Eric E. Gregg

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[1. Economic development has been the focus of my work the last several years, whether it was for communities in Southern Illinois or businesses, both large and small. I have worked with grant and loan programs with federal, state and local government entities providing job creation and retention. I understand the tools we need in Harrisburg for economic development, and I will utilize them. I understand marketing and new technology. I will use the skills and contacts I have made to move Harrisburg forward. It can and will be done if I am elected as mayor.

I worked for the Department of Commerce Market Development Division covering all of Southern Illinois as an economic development representative. I also worked in the Coal Division prior to being promoted. I helped bring over $10 million to the coal mines in Southern Illinois and a $65 million coal project in Wabash County.

I have worked on enterprise zones and TIF districts. I worked in the Department of Corrections and was the AFSCME union president at IYC-Harrisburg. I have negotiated contracts on both sides, as part of the management team, and part of the union. I graduated from SIU with a Bachelors Degree in communications, and went to SIC.

I have served on the following boards: Saline County (past chairman), Tourism, Historical Society (past chairman), Housing Authority, Coleman Tri-County Services, Egyptian Health, Industrial Commission.

I am a community volunteer and I have gladly donated many days and hours coaching and serving whenever I can be of help.

I am married to Patti (Carver) Gregg and we have four children, Paige (Gregg) Burk, Logan, Leigha, and Carver. I know what we need to do, I just need the chance to do it with our town and businesses.

2. In regard to zoning and interior annexation, I think we need to develop a strategic plan for growth of Harrisburg. We need to look at areas of the community that we want to develop, discuss with property owners the positive and negative aspects of being in the city limits, and then move forward. A comprehensive plan will provide us with a huge tool to market to not only our own businesses that may want to expand, but to new business opportunities as well. We have to have a strategic plan of action.

3. I have a problem continuing to shift the tax burden on to property owners in or around Harrisburg. Let's create jobs, bring businesses into town, up the tax base and try to reduce the tax burden on our businesses and citizens. We could annex every piece of property surrounding Harrisburg and eventually it will not be enough tax revenue to pay for our current services. Also, new jobs mean new families with kids.

They go to school here and up our state formula, which means more money to the district. As we develop a strategic plan, we will address zoning concerns.

4. The future direction of Harrisburg depends on who is elected. We are at a crossroad, we can continue down the tired road of old days and ways, or we can get motivated to succeed. Others have had their chance, and did not succeed.

We need new leadership and a direction for all of us, not just a few. Our greatest export is not coal or corn, it is our kids. Let's try to change together for the better.

We need a face lift. We need to come together now, for the future of us all. We can't afford anymore businesses boarded up like the theater.

We have to take action, and that is the reason I am running for mayor. We need to get involved and motivated. Please vote on April 5, 2011, and let's take Harrisburg in a new positive direction.