Drue Mielke- Rock Island County Board Member- District 22

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Last updated Monday, May 8, 2013

Wednesday, May 8, 2013-

Gonzalez Family Fire Relief

Everyone in the community has heard about the tragic fire in Moline Monday (May 6, 2013) which left the Gonzalez family homeless and where they lost all their possessions. The family lived at 1204 17th Street, Moline, and includes two children and three other relatives which have lived there for more than three years. Thank God no one was seriously injured.

Fire destroys home, 7 escape

Moline house destroyed by Monday fire to be demolished

I have been in contact with Maria Mier Llaca at the Greater Quad City Chamber of Commerce and Rock Island County Board Member Richard Brunk (this home is in his county board district) to see what could be done to help.

Below is information that Maria Mier Llaca sent to me on how interested people can offer assistance.

Ratherr than setting up a fund raiser event, they are taking donations directly at Ascentra and it is being handled by Yram Nava-Rosas (who works at Ascentra) and is Angelica Gonzalez' sister in law.

They are collecting money, food, and clothing at the:

Ascentra Credit Union
3005 7th Street,
Moline
http://www.ascentra.org/home/info/locations

Directions and map

Here's a summary of some of the needs:

Jose (age 12)

Shirt size: small or 14 in kids

Shoe size: 6 in kids

Pants size: 12-14

Edgar (age 7)

Shirt size: 7 in kids

Shoe size: 1 in kids

Pants size: 7

The adults wear women shirt size medium and xxl, size 7/8 pants and 18w, and shoe size 7-8 in women

Men's shirt size large, pants size 32-34 and shoe size 7, 8, 9.

Ms. Nava-Rosas states that if there is anything to be donated, she can be contacted me at (309) 912-8689 or bring it to Ascentra Credit Union at 3005 7th Street, Moline branch and she can pick it up from there.

Update Speech given April 23rd at the Milan Community Center

On Tuesday, April 23rd, I gave an update on the county board for the annual Lincoln Day event. Here's a portion of what was presented in my speech:

So far, it’s been a busy year.

The issues we have had before us include:

The threat of a lawsuit over the condition of the court house
The public building commission referendum
The task of working on a new referendum to address the court house
A referendum regarding single member districts- a question that confused the voters and obscured the will of the people
Addressing issues in the county highway department
The Clean Line Wind Farm Transmission Line issue that affects Chris Filbert’s district and all rural district.
Working to receive a new opinion from our Attorney General on downsizing- not an opinion from 1974 and awaiting its 40th anniversary.

I have been busy working on several issues specific to my district.

But in addition, despite much pushback, I continue in my pursuit to answer the question whether the county board can be downsized before 2022.

I am obligated to answer this question as 72% of the electorate voted in favor of board member reduction. I am pledged to do my job to assure we listen to the voters.

I have received veiled threats to intimidate-- and it only tells me I am on the right path and doing the right thing. I won’t back down from doing what I think is right.

I am not here to protect the few or to feather my nest. I am here to serve the public.

As Abraham Lincoln said “Right makes might, And in that faith, Let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.”

I believe that. It gives me strength.

I continue what I started on the Coal Valley Village Board.

Informing residents in my district by sending out a county board report to everyone in my district and maintaining my web site.
Continuing to work to assure that I give voice to the vulnerable and oppressed in my district, who do not have a voice.
Continuing to assure that the laws set in place to protect residents are also applied to those who need protection the most.

I received an email last week thanking me for real, visible progress that is occurring. By far….I didn’t work alone. But I assured that progress would happen.

I spoke up!

On the county board--- we’ve moved the mark.

We’ve moved the mark- by offering leadership that looks out for the real interests of the residents rather than the interests of the few.
We’ve moved the mark- by providing honest and accountable government rather than machine politics and business as usual.

But we still have a long way to go…

We are looking forward to even better days for our Rock Island County Board as we deliver on our promises of:

Limited Government
Government that is Effective
Responsible
Responsive
and Adheres to the Will of the People

In closing… I would like to tell you what a tremendous honor it is to serve on your Rock Island County Board!

Thank you!

April 13, 2013-

The oath I took- I won't be intimidated from my obligation to serve

I am continuing to do my job to represent everyone in my district. That includes follow-up on the non-binding referendum in November. Our State's Attorney has been very helpful and responsive to my follow-up request. I am pleased to report that progress is made in the letter being sent to our Attorney General to provide an updated opinion on downsizing the county board. Thank you, Mr. McGehee, for your hard work during these very busy times in the county.

From other areas though, I have received tremendous push back, threats, and veiled threats if I persist in getting the answer.

I want to tell everyone that I am not intimidated nor going to back down from my obligation to serve the people who voted for me and to whom I took an oath to fairly represent.

I ran for office to be fair, to bring honesty and accountability to the county board and to assure ALL people in my district are represented and have a voice. I have convictions that I believe in. We may not all agree, but I listen to all sides and will represent everyone in my district and will vote with the will of the people in my district. This is why it is so important to me to send a letter out to everyone in my district and ask for feedback.

The video below is from early last year. It tells who I am and why I accepted the challenge to run for county board.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DfV7QfobQo

I haven't watched it since I got elected but it still applies today.

April 10, 2013-

Change the topic for a moment...

I attended the Quad Cities Interfaith and Case Guanajuanto Quad Cities at Casa de los Niños Early Childhood Learning Center in Moline. I went to listen and to gain more understanding of an issue that we face right here in our community and our nation regarding immigration.

It reminds me of the gift of freedom we have been given living in this country.

Drue

April 5, 2013-

Voting Yes OR No on Public Building Commission (PBC) expansion referendum will give different results:

I have not spoke out in favor nor against the referendum. I have sent out a constituent newsletter to get information out to the voters in my district. But I haven't told the voters how to vote. I can educate them, tell them what's fact, but I choose not to tell them what and how to think.

I attended the April 3rd Rock Island County Board sponsored forum at WIU-QC. In that meeting I said this regarding how I see what a YES or NO vote might mean.

YES: If you vote for expansion of the PBC you will be authorizing the county to build "something". It could be a courthouse, a courthouse and refurbished county office building, a combined services from the other auxiliary buildings, county courthouse campus... but you are authorizing the PBC to conduct studies to make those determinations to present to our county board to approve or disapprove.

NO: As it stands now, if you vote against the PBC you will get a courthouse. Paid over a 10 year period from a lawsuit where the judges will prevail. But you will ONLY get a courthouse.

The PBC will give the lowest increase to property taxes as it spreads the cost over 20 years versus 10 years.

I also said that if the PBC passes, it would not be a bad idea to do a non-binding referendum ASKING the people AFTER some studies are developed if they wish to build A, B, or C. I believe that the public wants more input in WHAT is going to be built and that's the problem with the PBC. No one knows what is going to be done.

If you only wish to build a courthouse and absolutely nothing else, then the safest way to assure that is to vote no and let the courts take action and force the issue. Much like was done when the jail was built. In my newsletter, if you read between the lines, I leave it out there that perhaps that's the way we do things in this county. It gives me cause to wonder.

March 29, 2013- Good Friday

Notes on the PBC referendum:

I attended the public forum on the Public Building Commission extension of powers last night at the Plumber and Pipefitter’s Union Hall in Rock Island.

I agree with the residents that voice that, we (the county board) should have a plan first of what is going to be built and where. The problem is there's no funding and no money to do any studies that would require architects, space and need analysis to make those decision. That could be funded through the Public Building Commission (PBC).

One of the issues the residents have is that no one knows:
• Is a new courthouse going to be built? (likely it will be)
• Is this new construction going to include the county office building? (consolidating those offices and court building)
• Where is a new building going to be built?

It leaves everyone wondering if they pass this referendum, what will we get. The Ad Hoc Committee favors passing this referendum for the PBC and we don't have answers to the questions yet of what is to built or refurbished and where because there's no funding to make these determinations.

There are those who are concerned that the PBC would have too much power and would not be accountable.

The PBC only takes direction from the county board in spending decisions and what is to be built, and where. Chairman Banaszek stated last night that a super-majority is needed from the county board members on these decisions. I take that to mean that issues won't be hanging in the balance of one or two votes from the county board members that represent their districts.

I do have the concerns of who is on the commission and how long they serve, how they are appointed and how they could be removed. The county board has the say in this.

Notes on the Single Member District referendum:

This referendum was put on the ballot in October by the past county board. It was in reaction to the citizen's putting a non-binding referendum on the ballot stating "Shall Rock Island County elect 15 county board members from 3 districts with 5 members each?"

I am not sure why the November 6th referendum even mentioned single or multiple districts. It's direction was to decrease the size of the board.

You may view the discussion on this topic from the minutes of the October 2012 county board meeting here. Excerpt from county board minutes on this referendum.

I have just included the portion that dealt with the issue but the full minutes are on http://www.rockislandcounty.org/CountyBoard.aspx?id=34617#CB

The reason given by the past board for adding this was "to help alleviate misinformation and confusion on the existing question on the ballot regarding possible reduction in board members."

It is my opinion that adding this referendum to our ballot on April 9th was in reaction to the November 6th referendum but not a service to the residents. I believe this referendum should have been removed as it confuses the voter (they just voted on this in November) and it will likely REMIND the voter that nothing has happened in response to their last vote. I have had several residents tell me it angers them to be asked again. I don't like when voters get angry.

Rather than looking at ways to follow the will of the people in looking at possible paths to downsize the board prior to 2022, we are now looking at similar issue. I was the only board member to aggressively pursue whether it is POSSIBLE to downsize the board outside the mandatory reapportionment. I believe it can be done and no one has presented evidence other than opinion from the Attorney General in 1976 that it cannot.

When I ask the downsize question, I don't get a "no." I have gone to Springfield and spoken to the Illinois State Board of Elections which agrees that the board could be downsized in 2016. When I ask the question, I get "well, it would be difficult but with a skillfully worded referendum, having all board members terms ending on the same time, and the county board passing an ordinance reflecting 15 members" it can be done. That's not a "no". Should the board be downsized? That's not the question I am working on. I am working on "can" not "should".

But to follow the will of the people in the last vote, I feel obligated to follow through and pursue downsizing that 72% said to do.

I support single-member districts as I wish to assure the rural areas of our county maintain the districts that represent them.

But, I find this question to be empty and not meaningful or helpful. It's my opinion that this referendum should have been removed given that 72% voted to downsize the board and this just muddies that issue. Personally, I favor single member districts but I served on the Coal Valley Village Board for 6 years as trustee and we all were serving at-large, meaning we had "one district".

Here's what I see as the pros and cons:

Pros for single member districts:

One person in which to contact
Your board member would have a smaller district in which to concentrate his efforts
Smaller districts make it easier for "the average guy" to campaign to be a public servant

Cons to single districts:

I really can't think of any. I think single member districts work.

Pros to multi districts:

You have more than one person representing you which implies that you can contact the person with whom might likely best understand your issue.

Cons to multi-districts:

Representation to rural districts may be diminished. Those districts would be combined with suburban districts
Candidates would have a much larger area to campaign, which would drive up campaign costs which implies people like me would find it difficult to enter that arena of public service

March 22, 2013-

Retired Circuit Court Judge Donald O'Shea wrote a very good opinion editorial in today's Dispatch and Rock Island Argus on our courthouse. "RICO Courthouse -- The young lady grew old"

Last year, Judge Jeffrey O'Connor wrote a a letter to the editor of the Dispatch and Argus that points out that past county boards have not planned a fund for future capital obsolescence. "R.I. County courthouse pronounced DOA by engineer"

Pat Wendt, a member of the Ad Hoc Committee writes a letter to the editor in favor of voting for the expansion of the public building commission. Letter: Panel member says yes to county building commission

In yesterday's paper, it was noted that in the county board meeting, I asked to have removed a line in a resolution of support for the Ad Hoc Committee which stated the board acknowledged the usefulness of county buildings has expired. "County buildings" includes the county office building where the county board meets and I see no reason to make a forgone conclusion on all county buildings prior to engineering studies or other needed information. Courthouse committee gets county board support

March 15, 2013-

I wish to present as much information to you as possible about the upcoming referendum regarding the expansion of the public building commission. I have created a new link called "courthouse referendum" on the left that will take you to relevant documents and information.

Link to Courthouse and Public Building Commission Expansion Referendum Documents

Also, there are a number of public forums regarding the referendum question to expand the public building commission. These dates, times, and locations can be viewed at

Voters asked to expand Public Building Commission

Voters are being asked to expand the powers of the existing Public Building Commission that was used to build the new jail in Justice Center in 2001, near the courthouse at a cost of $13,000,000, which added jail cells and three new courtrooms. The new cells addressed a federal lawsuit alleging jail overcrowding.

A referendum is on the April 9th ballot to expand those powers to include all county buildings to enable the county to address the issues with other building such as the Courthouse and County Office Building.

Again the county is faced with new pending litigation. This time the county is being called into question to not be providing adequate courthouse facilities. In response to this, the county board voted January 15th to place on the April 9th ballot, a referendum asking the voters to expand the existing public building commission’s scope. The referendum is worded as follows:

Shall the County Board of The County of Rock Island be authorized to expand the purpose of The Rock Island County Public Building Commission, Rock Island County, Illinois to include all the powers and authority prescribed by the Public Building Commission Act?

If this referendum is approved, only the elected County Board can tax, debt is capped at 5% of estimated assessed value (EAV) by statute, which is a cap of about $120 Million. Money can only be used for public building construction, renovation and maintenance. The County Board’s decides how much to spend, what, where, and when to build. Without a signed lease, the Public Building Commission cannot issue bonds.

The decision of expanding the public building commission now lies in the hands of the voters in Rock Island County. Documents relating to this issue can be found on my web site here: Link to Courthouse and Public Building Commission Expansion Referendum Documents.

Tour of Courthouse shows need for action

Last year I attended the Consolidation Committee meetings that were looking at solutions to problems with the aging courthouse and county office buildings. As a resident, I asked what has been done in the last 20 - 30 years to maintain these buildings in good repair. My answer from a board member was “very little has been done” and the past boards have not addressed maintenance of the courthouse.
Now as a member of the Administration Committee on the Rock Island County Board, I toured the Rock Island County Courthouse on January 25, 2013 and Mr. Jeff Jacobson, Sheriff Maintenance Supervisor, led the tour.

You may review my report to the Administration Committee here.

Notable observations and findings include:
Public traffic volume- As civil and traffic cases from auxiliary courtrooms in East Moline, Moline and Milan have been moved back, there is not enough courtroom space and halls are clogged with standing room only at times.

Heating and cooling issues- The Law library has extreme heat of 85° at times. The windows are left open to alleviate heating issue. At the north end of the courthouse indoor temperatures have been recorded as varying between 106° recorded high and 50° low.

Structural issues- I viewed signs of leakage from outside along window in rotunda has caused plaster damage. Masonite ceiling tiles are crumbling and pieces are dropping. A 2008 KJWW Consulting Engineers’ study identified the roof to be in poor condition and in need of replacement. The KJWW study can be viewed here.

Sprinkler system needed- The courthouse lacks a sprinkler system and proper air handling system in case of a fire. The elevator shaft, rotunda and open stairwell all would accelerate a fire by acting as a chimney to draw oxygen to a fire.

Elevator Breakdowns- The courthouse elevator breaks down frequently, not only trapping people inside, but forcing disabled to be physically carried down staircases. Prisoners must use stairs in leg shackles to get to and from court.

Rotunda Safety- The rotunda itself presents a safety and security issue. During my tour of the courthouse I was told that security has had to intervene to prevent people from being pushed over the railing to the floor below. It was suggested netting is needed.

ADA Compliance- Compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) that would allow all residents equal access.

Clearly, the condition of the courthouse needs to be addressed as well as numerous safety issues which, when speaking to Judge Jeffrey O’Connor, he states that the courthouse is unsafe.

You may review my report to the Administration Committee here.

December 17, 2012-

I met with Mr. Scott Christiansen from LRC Developers tonight to listen to his proposal for a solution to the state of the court house and county office buildings. Mr. Christiansen approached the prior county board earlier this year with his proposal. A committee was formed to review his proposal and other options.

His proposal is located at www.ricountycampus.com

There are several option that were presented in the consolidation meetings which I attended prior to being on the county board. These are located at:

Information provided to the committee:

Estes Construction's County Administration Building and County Courthouse study: Estes Construction Study

Estes Construction Study Findings

Options

Cost Range

Construct a new consolidated Courthouse and Administrative Center. $47,000,000 to $49,000,000

Rehabilitate each of the existing structures to meet modern standards and codes. $40,000,000 to $41,000,000

Convert the existing four story building at Quad City Industrial Center for a consolidated facility to house Administration and Courthouse. $34,000,000 to $34,500,000

Do nothing.
$6,000,000 to $7,000,000*

To view entire study, click here --> Estes Construction Study

* Due to the significant Life Safety, Building Code and non-compliance with the Minimum Standards for Courtrooms in Illinois, this is NOT recommended.

After meeting with Mr. Christiansen and reviewing the issues, I understand that the solution to problems with the existing facilities may be one of the four measures above.

Please share your opinions by emailing me at druedarrin@aol.com

December 7, 2012-

Thank you!

Over the last year, I went out to meet everyone in our district- many people who I represented on the Coal Valley Village Board and many that live in Moline and South Moline and Coal Valley townships.

During the campaign, I have stressed that as an elected official, I represent ALL residents-- including the vulnerable who do not always have the loudest voice. It was a close election and in my acceptance speech I stressed that now that the election is over I become the representative for all. On the Rock Island County Board, I pledge to continue my mission to assure that the vulnerable in our community have a voice and to be accountable in how our county is run.

There were many issues in this campaign but the one that stands out the most is the public’s will to decrease the size of the Rock Island County Board. I will work with my fellow members on county board to begin the work that will achieve this goal.

We have much to do to make Rock Island County even better than it is. Your thoughts and prayers were very much appreciated during the campaign and I ask for your prayers and ideas as I become your new Rock Island County Board member for District 22. Please feel free to contact me. I always listen.

Ready to serve,

Drue

Interview with Drue Mielke and County Board Member Don Johnston on KWQC

KWQC reporter Johnna Klossing interviewed Rock Island County Board Member Don Johnston and myself on the day after the election.

4:00 airing on Wednesday, November 7th

5:00 airing on Wednesday, November 7th

November 11, 2012-
The idea of selling Hope Creek nursing home is contrary to my mission of representing all and defending the most vulnerable in our community.

As a lifelong Coal Valley resident, I wish to state that the Coal valley community had a close relationship with the county home when it was south of the village. Although now relocated to East Moline, my home Parish, St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Coal Valley, still maintains a mission to Hope Creek, celebrating Mass every Friday at 10:30am. I am grateful that my parish supports the spiritual needs of Hope Creek residents.

Addressing the privatization issue, as an elected official, I have a fiscal obligation to taxpayers and a moral obligation to our most vulnerable residents’ well-being. Rather than privatize, if conditions would ever merit it, I would favor investigating an affiliation agreement with other healthcare providers to maintain the highest quality care in the most cost-effective manner with retention of current employees.

As an elected official and county board candidate, it is my mission is to represent all residents, especially the most vulnerable in the community who may not have the loudest voice.

October 24, 2012-
My message to the Moline City Council regarding Route 6 / 150 Redevelopment Project TIF by Moline City Council

During the public comments section of Moline’s TIF review hearing on Tuesday, I spoke to the Moline council as a Coal Valley Village Trustee. I stated to the council that I understand that the strip of land in front of the cement crushing plant is in the TIF and the land where the cement crushing plant is to be placed is not. I feel that it is a moot point that the plant is outside the TIF, as the cement crushing device is mobile and not attached to land, the land in front of the plant that is in the TIF would likely be building that would support the plant.

I also stated that as a municipality, the Village of Coal Valley has no direct say but 95% of the residents of the Village of Coal Valley live in Coal Valley Township where this TIF is occurring and that speaking as a resident for those fellow residents, we oppose this TIF linked to the cement crushing plant. I do not feel this is the best use of land. In my opinion, the best use of land would be Business 1, Business 2, or Commercial.

The proposed plant entrance occurs at a merge area on a highway that goes from a four-lane divided highway to a two-lane undivided highway at a point of the a main entryway to the Village of Coal Valley. Traffic tie-ups will be an issue.

Coal Valley residents that spoke before me expressed concerns about noise levels. I disagree with the pro-cement crushing plant opinion that noise level threshold issues already exist from planes. Noise generated from planes is not constant. Also, adding to the noise level is making a situation worse Steps should be taken to decrease noise levels, not add to them.

Drue Mielke
Trustee, Village of Coal Valley
Candidate, Rock Island County Board, District 22
Resident, Coal Valley Township

October 4, 2012-
Candlelight Village mobile home park and Village of Coal Valley working together for improvements

View article in Dispatch/Argus

This progress is a positive sign of better things to come in our village. The village has established a working relationship with the property owner for the betterment of both the park and the village.

The new issue is the cement crushing plant only yards from where friends of mine live in that park. So, I am now concerned about issues that affect the park and the residents ability to enjoy their home in peace. I wish to assure that our residents' rights are defended and their voice is heard.

I will be attending the meeting concerning plans adjacent to the Candlelight Mobile Home Park at the Moline City Hall, 619 16th Street, Moline, on Tuesday, October 23rd at 6:45 p.m.. I urge all residents that will be affected, to attend with me.

News concerning our area of the county...

At Wednesday, September 19th's Coal Valley Village Board meeting we learned that the cement crushing plant project is back on again and that the City of Moline is pursuing at Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.

Tonight, (Wednesday, September 26th) I went walking in the Country Courts neighborhood and talked to some of the residents. A very nice family let me borrow a letter to share with everyone in Coal Valley Township in my District 22, Rock Island County. A letter was sent out to property owners with 750 feet of the proposed TIF.

Letter from City of Moline
Read the letter from the City of Moline to adjacent property owners in the unincorporated area of Coal Valley Township in the Country Courts subdivision.

The Route 6 / 150 Redevelopment Project Area Boundary Map
View the proposed project area (I have added the area that is specifically targeted for the concrete crushing plant)

I wished to share what is online:

Coal Valley concerned about planned cement crushing facility
http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=608887

I am opposed to having this kind of development in close proximity to our residential neighborhoods of County Courts in Moline and in Coal Valley's Candlelight Community and adjacent neighborhoods.

You do not have to live in the City of Moline to have a say in this TIF. Coal Valley, Coal Valley Township, and Moline residents DO have a voice in this TIF as we are residents of these taxing bodies where the TIF is proposed:

Coal Valley Township
Black Hawk College
Moline School District #40
Metropolitan Airport Authority

I will be attending the meeting at the Moline City Hall, 619 16th Street, Moline, on Tuesday, October 23rd at 6:45 p.m.. I have concerns why this project should occur in a residential area near U.S. 6 and U.S. 150. I wish to work towards a goal that is beneficial for both Moline and Coal Valley and support our securing legal counsel to represent the village and residents' interests in this project in one voice. But, If helpful or necessary, I will lend my voice as a Coal Valley Village Trustee and resident in conjunction.

These concerns are the adverse effects on:

Coal Valley property values
Residential property values in Country Courts area near FedEx and the old Horace Mann School
Rights of residents to peaceably use and enjoy their property due to noise issues
Future development and residential growth

As a resident of Coal Valley Township I am concerned about Country Courts residents' concerns

Dust
Increased Traffic
Noise

Residential property owners I have talked to already have noise issues with adjacent industrial plant.

I do not believe this is the best use of this land and is not complementary to the residential areas that will be affected.

In addition, I will be putting the (Moline) public meeting notice in The Village of Coal Valley's municipal newsletter, The Village News. so that residents are aware that they can attend.

Please share this Moline meeting date concerning the TIF district with whomever you feel would be interested. The meeting is at Moline City Hall on Tuesday, October 23rd at 6:45 p.m.

Thank you,

Drue

Copyright © 2013 Friends of Drue Mielke