Ron Morse
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[My name is Ron Morse. I am a lifelong resident of Harrisburg, except for the time I spent in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam conflict. I am married and have three grown children. I have previously served this city as your mayor for three terms (12 years), and desire to serve you once again.
I graduated from Harrisburg High School, SIC and SIU-C with a Bachelor's Degree. I worked 23 years for Sahara Coal Company as their director of health and safety. In 1991 I was asked by Gov. Jim Edgar to serve on his cabinet as the agency director for the Department of Mines and Minerals. I am presently regional manager of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in Marion. I plan to retire this year and, if elected, devote my time as your mayor.
I believe that my experience in both the private and public sector have equipped me to be an effective and efficient mayoral candidate. Coupled with the fact that I have occupied that seat for 12 years, I feel I am the right person to run the ship.
No one wants to make hard decisions, but they must be made and I am ready to make them.
I have spend most of my adult life serving the citizens of Saline County as a precinct committeeman, member of the County Board and in city government. I understand what is necessary to make this city a better place to live, work and raise our families. If given the opportunity, I pledge to you my devotion and energy toward the betterment of Harrisburg.
As you know, zoning has been debated by city councils for many years. I have gone on record every time that I am fundamentally in favor of zoning, with two notable exceptions. First, there must be a "grandfather" clause that protects businesses located in a residential area from ever being displaced, even if their business is sold.
Second, I promised in the past never to support or pass a zoning ordinance that has not been voted on by the people.
Internal annexation has real potential for population growth and increasing the tax base, but could come with a huge cost for supplying city services. It must be explored, but caution is the key. The right answer to major problems only comes after much study and very careful consideration.
As stated above, annexation can bring several positive results, including an increased tax base. The increase in city population is also advantageous as several opportunities are available to cities with 10,000 residents or more. In most cases, I am in favor of the process, but it must be weighted against the cost of providing water, sewer, police and fire protection costs. In the difficult financial forecast facing the new council, costs to the citizens must be the number one consideration in all decisions.
Harrisburg is a place I am proud to call home and I plan to live here the rest of my life. The potential for great things are all in place - super schools, great churches, available property and the best work force anywhere.
My plan and desire is to bring all our resources together to attract businesses, industry and jobs to our city. We have yet to take full advantage of the four-lane access to Interstate 57 or make best use of our airport. These are things industry needs and must have. I will work tirelessly to improve our way of life and quality of living in Harrisburg.
It will be a team effort and I hope everyone is a player. If we all pull together we can do wonderful things for Harrisburg.