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Chuck Novara, The Southern Senator Gary Forby (left) checks his notes during the debate with his challenger Ken Burzynski (right) at WJPF Tuesday.
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Forby, Burzynski sound off

By Becky Malkovich, The Southern

Wednesday, October 22, 2008 12:27 PM CDT

CARTERVILLE - The two candidates vying for the 59th District Senate seat sat down for a debate Tuesday to take their stands on a number of issues affecting the region.

State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, and his Republican challenger in the race, Benton businessman Ken Burzynski, answered questions submitted by listeners of WJPF radio, which hosted the debate during the station's morning drive program.

Moderated by WJPF Program Director and Operations Manager Tom Miller, the debate touched on issues ranging from the condition of the state's finances to job creation to the district's unemployment rates.

Miller's first question to the candidates posed the possibility of raising taxes to get the state out of its deficit.

"We don't really have a revenue problem in Illinois, we have a spending problem," Burzynski said.

"We need to stop creating new programs and expanding the programs we have until we can pay for what we've got already."

Burzynski said the state must also stop pork-barrel spending and instead spend wisely and efficiently.

Forby said putting people to work will take care of budget problems. Job creation through a capital bill would create much-needed revenue for the state's coffers, he said.

Both candidates said they would be against raising taxes.

Miller next turned to unemployment figures, citing three counties in the 59th District with double-digit unemployment.

"I will do what I've been doing," Forby said. "I've been bringing jobs to the district."

In particular, he said, he helped bring 100 jobs with the Southern Illinois Miners to the area through his efforts to help fund infrastructure for the Marion stadium. In addition, hundreds of jobs will be available during construction and operation of several coal mines coming to the district, he said.

Burzynski said seven of the district's 13 counties have among the highest unemployment rates in the state and that job growth in the state ranks 44th in the nation.

"That is unacceptable and we can do better," he said.

He suggested focusing more effort into landing small-to-midsize manufacturing companies and other businesses - the bread-and-butter of many rural areas.

The two candidates had different thoughts on how best to end the slow payment by the state to health care providers.

Forby again pushed the capital bill, saying the revenue from the bill would ensure more prompt payment, while Burzynski said the state should simply make a commitment to pay its bills on time, especially those bills that pay for services for the state's most vulnerable citizens.

Neither candidate supports a proposed constitutional convention, while both would support conceal carry legislation.

The two also agreed that the Illinois Commerce Commission, which allowed two controversial electric rate hikes, should be composed of elected members rather than appointed and that the region should have representation on the board.

Miller said the race is of high interest to people in the district, as shown by the response to his request for audience-submitted questions.

"Within minutes, we got a whole lot of questions," he said. "We're hearing a lot about this election, some contentious stuff. Many people have already picked a winner, and the lines are firmly drawn."

beckymalk@gmail.com / 927-5633

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bluebird wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:53 AM:

" Since we don't know who is commenting on this sight and if what is posted is true, please remember to do your own research of the facts and listen closly to the candadates. Who knows who is calling people and saying they are from one party or another. Get emotion and hearsay out of the factor and go with known facts. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:27 PM:

" MADblgger, what experience did Forby have 8 years ago? Let's hear it. Perhaps a precinct committeeman, a county board member, a city council member you say? Oh, then he's a career politician. Well that's just what we need more of.

I don't have any experience either but I can tell you that I would have shown up for the vote on the recall of the governor and not have hidden behind my wife having elective, non-emergency gall bladder surgery purposely scheduled for the day of the vote. That's the chicken way out. Go on record and live with your vote, either yeah or nay.

Who here is running down Ken Gray? By stating a fact that Ken Gray would always support a democrat is not running him down. Still not clear on the issues?

You're appearing really sensitive and making rash statements.

If you keep bringing up the FREDCO thing and Burzynski, you better know your facts because every item you come up with against him and FREDCO can be proven to be wrong. FREDCO is still in business and the last I heard, played a big part in the Fed-Ex coming to West Frankfort. Forby showed up for the ribbon cutting.

I called Forby's office on the day the Senate was to vote against their very own pay raise. I asked his secretary if Gary was in town, was he in the Capitol, was he in the Senate chambers, and was he going to vote against his own pay raise. All I got was a very snooty, rude response. Yes, I got my question answered as well but not in a very nice way. As a constituent, I HAVE THE RIGHT TO ASK THESE QUESTIONS OF MY SENATOR. Sorry to hear you have so many problems that you must be in constant contact with Gary Forby's office. That would suggest to most people you have an inside track with him and, thus, takes away any credibility for anything you post here. "

3 months to live wrote on Oct 30, 2008 6:52 PM:

" i am dieing of cancer who cares about me more Ken Burzynski or Gary Forby "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 30, 2008 6:35 PM:

" Besides, how will you guys earn a living after the election is over. I heard Burzy is paying you $10 an hour to blog. Not bad for sitting on your butt all day and running down good people like Ken Gray. "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 30, 2008 6:33 PM:

" Oh, I stand to be corrected, he does have experience as being a FAILURE. "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 30, 2008 6:30 PM:

" Gary Forby has been a great state senator. He is a great man. Everytime I have had called his office with a problem, he and his office staff have solved it. We cannot lose this great experience.

Hmmm... Lots of experience or NO experience at all? That's right, in Burzy's own words, "I have no experience at all." "

madblogger wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:38 PM:

" yeah, he/she is one of my fans. LOL. There is also another one called madb1ogger, or madbl0gger (I forget which).

Heh, the way I figure, it's meant to try to discredit me, since they can't do it in civilized debate. I guess I just make too compelling of arguments sometimes. Much the same when I'm accused of working for a campaign. The last I heard, I am now getting paid by the word.

Folks, Forby's home county has the highest unemployment rate in the ENTIRE state. That's a dubious distinction. It would be understandable if it were a rural county in his district, but it is not. An interstate runs right down the middle.

As far as the fake MADblggr, pay him/her no mind. Obviously, someone who refuses to do any research.

In line with my anti-incumbent push this election, Forby has to go. He has proven that he cannot or will not represent his constituents. His record speaks for itself. Nov 4th, we get to speak back. EVERY POLITICIAN SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. I refuse to give him (Forby) a pass. He's part of what's wrong and has to go.

So........ buh bye Forby, you had a good run. "

OLD JOE wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:09 PM:

" I see their is a counterfit madblogger on here. MADblgger may be someone Forby has put in. To throw the good people off. "

Yeah, Sure wrote on Oct 30, 2008 4:06 PM:

" Gary Forby has spent enough money on postage for this election that he could probably have paid off 10% of the state debt. I have gotten no less than 20 pieces of mail from his campaign in the last week. He by his wasteful spending has guaranteed himself that I will NOT vote for him, whether I vote for Burzynski or not. Between that, and Gary's riding around showing off that expensive motorcycle at the DuQuoin fair that I guess we all paid for, and the fact that a majority of his campaign money comes from the Chicago machine, I could not in good conscience vote for the man. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 30, 2008 3:17 PM:

" I was wrong about what Forby is spending for this campaign. I forgot to add in $500,000 from his semi-annual report so that makes the cost of his campaign to be $1.1 million (that's Million with an M). You bet someone is bankrolling him other than his Southern Illinois constituents. If more of you log onto that site, also notice that he is making DAILY reports of campaign contributions to the State Board of Elections. Those Chicago democrats don't want to lose one of their own.

As for Burzynsky and his antique store in Benton, how many of you have driven to the town square in Benton to antique shop? It's amazing what that community has done with a whole lot of empty store fronts. It didn't happen because of Forby's help, and don't ever give Gary Forby credit for that. It happened because of a lot of good Benton residents wanted their town to become something other than a ghost town because of WalMart and shopping malls.

Wake up people. WE DESERVE BETTER THAN FORBY. "

southernproud wrote on Oct 30, 2008 2:13 PM:

" forgive me I meant very little in the way of monetary donations from local folks... "

southernproud wrote on Oct 30, 2008 2:11 PM:

" Just my opinion,
I went to the link you provided. It is rather interesting to see a lot of contributions from those not in area or in our district. There have been very monetary donations from So. Il folks and leaders. That says a lot. He has the backing of the Chicago Elite. That is scary because they are what is fundamentally wrong with this state. "

justaguy wrote on Oct 30, 2008 12:47 PM:

" Comon Gary... were you drunk when you recorded your voice last week then aired it in your newest radio ad saying "i asked for a YES vote, my district needs it", which stated that the recording was from last year? You must be as dumb as you look to think that you can release a commercial with your OWN voice refuting an ad by your opponent, also using YOUR voice. You have got to be kidding me! That is the most worthless political radio commmercial I have ever heard! You better hope Obama Hussein wins next week so he can spread you some of the wealth, when you're out of a job! "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 30, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Just before the election in November, 2006, "State Sen. Gary Forby of Benton praised Blagojevich, saying the governor has been responsible for freeing up funds for the Sparta shooting complex and a minor league baseball stadium in Marion." “I want four more years so I can keep saying ‘yes’ to Gary Forby,” said Blagojevich, who was elected governor in 2002. Well that's a very interesting statement from the worst governor this state has ever had, who now has an approval rating of 13. So not only is Forby in Emil Jones' back pocket but in Blago's as well. Folks, your own State Senator is not aware that Sparta is not in his district.

In March, 2007, Forby voted NO for a smoke free Illinois. There's one reason for that, and you all can figure that out.

So some of you are afraid of Sam Pollack (whoever that is)? Personally, I would be more concerned that my State Senator is a puppet for the two most unpopular and unethical leaders in the state, one of whom will no doubt be indicted.

Baptist Preacher - I still don't believe you are who you say you are. Your own posts are tattling on you.

We already have a failure as State Senator. We have a rubber stamp, not a person. And some of you are going to continue to vote for someone who in 8 years has proven he is a failure as well. You don't know how Burzynski will be as a Senator but I can assure you, he won't be any worse than what we have.

MADblgger, I'd be real sure about your facts if I were you. I invite you to look up the definition of libel. And the blogs from newspapers CAN be subpoenaed for court proceedings.

I'm not impressed with an endorsement from Ken Gray. Politics today is not what it was in Ken Gray's day. Gary Forby IS NOT Ken Gray? Ken Gray bleeds democrat. He will always endorse a democrat. That's his version of political correctness; however, I'm not putting too much into what Ken says exactly for the above reason.

Give the Illinois Senate at least one more republican senator. If other districts do the same (and it looks like some of them will), then this State will not be completely controlled by just one party as it is now.

So far, Forby has spent well in excess of $600,000 for this campaign. That's obscene. If you want to see who is wanting your senator back in office, go to this website: elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CandidateDetail.aspx?id=1797

You owe it to yourselves to be informed about who has bought Gary Forby. DON'T WE DESERVE BETTER? "

Osservante wrote on Oct 30, 2008 10:19 AM:

" MADblogger, we already have a failure as a state senator. Forby has failed to represent Southern Illinois effectively. As such, he is a failure. Might as well give the other guy a chance. "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:40 AM:

" You guys says Gary Forby isn't educated enough. Well, in my opinion neither is Ken Burzy. He didn't earn his master's like I did. He went to Texas and FAILED to earn it. Then his business FAILED in Texas and since he was bankrupt bought a house in St. Louis under his wife's name. Then when he FAILED in St. Louis he moved to Southern Illinois and used his bachelor's degree from SIU to open an antique/junk store on the Benton Square. Then to supplement his income he became CEO of FREDCO. And he FAILED at FREDCO. So now he is using his brother's influence to run for state senator and on Nov. 4 he will FAIL again. But, hey, if some of you guys want a FAILURE as your state senator, then vote for him. That is what election day is all about. "

old fart wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:27 AM:

" TO xxx:

You make a good point, but Ken Gray has done plenty for Southern Illinois and Ken Gray says "without question" Gary Forby is the best of the two candidates. I'm going to have to go with a guy like Ken Gray who has done so much for our state. "

baptist preacher wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:24 AM:

" I cannot believe the phone call I just got. Someone calling for Burzynski's campaign. When I said I was voting for Forby they called me some very bad names (sob) to name one of them. Said something about Bob Owens will shove Marion up my (you know what.) Who is Bob Owens and how can he shove Marion up my ---? This is getting awful!!! I want the world to know what Burzynski people do. I won't be intimidated!!!!!! "

xxx wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:22 AM:

" old fart; Ken Burzynski is not his brother! Just like John McCain is not George Bush. I will say their is no exciting candidate running. But i can't vote for the Chicago click. What has Obama done for our state? Obama claims he can save the world, but has done nothing for the state he lives in. "

Guns N Roses wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:03 AM:

" Do any readers/bloggers ever stop and think why is it that Forby has a serious opponent every time he runs? Bradly, Phelps, Luchentenfeld, Bost, Jones, none of them ever have any serious opposition. Could it be that he is the most inept politician to ever come out of the woods down here? I mean the guy is percieved as illiterate, can't speak, and people that know him know that he is a real bar hound who cannot put two sentences together. Mean spirited, hardly, just factual. I'll bet this is his last election win or lose. If he wins, democrats with the money will flat tell him no more cash, we are tired of spending a million bucks every time you are on the ballot just to save your political butt. My guess is Burzynski squeaks by and wins this one by a whisker then democrats the next day will start looking at Bradley or Phelps to take him out next time around. I've always voted for Forby but not this time. He has been in Emil Jones' pocket on the Ameren issue far too long and needs to be sent down the road to join Emil in retirement. Besides his pal "the best governor this state has ever had" will find him a high paying job. "

southernproud wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:46 AM:

" Forby didnt want the freeze, his words. He sponsored a bill that would halt anything until a solution was found, for a portion of the rate hike not all of it. But did Forby get a solution to the rate hike? No. CIPS raised rates, gave Forby money and we are paying for it. Time for change. Again, after 8 years we are no better off.

I pretty much had mind made up. But what made it concrete was the fact that Forby denounced Ken B. for moving to Texas. It rubbed me wrong. How many people left here and then return? Are they less for doing that? My own dad was born and raised in West Frankfort. After one year at SIU, he joined the army, did his tour, and settled in California and worked for McDonnel Douglas and Rockwell Industries. He lived there for 20 plus years but decided he wanted his family raised back here. So we moved here, he took a considerable pay cut to do so. But wanted his family to be raised right. I suppose since I wasnt born here and my dad abandoned So. IL we are less to Forby. I will just vote with my fellow abandoner, Ken. "

old fart wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:25 AM:

" I guess there is one thing that really bothers me too. The Burzynski supporters on here are so full of hate. I don't think hatred will get anything done in Springfield. And then when I see you guys lying about Gary Forby voting against an Ameren freeze and I actually look it up and find that he was the main supporter of it, and Burzynski's brother in the Senate is the one who voted against it. And then on WSIL last night Burzynski himself said he would vote against it. "

old fart wrote on Oct 30, 2008 8:19 AM:

" My vote goes to Gary Forby. I just can't stand the idea of Sam Pollack running things. And Ken seems awfully greasy. Things don't add up with him. "

OLD JOE wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:10 PM:

" I have not seen anything that Forby has done to impress me, just like most are saying he has had 8 yrs. My vote goes to Burzynski. If Burzynski don't perform he can be voted out to. Any way i think that would help put a clinker in Hot rod's spot. "

Osservante wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:02 AM:

" You are right southernproud, people vote party and not person. I'm not a big fan of either Gary or Ken because of the negative campaigns; however, Gary has had time to perform in Springfield and has not. Because of that, I'm voting for Ken. People, look at the state of our State. Do you really think voting in the same people who are in charge now is going to improve Illinois? If they have not been able to improve Illinois in the time they have had, time for them to move on. Southern Illinois needs to send a message to our representatives. If you do not represent us effectively you will not get re-elected. "

southernproud wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:51 AM:

" The biggest problem I see is that people are still voting party not person by person. I tend to vote for candidates in both party's. With that I believe Gary Forby has had more than enough time to make things happen and it is time for a change. We have to be willing to try new things. Give Ken B. a shot and if he doesn't do the things he promises to, vote for someone else the next go'round. We do not have to vote the same people in each and every time there is an election. We are the ones represented, we need to have our say! I also feel that So. IL is completely disregarded in Springdfield and beyond. We don't matter. Mr. Forby has done nothing to change that. Again, I think 8 years is long enough and Im not better off, most people in his district aren't. It's time for something different. "

kimmysue wrote on Oct 27, 2008 11:21 PM:

" Hey we could all write in Grayson!!! He would be better than the two we've got to choose from. Really Grayson, too bad you didn't go ahead and run. "

Grayson wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:38 PM:

" Folks,

It is apparent that my honest, heart-felt, suggestions have been ignored.

This is a letter to the editor that I submitted back in August--long before things started turning for the worse.

It is unfortnate. The people of Southern Illinois deserve better.

August 20, 2008

An open letter to my Friends Gary and Ken as you seek the honor to represent the people of the 59th Senate District,

Restore the people's respect for the democratic process. We are tired of negativity. If you stay positive we will take the time to become informed and we will vote.

Focus on the real issues. Develop strategies for the long term growth of our regional economy. Everybody talks about jobs. Give us specifics. The Illinois Works Capital Development Plan is the place to start.

Regarding the Plan, tell us specifically how we are going to pay for it. Where is the $25,000,000,000 going to come from? Please do not tell us through gaming revenue, selling the lottery, etc. Just tell us the truth.

Have integrity. Do not treat us as a bunch of ignorant folks that can be manipulated through press releases, 30 second sound bites, and all the silliness that goes on in Springfield and Cook County.

Do not underestimate the common sense and goodness of the people of Southern Illinois. Regardless of what the party bosses and politicos tell you--always do what is right for the people. At times, this will put you at odds with powerful members of your own party.

And finally, public service is a sacred trust. We, expect you to serve as our advocate, our voice, and our servant. Never forget that you work for us--the people of Southern Illinois.

Gentlemen, good luck and keep it clean.

Grayson Gile
Vienna, Illinois "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 27, 2008 8:44 PM:

" madblogger, the Illinois Constitution will not be a complete re-write. The one we are currently governed by was not a complete re-write. It just tweaked things a bit. This one will do the same. I would suggest that 98% of the Illinois Constitution as we now know it (which sadly many people are clueless about) will be the same. I think we would all agree that there needs to be term limits on how long a representative can serve as The Speaker of the House. Same for Senate President. I think we've all had enough of Mike Madigan AND Emil Jones. I'm torn on term limits for ALL offices and how do you make it for some and not for others. But with the two positions mentioned above, those are not elected positions by the general public - just of their peers in the House and Senate. I'd also like to see the ability of any governor to completely re-write legislation with a simple amendatory veto changed so that the original intent of the legislature is left intact.

I have faith in the people who will be elected to the Con-Con that they will be a lot like us, sick and tired of the shenanigans going on in Springfield and will want to tighten the constitutional belt, so to speak.

I'm glad you are leaning towards voting for the Con-Con. Now if we could convince people of the 59th district to vote for a change and help Gary Forby stay home for the next 4 years. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 27, 2008 7:50 PM:

" I certainly appreciate your insights lk and jmo. My dilemna resonates from the fact that lawmakers may word things in such a manner that would be deceptive to the general public. Don't get me wrong, I'm not discounting the intelligence of Joe The Voter, I'm questioning any sort of vagueness being implemented in the re-write allowing for further exploiting our rights and allowing for higher taxation/fees. Sure, there will be those that bring certain issues to light, but will they be heard?

On face value, I am for the con con, and I am teetering on voting for it instead of against. You both made compelling arguments, and it is reassuring that it would need a 60% approval from the public. I realize the importance of it (the con con), but I question whether it (the new constitution) will be written fairly or in support of northerner's views. Crime isn't as big of a problem here as it is, say like in Chicago. If you put, for instance, the gun issue on a ballot, I'm afraid we wouldn't have much of a say so. I do, however, support going through, line by line, and eliminating entities that do nothing but exist. I also agree, that if we do nothing, nothing will change. The con con gives us the greatest opportunity to change things, I cannot dispute that. Without the con con, it will be business as usual (bankrupting Illinois' citizens), with the con con, we have a chance to repair a lot of what ails us.

If we didn't have Chicago's influence, I would have no doubt, but they account for about 1/4 of the total vote. Truth be known, I think a con con would be heavily weighted towards our larger cities. The vote of a Southern Illinoisan has about 1/10th the weight of a Chicago vote, and 1/40th of that of the rest of Illinois. Heh, we occupy 1/4 - 1/5 of the state, but we have 1/40th of the population. Our population is 300,000, Chicago is 3,000,000, and the state is 12,000,000. Now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that we actually have little say so with our vote. We are the most economically depressed area of the state, but, at one time, we had wealth. We've been stripped of that. No more coal mines, no more manufacturing, we have become a service based economy in Southern Illinois. That holds no weight as far as the state is concerned. Back when we were the producing sector of the state, things were different. We had the money. A producing area differs from a service area as a producing area has exports, whereas a service area merely recycles money amongst itself. We don't have external sources pumping up our economy, and we surely don't have the population to make a difference. We're no longer the cash cow, and we no longer matter. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 27, 2008 7:00 PM:

" madblogger, this is specifically for you but generally for everyone here who is confused about the Con-Con vote.

Almost every entrenched interest and elected official at the Statehouse, regardless of their spot on the ideological spectrum, doesn’t want it to happen. Those responsible for our malfunctioning government will spend millions convincing you they can somehow fix it.

They are betting on the system they know because they’ve figured out how to manipulate it to serve their interests. For them, the risk of citizens fixing it is too high.

For six years, Illinoisans have watched the legislative and executive branches slide into dysfunction. But for decades before that, our leaders have allowed Illinois to slip into financial crisis and fail to solve inequalities in education.

The Illinois Constitution does not allow much direct input from its citizens. When legislators do not act, we cannot propose and vote on our own solutions. Meanwhile, the same do-nothing lawmakers draw their districts to ensure re-election despite our wrath.

We would be crazy to let this opportunity to directly influence our government slip away. For us, the risk of doing nothing is too high.

Remember 20 years ago these same special interests got their way and scared everyone into voting NO for a new Con-Con. Let's not allow that to happen again. We are intelligent people, usually moreso than those we elect to office. There are all kinds of scenarios that could happen, some of which you have just mentioned in your post. What you need to remember is that there will be two (2) delegates elected that will represent each legislative district in Illinois. They will meet, they will come up with changes, they will present their findings in the form of a new constitution and YOU - madblogger - will get to vote on it. So the new Illinois constitution will then either receive an up or down vote from the Illinois voters. This isn't going to happen overnight.

So don't listen to those who are throwing out these scare tactics. Vote Yes for the Con-Con and then try to get yourself elected to be one of the delegates. "

lk wrote on Oct 27, 2008 6:56 PM:

" I certainly respect all opinions on the Con-Con and I have studied and tried to do all the research I can to educate myself. With that said, I'm in favor.
I think things like recall, term limits, property tax, education funding reform and making lawmakers conduct an up-and-down vote in order to get a pay raise are possible with a Con-Con. Because the political system in Illinois (Dem and Republican) is so entrenched in corruption it's certain that nothing will happen without a Con-Con.
I think one thing that everybody should keep in mind is that if a Con-Con passes regardless of what the delegates do during the convention any changes will still have to be ratified by 60 percent of voters. To me, that will keep the lunatic fringe in line.
I didn't mean to stray this discussion off course. But, the change we need in the 59th District parallels the same type change we need statewide -- change that voting for Burzynski and (in my opinion)voting for a Con-Con will start to achieve. "

Guns N Roses wrote on Oct 27, 2008 5:52 PM:

" I just got home and sat down to read the mail and found this huge full color Forby piece. It seems strange to me that the two folks in the picture sitting around a table in a very nice home with a huge brick fireplace in the background would be worried about paying their bills. A closer look at the guys wife reveals two good sized diamond rings right their on her right hand in plain view. A quick phone call to a political wonk tells me the two people are Glen and Martha Bauman of rural Sesser. My friend pointed out that the Baumans are some of the largest land owners and successful farmers in Franklin County. They are, according to my friend also pretty big in the race horse business. Hardly a good subject for someone having trouble making ends meet. This whole Forby campaign is one huge farce and his handlers ought to know better than to trot out a couple of very well off people to make the rest of us think they can't pay their bills. This is getting more bizarre by the day. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 27, 2008 4:58 PM:

" Initially, I was for the Con Con, but now, I'm not so sure. It sounds great in practice, but somebody, can't remember who, but it was on this site, showed me the errors of my thinking.

If a Con Con is approved by the voters, that gives our lawmakers full authority to rewrite our state's constitution. What that means, is, for instance, they could make it harder to obtain and bear arms, and many other issues in which the northern part of the state will dominate the constitutional process. At least that's how it was explained to me. I know we want to solve the problem of corrupt government, but if we approve the con con, we are asking the corrupt to rewrite it.

I think a con con will absolutely leave So. IL. out, just like they do with current legislation.

Just my opinion though "

lk wrote on Oct 27, 2008 4:00 PM:

" This nonsense about 3ABN is nothing more than a smokescreen and a diversion to avoid the real issues in this race. First, I echo Madblogger's comments about the unemployment numbers in Franklin County and for that matter the entire 59th District. I want to see one of Forby's defenders explain the high unemployment in the 59th District (seven counties of the 13 in the district are in the state's top 10. That's unacceptable ... period. On top of that I recently saw unemployment stats that show Franklin County ranks fourth in highest unemployment in a five state area of the Midwest. That's from over 600 counties. That's embarrassing, anyway it's added up.
I am in favor of the Constitutional Convention and I feel the same way about that vote that I do about the vote in the 59th District.
Voting 'no' on the Con-Con and voting 'for' Forby is the same as saying that I like everything that is happening in Springfield, that I like double-digit unemployment and poverty and that I'm happy with the status quo.
It's time for a change: vote 'yes' on Con-Con and vote for Burzynski.
We can better. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 27, 2008 11:33 AM:

" For the record, the Illinois House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would begin a constitutional amendment process to allow the citizens of Illinois to recall their governor (any governor but we all know this was aimed specifically at Blago). The house bill then went over to the Senate where it was narrowly defeated.

Gary Forby did not vote on this bill at all. Instead, his wife had non-emergency, elective gall bladder surgery on that very day. Thus, Gary Forby did not have a yeah or nay vote but instead was conveniently absent, thus staying in good graces with Emil Jones.

As for the 150 jobs Forby is supposedly bringing to Southern Illinois, I'd like to see 150 STABLE jobs brought to Southern Illinois. I don't want these State jobs brought to Harrisburg or any other city because when Blago is either voted out of office or run out of office, those jobs will quickly go back to Springfield. That's not economic growth. Let's see some coal mines - not plans for them, not estimates of how many construction workers will get jobs, not estimates of how many coal miners will be put back to work. LET'S SEE SOME OPEN, FUNCTIONING COAL MINES. Let's see some new STABLE private sector jobs.

This isn't going to happen with Forby. He will be tossed some crumbs from the table of the Senate lords occasionally - just enough to make him think he's doing a good job. But the rest of us know better. ANYONE, democrat or republican, can do a better job than Forby. He now has a false sense of security, a false ego, he thinks he's arrived. He thinks he's infallable. He really doesn't realize what a dolt his colleagues believe him to be.

COME ON SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. DON'T WE DESERVE BETTER? "

GentryEqualsForby wrote on Oct 27, 2008 10:01 AM:

" Let's Bust-Up The Cliques!!!! Government in Williamson County has been dominated by two cliques, one from each party, and each as corrupt, narcissistic, and ruthless as the other.
On the Republican side, Bob Butler, Randy Patchett, John Goss, Jerald Kobler, LC Cavaness, Jim Garrison, Jim Mitchell, and others have been the traditional leaders of this group. In the March primary election, certain RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS of the county's Republican Party worked to soundly defeat Randy Patchett for judge, and also defeated a "child" of this clique, Bob Barnett, for county commissioner. On the Democrat side, the traditional clique leaders are Larry Woolard, Rex Piper, Dave and Frank Sweetin, Tom Caliper, Chuck Garnati, and others. Many of us in the Republican Party have worked internally to drive away Republicans that have corrupted our county. Now, it's time for some Democrats to be driven away, as well. It is crucial that Gary Forby, a "child" of the Democrat clique, is defeated in this election. Unless we are willing to empower new leaders in Williamson County and throughout the region, we can only expect that the pathetic leadership that we've experienced for the last 30 years will continue. Can we really expect our condition to improve if we continue to elect the same leaders from either party? "

madblogger wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:58 AM:

" You have to love it. Forby has the proven track record of failure and not doing best by his constituents, yet all you people can do is allege rumors of impropriety by Burzynski and what he will do.

This rumor of passing a bill to make 3ABN tax exempt: Ummm, doesn't that have to have the votes of the other members of the senate? So that, is a mute point aimed merely at discrediting Burzy, besides, you don't get tax exempt status via a bill, because as SI Res said, it goes through the IDR. Where do you guys come up with this stuff?

Then you hear how Burzy will do Pollack's will. Let me ask you men something, "How many people do you know that when they tell you to do something, you jump right on it (Excluding your bosses, of course)?" I know, if somebody (who isn't my boss) tells me to do something they want done, I'm more likely than not going to tell them where to go.

For you Forby supporters, let me ask you three questions:

1. What do you think of Franklin County having the highest unemployment rate in the state?

2. Did Forby have our best interests at heart when he voted AGAINST the Ameren Freeze?

3. Did Forby have our best interests at heart when he voted AGAINST being able to recall elected officials?

On questions 2 and 3, ask yourself, "Whose best interest did he have in mind?"

We've given Forby 8 years, he's given Franklin County (his home county) the highest unemployment rate in the state.

I continuously hear about how bad our government has become. Here's a chance to get rid of part of the problem. Yes, I know you have a hard time believing that Forby could be part of the mess up there, but let his record speak for itself. "

SI Resident wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:21 AM:

" The Illinois Department of Revenue is the government agency that grants Real Estate Tax Exempt Status. For them to do that an orginazation must complete an application and provide much documentation. The organization also has to provide their tax exempt number that they have been issued. The IDOR will then decide to either deny the exemption, grant a full or a partial exemption. A state senator does not have anything to do with this process. Oh sure, they may apply pressure, but it doesn't work that way with the IDOR. The orginazation must provide documented proof before tax exempt status is granted. "

Guns N Roses wrote on Oct 27, 2008 9:01 AM:

" west frankfort, I don't know who Sam Pollack is and I don't know a single person affliated with the Angels I am just a contributor with an opinion and one without any goal or mission. "

west frankfort wrote on Oct 27, 2008 8:54 AM:

" I just have to support Gary on this race. "

Guns N Roses wrote on Oct 27, 2008 8:54 AM:

" You are so right, Sarah Sixpack, I am not familiar with the situation you write about. I am familiar with many religious organizations and their tax exempt status such as Obama's Rev. Wright and the multi million dollar house and Catholic Cardinal residential mansions in Chicago and Missouri as well as Morman properties that are all tax exempt. Before the boogie man in Thompsonville can achieve what it is you say he is going for he will have to pass through many channels locally and on the state and federal level. Neither Burzynski or Forby alone can grant this. You are simply trying to tie Burzynski to some religios fringe group which is the same thing as tying Obama to the Muslims as some have tried to do. I am not calling the Thompsonville organization a fringe group but you appear to leave that impression. Other than driving by their buildings I am not aware of their organization. Lastly none of you Forby supporters have bothered to admit or deny the fact that Forby has put several of his immediate family members in state jobs. Whats the matter, cat got your tongue? The same goes for none of you commenting on campaign contributions given to Forby after a project or scholarship benefiting the donor has taken place. Shame on this paper for ignoring what is going on. The St. Louis Post Dispatch in the Illinois section has a site that if you enter a person's name and county of resident you can verify the employment and salary of any state employee. The Board of Elections will allow you to look up donors. All of these FACTS are easy to verify. I have always voted for Forby in the past but not this time. Democrats in Illinois have failed us and we need to clean up our own kitchen before we throw out Blago and his cohorts. I say we start sweeping now and send a message. We need to make an example out of Forby and the others will get the message. "

mark twain wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:59 PM:

" What happened to the 150 jobs Forby bragged about bring to Harrisburg...Seems to be a dead issue now!
Forby doesn't seem to care about the other 11 counties in the 59th. All Forby's pork goes to Williamson and Franklin. The small counties have caught on to Forby. He thinks he can get elected on Brandon Phelps coatails in the southern counties--it ain't gonna work. "

mark twain wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:47 PM:

" To: Just my Opinion
Sam is dirty and Ken should stay away from him. "

seriously? wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:28 PM:

" sarah sixpack: I believe Ken Burzy and Mr. Shelton are of the same mindset; you know...with the whole gaining "disciples" thing?

The 3ABN disciples walk around with a glaze in their eyes. And, from what I'm reading on here from the Burzy disciples - they repeat the same phrases over and over - it's obviously, input in and input out. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:17 PM:

" I'm not aware of the 3ABN deal that is "supposedly" in the works. However, in order to gain tax exempt status, one must obtain that first from the Federal government. I, too, know of a very large church that has a lot of ground and is even incorporated with the pastor and his wife being the Prez & VPrez of the corporation. They have obtained tax exempt status through the Feds and now through their county. So is this thing with 3ABN any different? No. Should it be allowed to happen, no matter who the representative and senator are for their district? Probably not. But if a lot of you are aware of what is going on, or you think you know what may happen, then isn't this a perfect reason you should at least vote for Con-Con so that this loophole is closed? Does anyone know for a fact what ground 3ABN now owns that generates tax revenue?

As for the lake(s), well good riddance to the Old City Lake. That is no longer an asset but a HUGE liability. But for 3ABN to take over the New City Lake, it isn't going to happen unless you can bribe all of the West Frankfort City Council. I can tell you there are some pretty mean dogs that live out at that lake (2-legged) and as long as they have a breath in them, 3ABN won't own a thing out there. People have tried to buy stuff out there and it's ultimately up to the owners to agree to a lease transfer, and it hasn't happened yet and it won't in the future either. If you think Danny Shelton has that kind of power, then why couldn't he sweet talk Forby into doing the same thing for him that you all think he has gotten Ken to agree to? This is scare tactics.

And the Sam Pollack thing - isn't it time to hang that one up? Sam's older than dirt. "

sarah sixpack wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:33 PM:

" To Guns N Roses…..you do not know what you are talking about regarding 3ABN. Yes churches are taxed exempt, but Mr. Shelton wants his home and all other homes and structures surrounding the church to be taxed exempt including a clinic, a gym, his TV station, etc. He is trying to build a compound to house his following. Does Waco come to mind here? No one should cut a deal with this man, he is dangerous. "

west frankfort wrote on Oct 26, 2008 7:54 PM:

" GUNS & ROSES: What do you stand to gain from the Angels' deal? I would think you might be Sam Pollack but you write too well. Maybe you are someone who is writing for Sam Pollack. "

Guns N Roses wrote on Oct 26, 2008 7:27 PM:

" Some of these comments are beyond the pale. Some of you are giving Burzynski a lot of credit when he is not even in office. No churches pay taxes already so they don't need a law. At least one church in Franklin County owns a valuable piece of ground on the shores of Rend Lake and they do not pay taxes. On top of that no one legislator passes any law without a majority of his cohorts joining in. At least try to be factual. The reason Forby is in such a hot race is that he is perceived as weak in a lot of areas. Going back decades starting with Gene Johns, going to Glenn Poshard, Jim Rea and Larry Woolard, none of them had any serious opposition simply because they were well thought of by the electorate. For some reason Forby attracts a lot of attention and if he wins and runs again he will have another serious opponent. Eventually the Chicago hacks will get tired of putting millions of dollars on him to save his political butt. He is obligated to them, maybe not on the small votes, but on anything of any size he is in their pocket. Again, I ask his supporters true or not, are his daughter, brother, wife and any other relative in state jobs? Did he get thousands of dollars from millionaire attorney John Simmons, did a well known Benton dentist reward him for a legislative scholarship by donating to his campaign? If any of this is untrue, please loyal 4B fans, enlighten us! "

west frankfort wrote on Oct 26, 2008 6:01 PM:

" And just wait until the Angels own the West Frankfort lakes ( yes, lakes ) too. It is coming people. It is all in the GOP plans. "

west frankfort wrote on Oct 26, 2008 5:59 PM:

" DANNY SHELTON AND 3ABN HAVE FINALLY FOUND THEIR KEY TO NOT PAYING TAXES...no wonder Ken Burzynsaki is going to raise everyone else's taxes, so the Angels don't have to pay theirs. "

sarah sixpack wrote on Oct 26, 2008 5:52 PM:

" to baptist preacher... Say it ain't so Joe... Not 3ABN. I knew something was up when I noticed they all had Burzy signs in their yards. Talk about your Kool-Aid drinkers. Just wait until I tell everyone at Church tonight. "

baptist preacher wrote on Oct 26, 2008 4:35 PM:

" BETTER READ THIS BEFORE YOU JUDGE ME
To just my opinion...
Ken Burzynski allowed Jim Renick to fall on the sword for him. I remember when Ken handed me a pen at an open house at Renick's new bank in Thompsonville. It was there that I learned that Burzynski was going to pass a bill in the senate that would allow Three Angels to not pay taxes, and Renick would accept Three Angels giant bank account. Pretty well thought out. If it works, I tip my hat to them. But I don't think this is in the best interest of the 59th District, and Cave Township and the Thompsonville School District stands to lose a lot of money. "

west frankfort wrote on Oct 26, 2008 4:27 PM:

" ONLY ONE THING...

There is only one thing that matters in this election: Burzynski equals Sam Pollack. DON'T SAY YOU HAVE NOT BEEN WARNED!!!!! "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 26, 2008 3:32 PM:

" Baptist Preacher - I don't believe for one single minute you are who you say you are. Your attitude speaks loudly here. Oh sure, a man of the cloth is entitled to him opinion; however, you should assume another pseudonym. This one is not becoming to you at all.

You stated in an earlier post that you would take responsibility for any mistakes your youth minister or music minister would make. Wow, what an example. That's teaching them a lesson, the lesson being do what you want to do and make the mistakes you want to because the big boy will cover for me. That's why I don't believe you are who you say.

So I can see why you are supporting 4by. Gary is apparently not being held accountable either by his constituents. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 26, 2008 3:26 PM:

" THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP IN THE ILLINOIS SENATE - only a change of name. We're going to get Ricky Hendon or Emil III (both Chicago players). This is why Southern Illinois never gets their fair share of the pie is because you won't vote for someone who has the ability to smooze and not snooze.

I don't get it. I never have gotten it. My family comes from a long line of "yellow dog democrats" (I'm the exception). Surely you all know what that means - you would vote for a yellow dog before you'd vote for a republican. Well here doggy, doggy. Come right over and resume your Senate seat you sweet little good boy Gary Forby. You've proven yourself to be such a good lap dog, we're going to let you sit around for 4 more years. Yep, that's the Southern Illinois I know - more afraid of change than of the dark. "

west frankfort wrote on Oct 26, 2008 2:42 PM:

" Ken Burzynski equals Sam Pollack.

If anyone is reading is that hasn't decided who they are voting for, you'd better learn more about Sam Pollack. He makes Governor Rod Blagojevich look like a choir boy. "

seriously? wrote on Oct 26, 2008 2:30 PM:

" Ken Burzynski treats women with disrespect. "

baptist preacher wrote on Oct 26, 2008 2:26 PM:

" MADblgger, those are some pretty strong words. But, I have met him and have to say AMEN. If Forby wanted to take a big lead in this race, he'd give Burzynski money to go out and meet the people. If you have met him, you cannot like him. It is horrible to say something like that about someone, but my goodness in this case it really is true. "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 26, 2008 2:20 PM:

" I love Ron Summers, but Ken Burzynski is the biggest piece of sh...opps, sorry webmaster...of poop I have ever met. He is arrogant, smart aleck, and he's got a wedgie up his as- that goes on forever. Ken Burzynski is not just bad, he is the devil in human form. I'm telling you people, I don't understand why they didn't bring Summers back to the race. But I'll be DAM* if I am going to vote for this pretender, let alone walk across the street to shake his greasy hand. AND YOU ALL KNOW I AM TELLING THE TRUTH!!!!!! "

old fart wrote on Oct 26, 2008 2:09 PM:

" OK, guys, listen, let's be serious for a moment: The fact that no other politician in Southern Illinois would have the ability to bring home some bacon to Southern Illinois does frighten me. I'm not playing games here right now, let's agree that both candidates are good decent men who do have some credible achievements under their belts. I believe with all my heart that we'd better give Forby four more years and let the tide turn at top state leadership before we get rid of the only person who has the ability right now to get bills passed and have grants approved. This is my very strong opinion. I think if we'd all think seriously about this, you all would agree with me. Thanks for taking time to listen. "

kimmysue wrote on Oct 26, 2008 1:44 PM:

" To Just My Opinion, Seems like 4 years ago was our best shot to move 4B down the road. I still shake my head when I think about him winning over Ron Summers, plus the Wmson County folks didn't support Summers like I thought they would - I think we have to blame both counties.

Anyway, we do have the anti Blago effect going on right now - so we can only hope!! "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 26, 2008 1:24 PM:

" Guns N Roses - finally someone from Southern Illinois who doesn't drink the Kool-Aid.

Forby didn't bring you a ballpark in Marion - Attorney John Simmons did. Forby didn't bring you an interchange to the ballpark - Senator Durbin and the Federal government did. Forby couldn't have brought you an interchange in Mt. Vernon - it's not in his district. But Forby sure as heck has brought you the highest unemployment rate in the entire State of Illinois - Franklin County - his county of legal residence. Seems like he cares a lot more about riding around and telling you what he has done for the other folks but ignores his own county.

No thank you Seriously. If you want to compare apples to apples, then you've got Forby to compare to Jimmy Swaggert. Both like the money and the fame and do absolutely nothing for anyone but themselves. "

Steve S. wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:57 AM:

" The powers that be in Springfield or should I say Chicago, don't think much of Forby. Oh sure, they let him in for a few photo ops but other than that, they pay little attention to him. Now John Bradley on the other hand, doesn't even merit photo ops with the rest of the Democratic clan which tells me he must be doing something right. Burzynski, if elected will have an impossible task going up against the Chicago machine but at least he Bost and Bradley can be thorns in the sides of Blago, Jones, Madigan and co. and that surely can't hurt us down here. "

Guns N Roses wrote on Oct 25, 2008 10:53 PM:

" Ya know the truth of the matter about the ballpark in Marion is this whole facility is owned by mega millionaire attorney John Simmons of the Metro East area. He could well afford this project but it is troublesome that we are putting tax money into this private venture that would have been built anyhow. If you look on the Board of Elections campaign finance disclosure web site you will see this same attorney, or his law firm has donated thousands of dollars to Forby. Another thing to look at is who has Forby been giving legislative scholarships to? One for sure went to a prominent Benton dentist's daughter and guess what, the dentist in turn donated at least $500.00 this year to Forby's campaign. Is there any truth to the rumor that the U S Attorney is looking into this as part of Blago's "pay to play" system of government. Forby is smart enough to learn that from Blago. Love him or hate him Forby needs to answer questions about tax payer money being handed out to people who in turn donate back to his campaign. It is a fact, Jack, check it out on the web site for yourself. "

creal_critter62922 wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:20 PM:

" Forbys not good. You guys that think he's good need to thank about things. He really is'nt that good of a government worker. And he does talk funny "

S.I.Rebel wrote on Oct 25, 2008 9:14 PM:

" To seriously? dont like it then dont come to this page go on a walk and get some air "

seriously? wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:45 PM:

" Just My Opinion....I was laughing my freakin' butt off when I read your PLEA for money for the small town boy. You call Bay City, Texas and St. Louis (Sherry Lane), to name a few places he's resided at, a SMALL TOWN place??

Send $5? Lord Have Mercy!!!!! You sound more like Jimmy Swaggert's group!!! In fact, come to think of it, Ken does have that Jimmy Swaggert look going on - the hair and all. Well, now I wonder if he'll throw in a prayer cloth for the disciples that send this plus say a prayer if they'll put their hand up to the tv?

Folks....now we see the true colors coming out! Beware of the purple koolaid!!!!!!!!!!! "

seriously? wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:33 PM:

" yadda, yadda, yadda....that's all you guys write....you are so redundant! I mean, c'mon, you have your same old phrases that are meaningless and totally lifeless...no one even takes you seriously or do they even pay any attention to you any more!

You've lost your effect and have become like a mosquito to swat around for our amusement.

Are you so lonely that the computer is your life? Gosh, find one. Go to church. Go to the library. Go to the mall. Go on a walk, get some exercise, air out that stagnant brain, get some new ideas, some new phrases, get a job, something other than sitting on your rear and farting out rhetoric that makes no sense! "

creal_critter62922 wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:25 PM:

" Forby aint done nuthing for us! He no good "

creal_critter62922 wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:23 PM:

" test "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:42 PM:

" I'm enlightened to see the postings here that most of you are aware that Forby has done nothing for his district, except throw FREDCO under the bus. The county where he resides, Franklin County, has THE HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. It appears Forby is more interested in taking credit for a new interchange in Mt. Vernon, which is NOT in his district, than he is in taking responsibility for NOT bringing down the unemployment rate in Franklin County. Franklin County is known for being fanatical democrats but I truly hope they see the light and don't put Gary Forby back in office. Gary is more concerned with keeping his job than in creating one for the rest of us. He has sold us out on the Ameren rate freeze by giving us a $100 rebate. I again ask - HOW'S THAT WORKING FOR YA?

I don't know who has said that Federal law prohibits altering or removing campaign ads from TV but that couldn't be more FALSE. Gary Forby could very easily call each and every media outlet and tell them to cancel the disgusting ad he is running now about his opponent. The best thing we can all do it send his opponent a $5 bill to help his campaign account because heaven knows Ken needs all the funding he can get to counter the cash flowing into Forby's account from - you guessed it - the Chicago democrats, specifically Emil Jones.

Now here's some homework for all of you, whether your support Gary Forby or not. Go to the following website:
elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CandidateDetail.aspx?id=1797

It is the State Board of Elections website that shows itemized reports that all candidates must file. The page you will come to is for Gary Forby. Make it a point to go through each and every report, clicking on items to read the itemized reports of who is giving Gary what amount of money. Pay particular attention to the location of these contributors. Then decide if you want to vote for your "small town boy" or if you want to give Ken Burzynski a chance.

I really can't add anything further to convince you that Gary Forby is NOT fit to hold his Illinois Senate position. "

mark twain wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:42 AM:

" Illinois has a democrat House and Senate and a democrat governor---look how messed up we are.
We are on the verge of having a democrat controlled congress(veto proof) and a democrat President. God help us!
Take the right step forward and vote yes for McCain and Burzynski. If you do the opposite then you will a national government full of little Blago's running around. "

OLD JOE wrote on Oct 25, 2008 6:46 AM:

" Yes the gas prices are coming down. Thanks to Super Forby only wounderful things happen because of him. If elected the homeless wont be honeless anymore, we will have to import workers from other states to fill our many jobs. Taxes will be unheard of, an people will be excited to pay them. Tax time will be like having another christmas. So Forby can vote present again. "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:04 PM:

" By the way, how about those gas prices? Does anyone know of any good yard sales this weekend? "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:02 PM:

" How many days until Christmas?

Wow did you see Carterville smash West Frankfort? I wonder what the weather will be like tomorrow. I guess I will watch the news. What channel do you watch, 3, 6, or 12? I think I will watch 6 tonight. Tommorrow should be a good day. I hope. Don't you? That was awful about that boy breaking his finger. I am watching the news right now. Allen James is on. Isn't he a really big Republican? I think he is chairman of the GOP. He is kind of in big trouble. Did he shoot at someone? You shouldn't play with guns. Someone could get killed. "

S.I.Rebel wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:49 PM:

" Well here it is almost 10pm and I'm on the computer.I also have kids so I must be doing something wrong.I'm pretty sure I'm not that intelligent also.BUT I can usually figure things out.Once I took my car to a mechanic with a problem.I went to pick it up,it wasn't fixed,I took it back,same results.I took it to a different mechanic ,got it fixed.I figured that one out.Once I took my son to the doctor,for a sports injury.I was informed his finger was broke.The doctor wanted to rebreak his finger to fix it.Boy I'm glad I figured this one out quik,because after seeing a bone specialist,we found out it wasn't even broke.Do you see where I'm going?Forby has had his chances,8 years worth.Has he done his job?How do we compare to others across the state?From what I've seen not very well.Times are tough out there and we have a resposibility to fix it.I just hope that most of us are smart enough to figure this one out. "

joe 1 wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:13 PM:

" why does Burzynski's family have Forby signs in their front yards in Christopher and Coello if that does'nt tell u something about ken what will??????????????? "

SpeakingTheTruth wrote on Oct 24, 2008 3:38 PM:

" To: antiquelover
Thanks for the best laugh I've had all day. You're typical of Forby suppoters, who must be delusional in order to cast a vote for him. How do you link Madblogger's blogging to him being a poor father!?!? You've learned well from the leftist political operatives in our nation who use any means to smear a person who has beliefs that are contrary to yours. I'll bet your dad would think that you've stepped over the line, also. "

old fart wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:45 PM:

" I'm with you GentryequalsForby, "I HATE EVERYONE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS TOO!!!" SEND EM ALL TO HECK!!! "

GentryEqualsForby wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:03 PM:

" A correction: should state, "a few projects of marginal relevance". Sorry. "

GentryEqualsForby wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:01 PM:

" Regardless of whether Forby did or did not bring a few projects or marginal relevance to the region, let's consider what has occured in this district under his "leadership": The poverty rate has skyrocketed in many of the counties of the 59th, Williamson County had to implement a new tax to build schools because Forby and Blagojevich won't give our tax money to our schools, we've lost all of our jobs that pay a liveable wage (including Maytag in 2006), almost all of the new jobs that Forby has "brought to us" pay either minimum wage or barely above, and the University has become a political playground. Of course, Forby has many political allies on both sides of the political fence: Brent Gentry, Bob Butler, Bob Barnett, John Goss, Larry Woolard, Vic Ritter, Bill Mausey, and many others. "

old fart wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:00 PM:

" DOWN WITH LABOR UNIONS!!!!
We need a state senator who will say NO to these mindless labor leaders and their members, I mean, cry babies. BOO HOO, I can't handle more prisoners...BOO HOO, I need more money...BOO HOO I have taken jobs away from regular men and women. Kick their A -double-SS, Ken!!!!! Take Caliper out first. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:41 AM:

" Ummmm, they were at their mothers house?

Trust me, my kids have my attention. They are very well loved, and thank you for your concern.

Back on topic, because I shouldn't be your focus, the difference is Burzynski isn't an elected official. What did Forby bring to Franklin County PRIOR to being elected? I know what he brought to Franklin County after he was elected, and that's the highest unemployment rate in the state. The buck has to stop somewhere, right? Why not with the person elected to represent us? But hey, I know my being on the computer at 8 or 10 is of more concern to you than the unemployment rate of Franklin County. "

antiquelover wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:11 AM:

" What has Mr. Burnzinki every brought to Franklin County... A dinky antique store? I went into there the other day to see what kind of business he's brought here and it's not that impressive. I am a huge antique collector and I was very disapointed. It's nothing to be proud of. And Mr. Madblogger, You should be ashamed to be blogging at 8 and at 10 at night when you have kids. I dont know where i'd be at without my Dads attention so many years ago. I miss my Dad and wish he were here. That's a shame. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:43 PM:

" @ seriously,

I'm glad you showed interest. The truth be known, I have several computers at home. And thanks for your concern, yes, work has been slow. I've asked my manager to assign me more duties; my manager said the company needed me available, and that by adding more duties may detract from my primary responsibilities. Actually, I couldn't function in my job without a keyboard, you truly are an astute observer.

With such insight, you should easily be able to guess my profession. As for me, I'm guessing, a researcher of sorts, or maybe even some sort of developer. But, hey, my opinion's biased as to what my profession is.

I never stated that I would run for office, I stated that I am interested in entering politics. That means I would door knock or even try to become a precinct committee man.

It doesn't bother me that your opinion differs from mine. It doesn't even bother me that you think you can discredit me by bringing my personal life to bear. You digress from the issues sir or ma'am. I am not the candidate, nor should my personal life have any bearing on the candidate's positions.

You can be condescending all you want, but it doesn't change the facts.

Forby is from Benton, which is in Franklin County. Franklin County has the highest unemployment rate in the state according to the IDES website as of Sep '08 (IDES has a state website). 11.2 percent, up 3.2 percent from last year.

Forby was against freezing Ameren's rates in the beginning. When the public became incensed with the rate hikes, only then did he act on behalf of his constituents. Heh, a one time rebate.

Forby enforced Blagojevich's and Jones' will when it came to the Capital Bill.

Yes, Forby has a back-woods style of speaking, which detracts from his message. That doesn't mean he's not intelligent, but the ability to convey his message? Questionable.

Forby is the vehicle in which money is brought into our district? Ummmm, ok, if you say so. Why don't you go ahead and list those monies? Then when you're done, I will look at another district in Illinois and compare. Sound fair? "

johnson551 wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:39 PM:

" Forby brought money into our district? Oh give me a break seriously? This is what is called pork, which is doled out in all districts for two reasons
1. So politicians can say they have done something and use it to try and convince people to reelect them
2. So they can repay politically connected friends and donors with state contracts to fulfill those pork projects.
Forby was thrown the pork bones by his masters just like all other politicians in Illinois. It is no accomplishment on his part. "

seriously? wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:34 PM:

" as we just read madblogger's umpteenth posting for the day....it proves my point that I made earlier. I read with interest what you told someone earlier (many postings ago) - you work a couple of jobs and have kids. Well, I can tell you this...your work must be very slow (thanks to your own work ethics that you have displayed on here) and your children must have to vie with your computer for attention. :( Now, I'm not calling you names, so don't get defensive, it's just that I wonder how do you function without a keyboard? LOL...and running for an office? Heh, perhaps from a webcam... "

seriously? wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:26 PM:

" I am laughing at how upset Sen. Forby's speech has some of you on here!!!! My goodness, do you not have anything better to do with your time during the morning, afternoon and evenings (yes, allllll day long, some of you are on here) than to obsess over something so small in the whole scope of things?

The FACT is Senator Forby has been the vehicle in which money is brought into our district. Whether you like it or not, obviously, SOMEONE is listening in Springfield. And personally....I don't give a rip WHOSE ear he has listening to him, as long the money is flowing in! "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:24 PM:

" I have to comment on Tom Miller's second question in the debate on WJPF:

"Miller next turned to unemployment figures, citing three counties in the 59th District with double-digit unemployment."

Forby is from Benton. Benton is in Franklin County. As of September, 2008, Franklin County had an unemployment rate of 11.2 percent. The highest in the state, according to the IDES website:
lmi.ides.state.il.us/rank.htm

You can check the figures yourself, or Google Illinois unemployment rates.

That's up 3.2 percent from last year. He goes on to say he's going to do what he's been doing. That doesn't bode well for Forby or Franklin County, now does it? The record speaks for itself, I merely did a little bit of research.

@Johnson,
First of all, I agree with your posts. I was merely trying to point out that when your speech patterns are of a certain dialect, you are immediately discounted as uneducated or under-educated. I can remember moving to other areas of the country, being called an "Okie" because I had a little bit of a drawal. Not a heavily tainted drawal, but still yet, noticeable in some parts of the country. I was a teenager then, and since then, I have made great strides to better my vocabulary and speech patterns.

I guess what I'm saying is, when you speak with a certain back-woods style, people tend to associate you with a certain group of people. Namely, the southern rebel (good ol' boy) or the uneducated country boy. I didn't make the stereotypes, I just know from experience that they exist.

Burzynski may or may not do much better as he is untested at that level. He does have some business background, and at the level an elected official should have.

Quoted from the Carmi Times:
"He graduated from Benton High School and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he obtained his journalism degree.
After finishing college, he left the area to pursue a master's degree at a Texas university but he never achieved that goal. Instead, his business career took off. He entered the business world at a young age and began writing business models and marketing plans for expanding businesses in Texas. He also set up recruiting departments.
He went on to host a home shopping show on national television and became a traveling motivational speaker with such personalities as Paul Harvey, Art Linkletter and others. Eventually, he landed a job at a company that transferred him to St. Louis, which led him back to his southern Illinois roots."

I think the fact that he developed business models, marketing plans, and helped organize recruiting departments is experience he can take with him to Springfield. I would think that his prior experiences have left him with an inherent knowledge as to what businesses look for. I mean, after all, if you're a business and you hire somebody to develop a business model or marketing plan, you're going to tell that person what you are looking for.

I'm not going to sit here and proclaim Forby to be an uneducated fool. He obviously has some intelligence as he's served two terms for us. You don't get elected by being a blundering idiot. I'm not going to say he's a bad guy, he's probably a great guy. The bottom line is being a great person doesn't make you a great statesman. What I will say is, "Vote with your head, not your heart." That warm fuzzy feeling you have for someone doesn't earn you a living. "

johnson551 wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:13 PM:

" OK I will shut up now. Hearing Forby gets me going. I just cannot believe we in SI sent him to Springfield to represent us. Its embarrassing. Of course I do not believe bruzynski is going to be much better. "

old fart wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:06 PM:

" DOWN WITH LABOR UNIONS!!!!
We need a state senator who will say NO to these mindless labor leaders and their members, I mean, cry babies. BOO HOO, I can't handle more prisoners...BOO HOO, I need more money...BOO HOO I have taken jobs away from regular men and women. Kick their A -double-SS, Ken!!!!! "

johnson551 wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:39 PM:

" OK I will shut up now. Hearing Forby gets me going. I just cannot believe we in SI sent him to Springfield to represent us. Its embarrassing. Of course I do not believe bruzynski is going to be much better. "

johnson551 wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:36 PM:

" I find it interesting how politicians try to take credit for "bringing business" to the area. What can government do to bring business to an area? The main thing they do is expedite the red tape business must complete, and often abate some taxes they must pay, but the government rarely does anything to "bring business" to an area. Forby likes to say he brought several new coal mines to the the area. Last time I looked coal mines are privately owned intities, that opened because they believe they can make money by mining and selling Illinois coal. I also recently heard a Bradley commercial which made the statement about how he was fighting big business. Why are politicians fighting big business? I would think politicians would be assisting big, medium, and small business, since they are the ones who employ the politicians constituents. Big business is not our enemy! They are part of our livelihood, very much needed and appreciated. "

johnson551 wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:23 PM:

" madblogger, it’s not about education! It is about intelligence and the ability to effectively argue a point and make reasonable decisions based on information available. I know a lot of educated idiots, and many incredibly intelligent people with just a HS education. Uneducated people are just as able to make intelligent decisions and speak well. I am not arguing that just because Forby might not be particularly educated that he does not have the potential to be an effective state senator, I am saying that because he cannot speak properly, he SOUNDS like an idiot who is not capable of being an effective state senator. I have to say I also find his arguments about issues completely unreasonable and uninformed. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 5:27 PM:

" Ok, I want all of you to think about the education issue being raised. Generally, people have their minds made up about the education level of a person within the first minute of speaking with someone. To illustrate this, I'm going to write a sentence in two different dialects. After you read these sentences, I want you to picture yourself making these statements to the General Assembly. Then, I want you to think about how they would perceive you.

Sentence 1:
I come here today to tell you about this money problem we're having down state.

Sentence 2:
I stand before you at this moment to inform you of the economic difficulties we are experiencing in certain portions of the district I represent.

Both sentences carry the same message, one of the sentences reads more professionally than the other.

I'm not saying that Forby is not intelligent. What I am saying is, a person who maybe doesn't have a good command of the English language can be perceived by his/her colleagues as being uneducated. By command of the English language, I mean, as spoken. "

SI Resident wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:59 PM:

" Very well said Johnson 551! I couldn't agree with you more.

Madblogger: (the real one, not the wannabe) Keep it up I love your posts.

youngdemocrat: I am a FORMER democrat. I now consider myself an independent. It's always nice to see a young person's passion. However, I agree with the post to you by "Just My Opinion". You are not knowlegeble in all of the facts and in how the state and federal government work. Don't loose your passion, just take the time to do some research and always be willing to listen respectfully to other people's views. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:42 PM:

" Johnson 551. You have very eloquently put your thoughts into words. In my circle of friends and business clients, Forby is a joke simply because of how he speaks. People believe he is illiterate, and he commands NO respect from other politicians. Emil Jones has stabbed him in the back over the utility freeze/rebate and Forby continues to play up to him. The only person in Springfield elected politics who has less command of the English language than Emil Jones is Gary Forby. I'm just sorry that Southern Illinois constituents don't understand this because we all came out of the same educational system. I'm really sorry those who speak in the real world and who post on this blog can't see they are showing their ignorance. That's why Forby has such a following. I wish the rest of us would stop blindly following our political party and vote for the person who will best represent us in Springfield - and it isn't Gary Forby. "

johnson551 wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:25 PM:

" I have enjoyed the back and forth between coalminer and madblogger. I would say to coalminer that just because someone is willing to take the time to post at this site in support of burzynski, that does not make them a campaign worker. Many of us simply feel strongly about the issues, and enjoy arguing in an attempt to convince others to our point of view.
This argument about speaking ability is an argument worth having. I grew up in SI, and myself and most of my friends have worked as laborers in various jobs in the area. None of my friends have an education past HS, and none of them speak as poorly as Forby. Lack of education or working as a laborer have nothing to do with someone’s ability to speak properly. I am not talking about accent, my friends and I all have southern accents, I am talking of speaking properly.
For the last several years I have been working with the public. Surely coalminer knows that when working with the public, our intelligence, ability to complete a job effectively, and many other aspects of us, are rated quickly on how well we speak. I work every day to improve my speaking ability, because people take me much more seriously when I speak correctly. To hear Forby speak is to quickly dismiss him as stupid, incompetent, and not a person to be taken seriously. None of these may be true, (I don’t know the man personally), but anyone meeting Forby cannot help but believe those things based upon how he speaks, and I have no doubt his co-workers from Chicago believe this and simply use him as a tool to enact their own agendas. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:25 PM:

" Heh, since I've been accused of being a Burzy worker, I'm going to give them a slogan that they can use. I release all rights to the slogan, and they can use it as they wish. Here goes:

FORBY:

8 years, 2 bridges, a baseball stadium, and all I got was this lousy t-shirt!!

Vote Burzy '08

There, now you can say I've done not-for-profit work for Burzynski. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 3:17 PM:

" Hey look! One of my fans!

Heh, I haven't worked for minimum wage or below since 1985.

By all means Mr. Wanna-be-me, since you've read enough of my stuff to know I'm a creep, explain to everybody how I am. What about me, makes me a creep?

I guess having fiscally conservative views, questioning expanding government, questioning our tax system, makes you a creep, then "guilty".

Heh, I have to laugh, you guys are making my point perfectly. When you find it hard to debate, you resort to name-calling. I'm sorry, we're not in 4th grade anymore, and I'm not gonna retaliate by pushing you out of the swing.

You detract from your message when you resort to such tactics.

Keep going, I know you can do better! At least make me laugh hard enough to spew soda out of my nose. "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 2:33 PM:

" OMG!!! No one sounds more SHADY than madblogger. I've read enough of your stuff to know that you are a creep. And the only reason you have logged so many blogs on here is because Burzy is paying you minimum wage to do so. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 2:07 PM:

" Ok, let's review your comments:

youngdemocrat wrote: "You sound a bit shady. If you really are working full time plus have a part time job, and 4 children- How do you have so much time to blog so much?"

What was the shady part? What does a "shady" person bring to mind?

youngdemocrat wrote: "Once again I question who you say you are."

I assure you, I am who I say I am. I'm not lying.

Now you said you have a problem with the mis-characterizations the verbal assaults and all of that, and I am guilty. I, in the spirit of trying to be funny wrote this:

madblogger wrote on Oct 21, 2008 4:56 PM:

" Well, I reckon' dat I'm a gonna git that thar jobs stimu.... stimul.... aw' shucks, you'ins know wut I'm a sayin', dat thar jobs thingy majiggy fer us'ns to git back to work 'n stuff.

If'ns they ain't a gonna lissen, I'm a gonna git madder than a badger with hemmoroids. N' that's purty durn mad.

Financeered by them thar people who'ins want me back ag'in.

Ok, maybe it wasn't that bad. I must say though, seeing Forby in his commercials driving a dually around and shooting a shotgun, well, heh, what can I say? He fits the stereotype of what people think southern Illinoisans represent.

I'm voting Burzy.......Forby had his chance, he decided to do what the upstate politicians told him to do. "

I admit, that was a little out of line. I apologize for that. Everything else I've said has been civilized commentary, and political opinions. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:35 PM:

" YoungDem - why is it all of you kids think everyone sits at a State-owned computer to blog? "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:33 PM:

" YoungDem - get your facts straight. It was Attorney John Simmons from the metro east area who initially got the ball rolling on the Marion ballpark. As usual, Forby came to the game table VERY late and, as usual, took credit for the work. You probably were still in Jr. High when all of these negotiations took place with Simmons so it's understandable that you don't know how this all started.

Forby had absolutely NOTHING to do with the new interchange on I-57. That is all controlled by the Federal government who puts up 90% of the money after certain criteria must be met. Again, Forby is taking credit for coming to the game table VERY late.

Madblogger - HIGH FIVE! "

Youngdemocrat wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:31 PM:

" Let me clarify that I NEVER called you a liar. That is not my character. You have become defensive towards my remarks. And likewise I feel the same way towards the BURZY CAMPAIN in what they are doing to Senator Forby. I believe in Senator Forby, he has helped not only me but members of my family and my friends and I find it offensive when I know the truth but ALL I HEAR is DISTORTION of that TRUTH being SPEWED OVER AND OVER AND OVER. But attacking you... Not at all... As far as debating... At my young age... I think i'm doing a helluva of a job. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:17 PM:

" @youngdemocrat (again)

I will say, I'm used to your type of comments. Trying to discredit me by saying I'm lying. Heh, I guess I'll tell my kids that I am not their father because youngdemocrat said so. That will save a ton on child support. =o)

To sit there and call me a liar, is rude. I expressed my opinions and you call me names? I shared with you my position in life and you denounce it? I would rather you debate me on the political issues than to try to drag me down.

Now, what if all of this time I had been singing Forby's praises, and told you about my position in life. Would I be shady then? Heh, I think not, but since I am not, you felt it necessary to attack me, right?

Heh, I don't understand why people can't calmly discuss their views without calling each other names.

Don't worry, it's not a state job that I possess.

All of those jobs you mentioned are low paying jobs. For the record, I make around $15/hr, those jobs would cut my pay almost in half. Remember the 54% of my take home to child support? We need manufacturing jobs, not service jobs.

You can question who I am all you want, it doesn't change my lot in life. Heh, you can wish me to be a rich Republican, but in the end, I'm a poor independent.

As far as my "perfect" grammar, well, it's not perfect. They taught these grammar skills in 6th grade. It's not rocket science. Heh, they taught the same grammar skills from 6th grade - 12th grade.

Heh, it's not like I should have to defend myself or explain my positions anyway. I'm not a candidate for anything. After this year though, I am thinking about it. I've sat idly by not really watching what was going on in the world until this year. I've never really been into discussions about everything up until this summer. I can say, I've never felt more alive until I became involved in these heated discussions.

I truly enjoy civilized debate. You should learn how to do it someday. "

Youngdemocrat wrote on Oct 23, 2008 1:13 PM:

" I had to laugh when I read the comment about Senator Forby being a "Koolaid Drinker". I recall seeing an interview on this site where Burzy said that he was gaining more disciples. Now if I remember the story of Jim Jones correctly he refered to his followers also as disciples. I hope it's not purple Koolaid that he gives to these misled disciples. His eye's have this cult leader appearance to them. "

Youngdemocrat wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:51 PM:

" Also... Hmmmm... Hope it's not a state computer your on... That could get you into some trouble couldnt it madblogger. "

Youngdemocrat wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:39 PM:

" It's interesting that at 10:07am Madblogger- you write- the ball stadium brings seasonal low paying jobs. But isent it a job? But then at 11:48 you state that you work full time and have a part time job and those two brings in about $1000 a month barely making ends meet. Perhaps you would like to go and apply for one of those low paying seasonal jobs and bump up your income a little more? Now madblogger lets look at this realistically. The Ball park has brought in to Marion MANY spin-off jobs with new hotels going up all the time, and resturants located there because they knew that the ball park was coming in. Mayor Butler- a republican by the way- Sure is real proud of that ball park isent he. Hmmmm... Wonder who fought so hard to bring in that ball park? It was Senator Gary forby. With all your "education" and your fine abilities in writing and your perfect grammar Why Are you Just Making $1000 a month? I am going to college with 2 part time jobs and I bring in $1200 with no Children or spouce. Once again I question who you say you are. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Heh, if you think "I'm shady" then walk a mile in my shoes. It might be that I sit in front of a computer at work, and while I'm waiting on one thing to finish, I can make quick posts. Since I type around 90wpm, it doesn't take me long to hammer out a post. However, when things get crazy at work, I do not post. "

Youngdemocrat wrote on Oct 23, 2008 12:04 PM:

" Hmmm..... I've been reading this all morning and i'm going to side with Coalminer on this one. You sound a bit shady. If you really are working full time plus have a part time job, and 4 children- How do you have so much time to blog so much? I am going to college and I work full time but i'm single and I live on my own and I dont have near the time you do to blog. :P Good point Coalminer... ;) "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:54 AM:

" Coalminer, you are the perfect person to vote for Forby. I've not admitted defeat in my comment to 4Truth and where you get that is beyond me. I'm stating a fact. Illinois Senators run for office every 4 years. Representatives run every 2 years. I guess you won't be voting for a new Constitutional Convention since you obviously don't understand the one we have. I'm glad you have a job. Forby, however, didn't hire you. "

Coalminer wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:48 AM:

" "Just My Opinion" You wrote to "For Truth" and I quote "An opportunity that wont come around for another four years"... You have already admited to defeat. Senator Forby will be reelected and he will continue to doing great things here in Southern IlliNOISE. Well it's time for this old coal miner to put away his laptop and get ready for to load up my gear and get ready for my shift. Some of us really work hard for a living and that's Thanks to Senator Gary Forby. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:48 AM:

" LOL

Coalminer wrote: "Obvoiusly "Just My Opinion" and "Madblogger are nothing more than Burnshinki campain workers who get paid Republican campain dollars. You will deny it but we all know who you really are. You can fool other republicans but you cant fool us true hardworking Southern Illinoisians."

Sorry sir, I do not work for any campaigns, and I am not in a political field. I have opinions which I openly share with the posting community here. I am neither a democrat nor a republican. I am, first and foremost, against government waste, abuse, and more taxes. The fact that I am not for more taxes often lands me on the same side as the Republicans. I do not believe government programs are the way we help people. I believe private sector jobs help people.

But, since you "know who I am" because you're a hard working Southern Illinoisan, why don't you take a stab at it? Tell the whole world who I am.

Heh, that's what I thought. Sit down.

Who I am, is a father of 4, I work in a technology related field full time, and also have a part time job. I pay 54% of my check in child support (my responsibility, and I do so without crying about it), I live off of about $1000 a month, and I barely make ends meet. I refuse to sign up for any government programs because I am responsible for my own lot in life. Any new taxes, or Ameren stunts, really pushes my limits. We pay so many taxes and fees that I can barely afford some of them. License plate fees for example. Heh, $78 might not bother your bottom line much, but it really pinches my budget.

Now you know where I'm coming from. I'm coming from the point where I'm poor (right now), but eventually I'll have money. Both at this point, and when I have money, government has been and will be a hinderence. I have some projects in the works where I will be making some big money (hopefully). No, it won't be reliant on the government in any way shape or form. I will say it has to do with alternative energy.

Heh, that's a good idea though. Maybe I can get some campaigns to hire me. I like to think I make compelling arguments and sound genuine (because I am). "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:08 AM:

" 4truth - you have just stated many personal reasons why we should not vote for Forby. Then, why, for the love of everything that is decent would you put this man back in office, a man who is a very poor example of Southern Illinois educational excellence? We deserve better than just an "OK job". We deserve someone who has the ability to stay focused on the issues. Come on people, we have an opportunity for real change in our own backyard - an opportunity that won't come around for another 4 years. Let's not blow it this time.

Thank you Coalminer for the laugh today. Me a campaign worker who gets paid with Republican campaign dollars? If you only knew who I was, where I live, and who I work for. You need to realize that there is something out there called the internet and people from all over the world have access to this newspaper. Some readers aren't even from "ILLINOISE", but you are leaving them with a whale of a bad perception. And you're even proud of that now aren't you? "

Coalminer wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:05 AM:

" And to "SI Resident" education does not impress me HARDWORK does! And that Senator Forby is a hardworker here and in Springfield. "

Coalminer wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:04 AM:

" Obvoiusly "Just My Opinion" and "Madblogger are nothing more than Burnshinki campain workers who get paid Republican campain dollars. You will deny it but we all know who you really are. You can fool other republicans but you cant fool us true hardworking Southern Illinoisians. By the way... I say IllNOISE just like Senator Forby does. He is our man. "

4truth wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Some people on here are just die hard!

I have been a Forby supporter for years, and will probably vote for him again this year.

As to the debate, I think half of you did not listen to it or watch it online.

Gary should never debate anyone! He does not have the ability to stay focused on the issues. He was so mad, he could not talk.

When Ken B asked Forby to show proof or facts of the two examples he gave as Ken stating things on tv ads and the radio. Forby quickly tried to change the subject.

I like Gary very well and think he has done an okay job. It would be nice if he would stand up against Rod and Emil. "

SI Resident wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:49 AM:

" To coalminer: Just because a person speaks using correct grammer does not mean they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. It means a person is educated. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:10 AM:

" Coalminer, just how many coal mining jobs has Forby created? Come on and tell us. If you're going to make a claim like that, you better be able to back it up with numbers - accurate numbers. If you are proud that you speak like Gary Forby, good for you. It's called being lazy and not soaking up the education that the fine Southern Illinois schools provided. It takes a little effort and knowledge to speak and write correctly. You are helping Gary Forby promote the incorrect peception that Southern Illinois is backwoods and doesn't deserve anything but scraps from the table. I guess it's never occurred to you that Gary takes notes because he has very little memory or recollection of facts. I believe it is a great attribute for one to be able to retain that information and those facts and be able to speak off the cuff, so to speak.

Dj'smom, Forby did nothing for you that with a little leg work you could have done for yourself. He didn't invent the programs, he didn't present a bill before the legislature that gave those programs to you. They were already in existence. He just showed you a map and told you how to get there. You could have made your own phone calls if you had a strong enough desire.

FORBY IS A FOLLOWER - not a leader. He doesn't know how to lead. He doesn't know his way around Springfield politics and that's why he follows. He teamed up with the wrong guy - Emil Jones - and is now branded as a Blago Kool-aid drinker. (For those of you who don't understand that term, it goes back to Jim Jones in 1978 leading all of his followers to the Kool-Aid vats laced with poison.) Forby thought it was the right thing to do to sidle up to the big shot democrats in the Senate and thus giving him a foot in the door to the governor. Well now we all see that Blago is toxic and so is Jones. You all need to realize that Forby is just as toxic.

Burzynski is correct. If we have a capitol bill, it will come out of our pocket and the medical bills still won't be paid. Priority MUST be put on paying our doctors, pharmacies, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, to name a few, who take care of the most vulnerable people in this State. People in this part of Illinois with very high unemployment should most of all realize this important issue. There are a lot of us who depend on these medical programs in one way or another. What we don't need to do is reward the wayward spending habits of Forby. We need fiscal responsibility, we need to live within our means, we don't need another tax increase that none of us can afford when most of that is going to go to lucrative contracts for campaign contributors.

WAKE UP SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. DON'T WE DESERVE BETTER? "

madblogger wrote on Oct 23, 2008 10:07 AM:

" @Coalminer,

Gary is not one of us. Gary is one of Jone's and Blagojevich's squeak toys.

The ball stadium.... hmmmm. Sure, it's fun, but we need to be in the game of bringing real jobs to Southern Illinois, not baseball games. The stadium brings seasonal, low paying jobs. The property taxes goes towards the Marion Heights TIF (not schools, roads, police, fire). Sure there's a few people getting rich off the ball park, but it's not us as a whole.

It's Forby's fault that you had problems paying your electric bill in the first place. Then after all of the public outrage, just like the rest of the politicians who failed to listen to their constituents he had to do a 180, and "fight" (lol) to help you. I know a disabled man that, because of those high electric bills in 2007, is getting evicted. He chose heat over rent. He tried to catch up. His landlord was gracious enough to allow him as much time as she did for him to try to repay the back rent. Crosswalk paid some, but not enough. He also has a son that lives with him. He's going to be homeless because Forby didn't stop Ameren.

Don't sit here and tell me how great Forby is when he's been in Jones' and Blagojevich's back pocket.

Heh, does anybody remember FutureGen? $1.5 billion injection into southern Illinois economy (heh, if you think Mattoon is southern Illinois). What happened there? Oh yeah, the budget! Heh, maybe we should look at the budget before proposing new spending.

What in the world is this "Don't vote for Burzynski because it sounds like Blagojevich" bs? Oh, I get it, because they both sound like Polish names. Wow, I must say, your level of reasoning.... well, we'll just leave it at "wow".

Burzynski's father was a coal miner and a farmer. I really don't think he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. It's called hard work and determination when one becomes successful.

Oh, one last thing..... that picture. It was during the "only" debate which was on WJPF. Could it possibly be that it was Burzynski's turn to speak? Trust me, it's in Forby's best interests to NOT have debates. Actually, it's in his best interests to really speak as little as possible.

This is what I'm talking about folks. Mr. Coalminer here, is going to vote for Forby, because he doesn't look at, or doesn't want to acknowledge Forby's record. A perfect example of an un-informed voter going to the polls. "

SpeakingTheTruth wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:55 AM:

" To Coalminer: You deride and criticize Rod Blagojevich, but I'll bet almost anything that you'll vote for him in 2010 if he's the Democrat nominee for Govnernor!!! "

Coalminer wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:58 AM:

" am a proud worker in the coal mining industry and i've seen first hand how good for business it has been since Gary has brought coal mining jobs to Southern Illinois. Gary is one of us. I think it's a bunch of bs how this newspaper NEVER states the facts and then skims over things Gary has done like it's no big deal. Dont you ever notice in the picture that Gary is "going over his notes" and Burnz is talking into the microphone? When I had problems with my electric bill I called up Senator Forby's office and they fought for me. And that ball park? I love going to that ball park. It beats paying a buttload for gas to drive up to St. Louis and it's a hell of a stadium. We need Gary Forby to stay Senator. I've never even heard of Burnzinki. His last name sounds too much like Blajoyavich to me. Gary is creating jobs so that I can continue to live here in Southern Illinois and I am proud to have him as my State Senator. Oh yeah and R2D2 I talk like Gary and i'm darn proud of it to. It's called years of working hard and not being born with a silver spoon in your mouth. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:26 PM:

" Hmmmm, the capital bill. Sounds good doesn't it? Who pays for it? We do. Sure the federal government supplies some of its funding, but who gives the federal government its money? We do. So, what we are talking about is government taking our money away to create some temporary jobs. Granted, it's going to be a temporary stimulus, provided with our money. Hmmmm, sounds a little bit like socialism to me. Take the working American's money to create jobs for the non-working Americans. Heh, to top it off, those jobs won't even be guaranteed to be downstate.

As Johnson said, real jobs are in need, not temporary jobs improving roads or building bridges. Instead of using that money to create temporary jobs, why not cut taxes? Lord knows, Illinois is one of the highest taxed states in the union. You can thank Chicago for that.

As far as added jobs created by taxes to pay the bills of government entities, such as medicaid, well, to put it simply, you are raising taxes. There's a reason why the Capital Bill hasn't passed yet, Illinois doesn't have the revenue. Illinois' revenues are created by taxes and fees. In 7 years I've seen license plate fees increase almost 2 fold, title fees almost 5 fold. Those are taxes, my friends. Heh, I once bought a vehicle for $100 and had to pay $200 in state fees to transfer the title and get license plates. 7 years ago, it would have cost around $70 dollars.

The bottom line is, Illinois needs a balanced budget, not increased taxes. To quote Ronald Reagan, "The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much." and this is one of my favorites, "No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!".

Whether you like Reagan or not, he had some great ideas. Take welfare for instance: "Welfare's purpose should be to eliminate, as far as possible, the need for its own existence."

That's not the case, now is it? Our government doesn't have a plan to get people off of welfare, it has a plan to make them dependent on the government. "

Guns N Roses wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:07 PM:

" Boy you all are saying some nasty things about both candidates. Someone told me that Forby has gotten his daughter a state job at IDNR, his brother a job at IDOT and his wife a job at the Regional Supt of Schools office. Is this true? Does anyone know? I have one child who lives 400 miles from me and one in the same town so does that mean one hates me and the other likes me? Not so, the one who is away had to leave to get a decent job and the local one is a housewife and full time mother. Baptist preacher-the difference between the two candidates is that Burzynski will be in church on Wednesday evening and Forby will be in a saloon on railroad street in Benton. That is a fact Jack! "

dj'smom wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:49 PM:

" I am an ex-Maytag worker. When we were told we were about to lose our jobs, the very first people to come to Maytag and show their support for us were Gary Forby and John Bradley. I know that Mr. Forby and Mr. Bradley did everything they could to try and keep Maytag/Whirlpool here. Whirlpool didn’t just close Herrin’s Maytag plant, they closed (or they would say consolidated) several plants throughout the Mid-west. Don’t tell me that Mr. Forby did not help the Maytag employees that lost their jobs. No one could have stopped that plant from closing. Mr. Forby and Mr. Bradley were the one’s who got the state to help us out with our education, severance packages and unemployment benefits. I am grateful to both of them for their support. I will be graduating soon from John A Logan College. Wow, five years ago I would have never imagined being able to make that statement. "

johnson551 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:32 PM:

" Forby said putting people to work will take care of budget problems. Job creation through a capital bill would create much-needed revenue for the state's coffers, he said.
What an idiotic statement!! Your going to use state tax revenues to pay people, then expect to have a net increase in tax revenues? Sorry, but wages are normally higher than the taxes they pay. What SI needs are long term private jobs, that will be around a bit longer than some capital improvement jobs, and they really do generate state revenues. The most obvious jobs available in SI are of course the coal mining jobs, which the environmental nuts in the Democrat party on the national level have destroyed and refuse to allow. While Forby has nothing to do with the Clean Air Act, why do we in SI continue to send Democrats to Washington who not only fail to support the use of coal, they prevent its use? Yea Costello says he wants coal used, but he supports Pelosi, who supports the environmentalists completely, so nothing is done.

The two candidates had different thoughts on how best to end the slow payment by the state to health care providers.
Forby again pushed the capital bill, saying the revenue from the bill would ensure more prompt payment, while Burzynski said the state should simply make a commitment to pay its bills on time, especially those bills that pay for services for the state's most vulnerable citizens.
Again Forby showed his complete stupidity. A capital bill to pay medical bills? Capital bill…capital projects…roads, bridges, projects…not medical bills. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:44 PM:

" Baptist Preacher - ANY legislator will have to vote to slash programs or raise your taxes. Don't you get it? ILLINOIS IS BROKE! Forby is pandering to you preacher, and you should be able to see through the fog of politics. "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:40 PM:

" I'll say this one more time and that's my last hope of anyone understanding Springfield politics. Gary Forby is in Emil Jones' back pocket. He sold out
Southern Illinois on the rate increase package. Instead of opting for a roll back of rates, he went along with Jones (who was a big time recipient of campaign money from Chicago's Com-Ed utility) and voted for a one-time rebate. HOW'S THAT WORKING FOR YA FOLKS? You now pay twice what you used to on your utility bills but Forby got ya a $100 one-time rebate. That's something to be proud of now isn't it? I heard his rhetoric on the radio station about all the jobs coming to Southern Illinois (mostly mining). If his estimates are correct, then every single unemployed person will now be employed if they want to drive to Hamilton County and work one of the bazillion coal mines he says are going in up there.

HE'S A POLITICIAN AND POLITICIANS SPEAK WITH FORKED TONGUE - especially when they are campaigning to keep their sweet pension deal. Sure Forby wants back in office. Wouldn't we all.

Forby sold us out on the utility freeze. He could have stood proud and voted to reinstate the freeze but he went along with Chicago Jones because Forby wrongly thought he was a buddy of Jones.

Doesn't Southern Illinois deserve better? Are we going to keep Forby in office just because of a ball park and a bridge? Shouldn't we at least vote for someone different who couldn't screw things up any more than Forby has. We get what we ask for. The Springfield opinion of Southern Illinois is based upon the impression Forby gives to his fellow Senators. And it isn't a good one. "

SpeakingTheTruth wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:18 PM:

" To: Baptist Preacher: How do you reconcile your support of Gary Forby with Forby's support of pro-abortion politicians like Rob Blagojevich and Emil Jones? "

Baptist Preacher wrote on Oct 22, 2008 7:23 PM:

" The only time we should ever look down on anyone is when we are stretching out our hand to lift them up.

In all of this, the only thing that frightens me is the call to slash programs. We do have have a responsibility to help persons in need and there is enough wealth in this state to do it. Senator Forby's continued outreach to churches and food banks says a lot to me as a Christian. God bless you, Senator. "

say what wrote on Oct 22, 2008 7:14 PM:

" Forby fought hard for the Ameren Rate freeze and was actually trying to get things done while Bradley was doing a cheer like a cheerleader. Forbys opponent is lying, period. Is Forby the best spokesman No, However he works hard for the people and is honest as they come. I see him a lot at poker runs, nice guy! Burzynski and his big mouth brother both in Springfield, Not hardly. Stand up SO IL send him packing back to Texas with all his big lies and antiques. "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 22, 2008 6:49 PM:

" Oops, maybe number one should be: Burzy will hire Sam Pollack to run his district office. "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 22, 2008 6:43 PM:

" Top 10 reasons not to vote for Ken Burzy:

10. He doesn't even know where Eddyville is.
9. Never even had a conversation with a community college administrator.
8. Says he is a trained journalist, but never wrote a single news story.
7. *&^%# FREDCO.
6. Had a home in his wife's name in St. Louis, Missouri...wonder if that was a tax problem too?
5. Thinks anyone without a college degree is stupid.
4. Says he went to Texas to attend a university...but that's not true.
3. Says he worked for a Fortune 500 Company...but that's not true either.
2. Is a George Bush Republican.
1. His biggest accomplishment is opening an antique store (but there aren't any real antiques in it) LOL "

west frankfort wrote on Oct 22, 2008 6:33 PM:

" Ken has a lot of nice children, but none of them live within 500 miles of him. Says a lot about him as a father. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:48 PM:

" Heh, meyer07 wrote: "Gary is a very good man that supports every issue that he possibly can that is brought in front of him."

Obviously, somebody's been bringing the wrong bills in front of him. LOL!

I have no doubt Forby is a good man. A good man does not make for a great statesman. All of Forby's good intentions doesn't get the job done. 8 years, and what? A ball diamond and 2 bridges? IN 8 YEARS??!!!??!

C'mon folks, let's vote with our heads, not our hearts. "

Opinionated wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:38 PM:

" I just heard a new commercial on the radio with a recording from the Senate floor of Senator Forby speaking against the price freeze for Ameren. They played several different recordings and he was definitely against a freeze. I believe he has been campaigning that he was for a rate freeze. Imagine that another lie. "

meyer07 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Go Gary Forby !!!!!! I wsh I was still in Southern Illinois you would have my vote but unfortuantely I am not. Gary is a very good man that supports every issue that he possibly can that is brought in front of him. I know him personally and I know this of him. He has a wonderfull supporting wife and family as well. So let's keep Gary in office he is the bomb !!!! "

madblogger wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:35 PM:

" for the record, MADblggr is not me =o) "

SpeakingTheTruth wrote on Oct 22, 2008 2:04 PM:

" Oh, MADblgger, you drink the "we're losing everything, but I'm staying loyal anyway" Kool-Aid, don't ya? Did Gary help the 1,000 people at Maytag, who were making $15-$20/hr, and lost their jobs? As far as I can tell, they have left the region or are working for $8, now. Oh, that's right: Forby has helped thousands of non-working, generational welfare recipients in assuring that they get every type of government aid that they DONT deserve, hasn't he? "

Just My Opinion wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Wow, comments here for and against Forby are all over the board. I must beg to differ with the poster who said a person's intelligence or education is not measured by how they speak. Sorry but that is so incorrect. The first impression people have of someone is by two things: how the look and how they speak. I am pesonally embarrassed that Gary Forby represents Southern Illinois. Perhaps he is intelligent. I think most educated and literate speaking constituents from his district would say different. What puzzles me is that he continues to be voted back into office. After being around a Statehouse crowd that is from all over Illinois, one would think he would recognize that speaking is not his forte'.

What jobs has Forby brought to Southern Illinois. None. All of the work has been done by behind-the-scenes people who have worked their tails off to bring jobs to their towns. Forby just shows up for the TV camera time. He does very little for a project but he takes full credit. And those who have done the REAL work give him full credit because that is the politically correct and polite thing to do. But many of you are being very deceived if you think Forby has done a good job. He got smacked down on the utility rate increase and went along with Emil Jones on that issue. So now that Emil is leaving and should Gary get back into office, is Gary going to become his own man or continue to kiss up to whomever will donate to his campaign fund? He has learned Springfield politics well. And we should be ashamed of ourselves for not demanding better. "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:30 PM:

" Hey, Ken, while you and your campaign staff are on here trying to run down Gary, he's out winning more votes. And remember, he was up 35 points in the last poll. If everyone who Gary has helped over the last 4 years votes, it'll be 65 points on election day. "

SpeakingTheTruth wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:15 PM:

" Will someone please tell me what any of our state senators, most notably Gary Forby, have done for the 59th Senate District in the past 30 years? We have lost nearly all of our good paying jobs. The only jobs we attract to the region are near-minimum wage jobs. The poverty rates for this region is twice that of the statewide rate (higher in many counties). Our schools are crumbling because Gary Forby and Rod Blagojevich are holding our money in Sprinfield, while Williamson County is forced to impose another tax on itself. The University has become a political playhouse. Our hospitals are in financial distress because they aren't reimbursed by the state. We don't have adequate ambulance service in many counties of the region. I could go on all day. The point: We continue to decline under the governance of Gary Forby and other officials who have no vision and no innovative ideas, and no organization skills. HOW MUCH LONGER WILL WE TAKE THIS? HOW MUCH LONGER WILL WE ALLOW THE UNIONS TO CONTROL THE GOVERNMENT IN OUR REGION AND STATE? "

R2D2 wrote on Oct 22, 2008 12:37 PM:

" If Mr. Forby ever participates in another debate, or is interviewed on radio, may I suggest that the radio station include a translator to help the radio listener understand what the man is saying. And TV stations should run subtitles to help the viewer. "

just a listener wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:57 AM:

" gun's don't kill people. peoples kills peoples... learn how to speak. and he's going to represent us? "

Marion Rez wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:44 AM:

" I don't know how anyone could say that Mr. Forby doesn't represent his constituents. I feel that he has done a great job working for his district. Burzynski has absolutely nothing to run on and I am convinced that he's just making stuff up as he goes. I haven't agreed with everything Forby has done or stood for. I don't care for his pro-gun stance and I wasn't too fond of his support of a tax-payer subsidized baseball stadium in Marion. However, I think the good outweighs the bad and the positives outnumber the negatives. Senator Forby has worked hard for his district and will continue to represent his constituents to the best of his ability. "

Don415127na wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:33 AM:

" We can re-elect Forby and let him hang with Emil and watch nothing get done in Southern Illinois. We can keep the same officials in Marion and continue to lose all we have worked for. We can make sure Chicago gets new hotels. It is time to let Forby hang with Ameren and his buddies there. He has received a lot of money from Ameren and I myself am tired of this mess that Forby has put us in.
I will not elect any officials that we have had over the years that have done nothing for Southern Ilinois except run their mouths.
If you want change then we have to do what needs to be done and that is put new faces and opportunities in the next election. Don't be fooled by the same old talk because that is all it is. Forby can't even take blame for his part in Ameren he blames Lisa Madigan.
IT is TIME FOR A CHANGE!! Out with the old in with the new. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:30 AM:

" @ WF,

You're right, Forby does listen well...

To Blagojevich and Jones that is..... "

MADblgger wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:28 AM:

" I just heard that Burzy failed FREDCO and now there are some major fines involved. If he can't successfully oversee a single board, how is he going to oversee 13 counties? This isn't about giving a guy a chance, this is about electing someone who has proving themselves as a leader. There is a lot on the line here. "

west frankfort wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:22 AM:

" More important than speech is the ability to listen. Gary Forby wins that debate hands down!!! GO GARY!!! "

Opinionated wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:06 AM:

" I can not understand that anyone who has actually listened to Senator Forby speak would re-elect or elect in the first place. Come on people quit voting for the party and actually vote for the candidate. Voting straight party is totally wrong. Vote for the people and judge them for what they stand for not the party that is backing them. "

madblogger wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:45 AM:

" This was such a great post, that I had to copy and paste here. (No it wasn't written by me)

BrettRay wrote on Oct 22, 2008 12:45 AM:

" Sorry I know this is kind of long but I feel strongly about So. IL issues.

First off let me say this. The way someone talks or their accent has nothing to do with their intelligence. Although first impressions are very important especially when you are a public figure, so I could see where someone could get a wrong opinion of Mr. Forby very easily after listening to him talk. So it’s not fair to rip on someone unless you know them personally. Also it’s not constructive in any way and doesn’t help your case to win votes because there are a lot of very intelligent people in So. IL that talk like that. Now you have just offended some of them and maybe lost their vote.
Still I do have to say I loved the line about the “badger with hemorrhoids” that was funny.

That being said on to the issues. I myself agree with Mr. Burzynski on the fact that Mr. Forby has had 8 years in Springfield and there still hasn’t been any significant job growth that I have seen in So. IL in that time. Like Mr. Bruzynski and John McCain have said job growth is the key to prosperity for all. It is time to move on and put someone new on the job, someone who knows business and how to attract business to the area. After all it was Mr. Bruzynski who brought FedEx to West Frankfort and the deal would have failed if it wasn’t for him and it had been left up to some people who claim to have done it.

I have an 8 year old son so naturally education is very high on my list of priorities. But the way things are going he will be out of school before we get any change. I can’t wait and hope something different happens this time; I have to do my part to make that change happen. To me that means electing Mr. Bruzynski and giving him a shot at it.

As for living here, moving away then moving back, what’s wrong with that?
Let’s see what would be a reason for doing that?
A: Lack of opportunity for a good job
B: Higher taxes than most states if you want to start a business
C: Maybe the career or industry you want to pursue simply doesn’t exist in So. IL
D: Maybe you are just curios and want to see the world.

As for coming back, why would you do that?
A: You made your money and now want to settle down somewhere with friendly people, low crime and a slower pace.
B: Maybe you have family here and they are getting on in years and need help.
C: Maybe you lived in a big city and it was fine until you had a child of your own and realized So. IL is a much better place to raise them.
D: Maybe you still love IL so you visit often, see the way things are going here and think maybe I can help in some way if I come back.

That is just a few reasons I can think of that someone might do that. You know come to think of it that is just exactly what I did. I was born and raised in Marion, my wife in West Frankfort. We moved to Florida in 1987 and lived there for 13 years. I was pursuing a career in motorcycle racing and there was very little of it around here so we moved to where there was more of it. It worked out very well for me and I became a professional racer. I got to travel all over and do what I loved. I also got involved in the film and television industry and worked with many stars on many big movies and TV shows. I don’t think that would have happened had I stayed in So. IL. I also had started a business manufacturing motorcycle parts as my racing career was winding down. Then in 2000 we had a son and I decided S. FL was no place to raise him and IL was, so we moved back home. I brought part of my business with me and set up shop here. So I guess what I am getting at is, if I decide that I want to do something to try to help So. IL would that be wrong? Would I be less qualified because I hadn’t lived here all my life? Or because I had experienced more of the world and learned more about other people and cultures and maybe other ways things could be done? Or could it be that it maybe makes me more qualified for some things? So you see just because someone may leave to pursue their dream doesn’t mean this still isn’t home and they don’t care.

I will say this I want my son to grow up here around honest friendly people like we have in So. IL. I want him to have a home and make good life long friends here just like I did. But after he has grown up, I hope he, like I did goes away from So. IL and sees the world. Then after many years he may come back and raise his family here or not. But I bet that no matter where he ends up or what he ends up doing he will always call Southern Illinois home. " "

Barack_Osama wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:37 AM:

" Right, S.I.Rebel. It won't change, either. Forby said himself, and I quote, "I gonna keep oan doin the thangs I doin."

What "thangs" is he talking about? $4 million more for another useless ball park? More wasted money to build an additional I-57 exit to get to the useless ball park? More signs naming roads after people?

Man, what did we ever do without all that stuff? Hardly any new jobs, but at least the taxpayers got to pay for a new place for people to go drink. That's really important, too, because we didn't have nearly enough drunk drivers on the road yet. "

Felcher wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:31 AM:

" geez...what a choice. We can go with the same ol' same ol' as this clown can't speak with any intellect and only does what the party leaders tell him to do which usually isn't in our best interest. To think that he wants to take credit for creating a bunch of minimum wage jobs and call that success just goes to show how far off the mark he is. If this is the best that the Democratic Party can do, then I'm out.

Or, we can go with the 'alternate' who promises to reel in spending while slashing programs. Only problem is that his party hasn't shown that they actually DO that as they tend to give it lip service but then load their own pockets once elected and love to prey on people's worst fears. If this is the best that the Republican Party can do, then I'm out!

Oh, if ONLY we had some true choices. Then again, I can't blame anyone for NOT wanting this job as the co-workers are a bunch of crooks and thieves who just go about fleecing the taxpayer under the guise of the law. Who, in their right mind, would want to soil their good name with the likes of Blago, Bost, or any of the other degenerates that leech off the taxpayers of this state. I have no respect for these mouthpieces as I'm ready to throw them ALL out and start over!! After all, the worst that could happen is that we end up with what we've got as that is about as bad as it can get! "

S.I.Rebel wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:20 AM:

" sometimes I wonder where peoples minds are.I cant believe that we rank 44th in the nation in job growth and some people want to keep the leaders that got us in that condition.And while I'm on that subject do southern illinoisans not know where Obama works.Well its IL.Do you think he's done his job here?Hell no but hey lets elect him to lead the whole country.Not me "

miel_x10 wrote on Oct 21, 2008 11:49 PM:

" Gary Forby is our MAN...we cannot do better and please don't let some smooth talking Texan sway you. Democrats stand together! "

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