Lifelong Vermilion County resident Greg Thatcher is the Democratic challenger to Republican Jerry Hawker in the race for District 7 on the Vermilion County Board, which includes portions of Danville, Tilton and Vermilion Heights. We asked Mr. Thatcher for some information about himself to help those voting in the November election…
What makes you want to serve Vermilion County on the County Board? What are your goals, if elected?
Having been a resident of Vermilion County since the age of 5, I have lived in Hoopeston, Henning and Danville, IL and was born in Parkersburg, WV. I want to be involved in my community and rather than waiting and watching on the sidelines, I want to be a part of what happens next. My hope is to find ways to save the county’s money rather than spend it. Here are just some of my ideas, advocate for safe & secure elections, use glass cullet for roadway projects, establish walnut hulling stations in the fall, and establish pollinator areas. If we can look outside of the proverbial box, and see the bigger picture, the possibilities are endless.
What skills / qualifications would you bring to the County Board?
I have a long history of civic engagement with a variety of organizations in the county. With all my professional and volunteer involvement, I bring an attention to detail. I already have two years’ experience in county governance. I plan to keep on listening to my constituents and learning. My focus is always to move our county forward.
Education/Experience/Qualifications/Skills:
- Bismarck-Henning Graduate – 1982, DACC – Assoc Deg in Mfg. Eng. (CAD).
- (25 Years) Founding Member of the West Downtown Neighborhood Association
- (25 Years) Member of the Church of the Holy Trinity
- (18 Years) Employee at Watchfire Signs (current)
- (15 Years) Proprietor at Queen Ann’s Cottage
- (10 Years) Employee at Herr’s, Inc.
- (6 Years) Served on the Board of Commissioners for the Danville Housing Authority Board
- (5 Years) Employee at Mettam Safety (Designed Catalog)
- Henning Spools & Spoons 4-H Club and IFYE Ambassador (Intl 4-H Youth Exchange)
- Commercial-News – Newspaper Carrier of the Year – 1982
- Fischer Theatre Volunteer
Communities and counties across the country are facing serious fiscal challenges, due to the pandemic. How do you view the county’s financial standing currently and into the immediate future? And do you anticipate a tax increase?
All things considered with the pandemic; I think that the county’s finances are in good standing. And honestly, I feel that we will not know the ultimate impact until we see the budget figures at the end of the fourth quarter for 2020 and work starts on the budget for 2021. I do not anticipate a tax increase, as I do not feel that the taxpayers can afford the burden of increased taxes. I believe that we need to work hard as a county board to find ways to maximize services for the county, while either maintaining or decreasing current tax rates.
What are some of the challenges facing the County Board right now and into 2021, as you see it?
First, I think it is important that our elected representatives are available to constituents and that they be present at all county board meetings. We need to elect people who are true advocates for the county, listening to their constituents and seeking solutions for better resolutions.
Secondly, even with budget considerations, we need to make certain that our county buildings are adhering to state and county guidelines regarding public health during the current pandemic.
And at the end of the day when all is said and done. “When they go low, we go high.”
