Friday, November 28, 2008 10:25 PM CST
Coles board to reorganize, choose leaders
By DAVE FOPAY, Staff Writer
dfopay@jg-tc.com
CHARLESTON -- Clint Bays said the chance to run for the Coles County Board came at a time when he was ready to do something for the community.
Bays is one of three new members who will take their seats at the board’s reorganizational meeting Monday. He said he ran because the opening came at a time when he wanted to do something to contribute to the area where he grew up and plans to stay.
“If I can do anything to continue it to be a great place, I’m willing to do my fair share,” Bays said.
Bays ran unopposed as a Republican in board District 12, Charleston, and will replace Democrat Ray Allen, who didn’t run for re-election after serving on the board since 1996.
Newly elected members Mark Degler and Stan Metzger will also be sworn in at Monday’s meeting, as will re-elected members John Bell, Jan Eads and Dan Lawrence. Also during the meeting, the board will select its chairman and vice chairman and make committee assignments for the coming two years.
Allen mentioned spending 12 years on the board and admitted to some health concerns as his reasons for not running for another term.
“It was because I’ve served the county well, and that was long enough,” he said. “I consider serving on the board to be a privilege.”
He said he thinks the board has accomplished a considerable amount while he’s been a member, including working with the state on a new Interstate 57 interchange that “will continue to be of value for some time.” He also mentioned installing a security system at the courthouse and buying land of a former bank building, which he said will ultimately “prove to be a wise move.”
Allen said he was also leaving the board with some concerns, though, namely on the issue of solid waste disposal. A private company’s transfer station that will replace a landfill will lead to increased costs, he said, and that will likely be something the board will have to work on in the future.
Bays is employed at Eastern Illinois University as coordinator of equipment and stadium facilities, and the county board will be his first elected office. He said he sees his role as “any way I can help” and has received “mentoring” from some of the board’s veteran members.
“I’m going to follow their advice for where they think I should start,” Bays said.
The meeting Monday begins at 10 a.m. and the swearing-in ceremony will also include the oaths of office for the officials elected countywide last month, circuit clerk, coroner and state’s attorney.
Contact Dave Fopay at dfopay@jg-tc.com or 348-5733.
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lefty wrote on Nov 29, 2008 2:53 AM: