials and representatives from
communities in the South Suburban area. Illinois State Representative Anthony Deluca, representing the Southland was in attendance. “These
typically have a good turnout and it is good to see Senator Durbin here in Sauk
Village” Gene Williams, Mayor of Lynwood said.
Village officials in attendance included Village Clerk Debbie Williams and Village Trustees Derrick Burgess, Lynda Washington, Rosie Williams, John Poskin and Ed Myers."This was a good thing for Sauk Village. I've been to many of these and they always have good turnout" Burgess said following the event.
Original material, including photos, copyright 2014 Sauk Villager News; all rights reserved.
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