I grew up in Mt Morris, a small family-orientated community in the 1960’s. While in high school I organized football and basketball concessions and worked on homecoming class floats. In my senior year, I was elected Class President for these efforts, much to my surprise. This began my realization that I was an organizer, doer, and possible leader.
I graduated in 1973 and moved to Freeport to attend Highland Community College. I was determined to be as self-sufficient as I could be working at First National Bank of Freeport as a bank teller to support myself during college. Eventually, I moved into the bookkeeping department and finally into the computer room. I graduated from Highland in 1975 with an Associate Degree in Business Administration. The next year, I was married to Ed Williams with him came his son, Chad. As the years rolled on, we increased our family by two with daughters, Amber and Michelle. I continued to work, raise the children, and get involved with school activities, these included organizing ice cream social fundraisers, PTO activities, and chaperoning class activities.
In 1980 I changed employment to State Bank of Freeport working in the computer room, eventually as an Administrative Assistant to the building manager, then moved to the commercial loan department working for a loan officer I processed real estate loan applications, prepared mortgage and note documents for loan closings and finally to the holding company Northwest Illinois Bancorp working for the bank’s compliance officer.
In 1986, I left banking and went to work for Stephenson County Clerk and Recorder, on the Recorder’s side filing those same deeds and mortgages I had prepared at the bank. During my years in the Clerk/Recorder’s office, I learned how a county functions from both a political and non-political perspective. When election time came, all hands were on deck. Watching politics unfold in our community was a thrilling educational experience. I saw an opportunity to once again step up as a doer. I chose a side and declared I was a Republican. I became more involved and eventually joined the election crew in 2007 working as a Republican judge at both Park Hills Golf Course and the Eagles Club.
In 1993 I was approached by a real estate title company, Wheatland Title Company now of Yorkville, IL. I became a real estate title abstractor for approximately 25 counties in the State of Illinois. Wheatland considers itself a title company’s title company. They accept orders from utility companies, solar farms, transportation departments in both state, county, and township, telecommunications, and land acquisition and development. I did my research with my old friends in the county recorder offices and then drove daily to my county destination. I loved it. I gained confidence, and independence, and proved I was a self-starter. I met many different people and encountered many different computer systems. I retired in December 2021 after 28 years. Around that same time, I stepped away from my election judge responsibilities. Between retirement, the 2020 election, and COVID-19, I am ready to start a new chapter.
2022 brought a challenge of a different nature when I agreed to help Chandra Morris in her run for County Clerk and Recorder. Chandra was my co-worker even though we worked for different companies. She and I followed similar career paths both working for title insurance companies and the recorder’s office. I considered her the best candidate for the clerk’s job because of her education and experience. She is my friend and was proud to extoll her work experience and her education. She had been selected from Vici Otte’s staff to be Vici’s successor despite running as a Democrat. During the year I witnessed many disturbing situations. Witnessing the final two weeks of her campaign and her eventual loss was distressing. During 2023 I began my awareness of our local boards, both city and county on how they operated and occasionally making public comments. I want to run to represent you, whether you are Republican or Democratic. Only through bi-partisan cooperation will this city, county, and country ever succeed in being the best place in the world to live.
Walnut Acres
First, I feel we as a community are responsible for our citizens, especially our elderly and military. Second, putting this to referendum would be the responsible way to handle this, as our citizens have spoken previously with dollars to supplement the running of the home. Third, let’s let the people who understand healthcare and government funding of healthcare lead the way. For too long board members have tried to micro-manage Walnut Acres and this has caused lawsuits and payouts. Fourth, can we get an end to this entire scenario?
Transparency and Accountability
Governments make the best decision when every member feels important, respected and feels they can speak freely. As elected members of the community, it is our duty to make decisions that serve the best interests of everyone. It is important that coalitions can be formed across party lines, without any member feeling pressure from their party. Transparency and accountability are essential elements for the success of our community. This cannot happen if elected officials are simply parroting party lines. Each board member elected has experiences and strengths, and each of those talents needs to be used for the prosperity of the community. My hope is to be able to dissect the information presented to me, make a decision on the truthfulness of this information, AND then vote according to your feedback my constituents, and my conscience.
Mill Race Crossing – Future decisions need to be made on this piece of land that some had hoped would be an economic development area. There’s nothing wrong with having a plan, but now we need to take responsibility for this instead of adding one more money pit to our community.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME
An open-door policy to answer your questions and a friendly ear to hear your concerns. A person who will represent you, not just a rubber stamp person. I want to hear your thoughts and be your VOICE for District E.
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