email: The Steve

March 21st

Good morning Elmwood,
a bright sunny morning, but someone set the thermostat too low. I was asked why I wasn't attending city council meetings. I said I would consider it. I have thought and prayed about this, but I have returned to my original conclusion. It would be presumptuous. I have no role in the current government. If you will be good enough to elect me, I will a have few weeks to immerse myself in city government. Also, I am not looking back, I am about the next four years.

I have created some social media tools to promote Elmwood, but I can not use them, yet. I will keep them locked away only to be opened if I am elected. I will immediately change the ways Elmwood can coordinate communication. I will begin a system of open dialog, it will greatly increase the effectiveness of our efforts.

After the tornado, the recovery effort uncovered a great strategic plan for the City of Elmwood. The plan had been sitting gathering dust forgotten in the file cabinets. Elmwood has had many great volunteers undertaking many great activities to benefit Elmwood, volunteers have jobs, families, and other demands on their time.

Often great starts have stalled and are forgotten, often many people engage in duplicative efforts. I will make the mayor's office a full time position of coordinating activities in Elmwood, of increasing communication between all our citizens. We will not just start to do great things for the future of Elmwood, in unity we will accomplish great things for the future of Elmwood.

More tomorrow -- as I explain how we can change to accomplish more, more efficiently, saving money and time -- OK no wants to change, too scary.

March 21st

I wanted to introduce my family to those who do not know us. At the church we all thought name tags were unnecessary until all those new people starting coming, then we realized it was a good idea.

This photo was taken last year at dinner on our anniversary. She is even trimmer, buffer, and more beautiful now, but this photo is a good one. Nancy lived at the next farm house north from me in Smithshire IL, until she was 5. Nancy grew up in Ft Dodge, Iowa. She graduated from Cornell College, Mt Vernon, Iowa and has a masters degree from the University of Iowa. Nancy gave up a good job at University of Iowa Hospital Schools (something like that) to marry a Western Illinois farmer. She currently is Regional VP for Mosaic an Omaha based nonprofit that provides services for individuals with disabilities. Her region includes the Mosaic programs In Indiana, Delaware, and Connecticut.

We have lived in Elmwood for 15 years, Nancy was a member of the Southern School Board in Stronghurst IL when we moved to Elmwood. Amazingly Nancy will probably stay married to me for another month when we will celebrate our 30th anniversary. We have two sons Erik and Alex, Nancy's mother Winifred Horney lives next to us on High Street. Nancy serves on the Elmwood Community Foundation. She loves taking walks in Elmwood, but when it is a little warmer.

Out for dinner on our 29th wedding anniversary

March 20th

Many people find a paper ballot easier than the video voters, everyone has that option with an absentee ballot. The links to Peoria County web page are here Link

March 20th

Good morning Elmwood,
I finished with one meeting last night and appeared at another less than 11 hours later. I need to get used to meetings, if you will elect me on April 9th. Apply for an Absentee Ballot, it makes voting easier. A link will be on my website later today. Actually if you elect me, elmwoodil.org will become your web site not mine.

I once heard a news story about Armenia, one of the interviews was with an American who was from Armenia. He stated part of Armenia's problem with its history was, it had too much history. Old affronts, wars, atrocities were so current in the national psyche it was difficult for Armenians to move forward. William Faulkner once wrote “The past is never dead. It's not even past.” We bring all our experience with us to the present, this is very true of our personal interactions. Many people still hate that Jr High bully, and still harbor long buried hurts from their teen and tween years. As mayor I would only be about the present and the future, we must visit history simply as a means to offer instruction on how to better plan the future.

I have decided from listening to discussions of religion, politics, or in planning sessions; people often heatedly disagree when actually they are saying the same thing. Some people tee off on buzz words, say universal background checks and a few are down in their bunkers cleaning their arsenals of automatic weapons. Talk about the economic boom from fracking and some one is printing leaflets about poisoning the Earth. Some people are predisposed to hyperbole and over emotionalism. Sometimes it is the person, past experience has caused people not to even attempt to listen to each other. In the meetings I will participate in; it will be my goal to keep communication open. I would encourage extraneous discussions to another time. I would try to steer discussion of a motion to the facts pertinent to that decision. I would try to glean wisdom from anyone who had something to offer, and let the chaff get filtered out.

As with all goals sometimes it is easier to plan than implement. Hey Spring it was cold this morning

March 19th

Good morning Elmwood,
everyday I think it is time to start walking around town and knock on doors, but then I delay because of snow, wind, or other commitments. Weather is gradually getting better, so delay will soon end. It isn't that I want to annoy anyone, but I want to connect with everyone. I want to focus on our future not dwell on the past. I want everyone to understand I am not running against someone or some policy, I want to serve for the next four years.

I recognize when you are not a participant, you are not aware of the nuances of the decision making process. My style of service will be a break with the past. I will be in an open dialog with everyone.

The more people get to know me, the more they realize my approach to life is that of a servant. I care very little for the personal acquisition of money. I am the least bribable of politicians, what could I gain when I am already so blessed. I do understand economics and the uses of money. If we efficiently use our resources, we can do some important things.

I would encourage everyone to vote. Request an absentee ballot anyone can. A paper ballot will be mailed to you; fill it out and return it. It is simpler and less confusing than the voting machines. My mother in law did this in November and found it much easier. I posted a link to it on my face book page, I will add links to elmwoodil.org

I am going to directly invite the people of Elmwood to Like this page. I am asking the citizens to trust me for four years. I am demonstrating in a small way how to reform government. I want modernize our method of elections in this process. We are part of a new age of information that can transform the need of money in politics. I will spend little anyway, but it will be my own money.

I have much to do, but first I have to go to the gym. Life is about priorities. I am becoming a poster child for yes, even you can change your life. A year ago I would have laughed at the suggestion I would be doing regular fitness stuff. That I would focus on it, and plan my day around it. Today with nearly 40 pounds less of me, I must admit change can be good. Let's all step forward to the future it can be very good, please vote for me. Maybe I will see you after my next shower have to run now.

March 17th

Good morning Elmwood,
back from church, so just a quick thought before I get into my more meditative and spiritual typical Sunday (this is a nap) I just try to convince Nancy this a spiritual meditative practice.

Small Busniness Association Women-owned Businesses Had an email from SBA about their resources for women business owners thought I would share the link. This puts onus on the women business owners to decide if they have any useful resources, while I take a nap.

I am much better with the cold, but voice was less than perfect singing from my media booth. Enjoy the day.

March 16th

Good morning Elmwood,
I struggled trying to fend off a cold the last two days, but have come home from the mission trip knowing I have one. I will postpone the going out into public with the greeting and listening campaign. I should be well by next week.

One lesson from my experience at the Midwest Distribution Center is to acknowledge the vision is glorious, but the details can be damning. They had bicycles everywhere. When we asked they told the story of their abundance. Chelsea Clinton organized an effort of relief to Haiti after the earthquake she put together a campaign to send 1000 bicycles to Haiti. A boy in Minnesota decided he too could get a 1000 donated bikes for Haiti. The problem is he had a 1000 bikes, but no idea of how to get them to Haiti. Permits of aid to Haiti often require bribes, and the cost of shipping to Haiti is substantial, and who would distribute them, well details. Having a 1000 bikes and no means or plans to actually get them to Haiti, his father sent them to the Midwest Distribution Center.

I learned the idea of going forth and doing good can not be accomplished by one person or in one day. Good organization, perseverance, the efforts of many are required to impact the world for good. I helped prepare boards for student desks. An old school was to be demolished, volunteers were allowed to take out all the boards that had been bleachers. The boards make good lumber for the desk, but require volunteer hours to refurbish them to be suitable. Still volunteers have lowered the cost of wood in each desk to $1. Freeing up resources for shipping and distribution in African countries. Small steps but moving forward.

Have a good Saturday, I'll stay home and snuffle in isolation.

March 15th

Good morning Elmwood,
am up and going I don't want to be the slacker on our team. I will probably sand and polyurethane desk tops today headed to class rooms in Africa. I am falling behind in my schedule of projects, but I think this one day will be worth my time. I am aware even with good projects, priorities must be set. It is easy to not say no for some people. Keeping the balance of family, work, and all the good undertakings is a challenge.

slogan test I have the time, the talents, and the dedication to best serve Elmwood as mayor for the next four years.

Nancy gets home today. I get home this evening. We can both nap together tonight on the couch. Find something meaningful to do today, maybe that is give someone a needed hug.

March 14th

Good morning Elmwood,
I am off to Springfield later this morning. I am going to try and help at the Midwest Distribution Center, I'll try to place a link for the curious.

Yesterday, I reflected on our pastor Mark Graham moving. I have come to realize this event is a good deal like a death in the family, because it is a loss. We are shocked when a loss happens so suddenly. This loss however has benefits for Mark and Melva, spelled correctly today. Even though they are not eager to leave Elmwood, they will have the opportunity to work together. This is a passage, a transition, for Elmwood UMC. Our loss is accompanied with opportunities for renewal and growth.

I knew I wouldn't have time to sort through all my thoughts this morning, so I got going at 5 AM, yesterday in an attempt to capture my thoughts on this important life event. Our church now must unite in purpose and a little ministry to each other as we work through this loss. I have made a journey on loss and change since the death of my father three years ago. My father seemed the same as always, so his death was sudden and shocking to those who knew him. I was with him as the full details were revealed, I had those three or four short weeks to accept the reality we faced. I then following his death helped others deal with the shock, the suddenness of the news.

This is an end of a chapter, not a death. We must move on to the next chapter in the history of Methodism in Elmwood. We must realize a church is not a building or a person, a church is a fellowship of spiritual connection. The fellowship remains in tact. One piece of advice from Nancy in raising our children, she read a book Siblings without Rivalry. I read a little and did what she told me to do. One overriding rule was never to compare children. I was playing with Erik when Alex was three months or so. I said Erik was my fine boy or something, Nancy said never again. She was right even though Alex's 3 month old psyche seemed rather unaffected, it could have become an unthinking habit. We should look for new possibilities not contrast with the past. It seems to have worked out with Erik and Alex.

One song I listened to as I was absorbing the news of my father's condition. Do Something - the Eagles I'll add link to my timeline, but now it is time to get going. So let us comfort and support each other in this loss, but unite in looking for the next great thing we will accomplish.

March 13th

Good morning Elmwood,
we just keep limping along towards those promised warm temps. This morning the people of the Elmwood UMC will receive a letter announcing Mark Graham is being reassigned to Geneseo Grace UMC. This is a great opportunity for Mark and Melba to work together as a team in this Geneseo church. It is a loss for Elmwood UMC and the community of Elmwood. Mark has become an essential dedicated member of our community, even though he didn't live here. It just seemed like he did. He has been a catalyst for many good things in our community, the Joplin Mission Trip being just the latest.

He has modeled a great style of leadership. Mark tries to consider all points of view, while quietly challenging people to put their talents into practice.

James 2:14-17 "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

If a leader has accomplished great deeds, then the foundation will be laid for the building to continue without the leader. Mark leaves us in great shape, our church and our community have all the resources to continue the work. It may take several persons to add a little more to fill in the void that will be left. No one person can replace every talent, but we all can add just a little. If we all step forward together in community, we will have the talents to fill the void. Mark has become a great friend to me and to Elmwood, as well.

Life requires recognizing change is necessary. You cannot stand still, frozen in time. I miss having my sons at home like it was when Mark first came to Elmwood. My adult sons are accomplishing great things, I am proud of them. Mark has had a part in their development. We are all required to role model not just to our family, but to everyone in the community. Mark will serve here until the end of June, but starting in July he and Melba will be serving in Geneseo. Elmwood will start with a new person, so fantastic new opportunities are possible. I will miss Mark and Melba, they have been good friends. They will miss Elmwood, too. Thank Mark for his efforts as you run into him over the next three months.

I am preparing to meet a new friend and partner in accomplishing good works. I do not know the person I will do this with, but I know it will happen. This new person may have some amazing gifts to offer Elmwood. They may have just the assets we need to continue building on our strong foundations.

Today is a life event, a time to reflect with gratefulness, a time to recognize the sadness, a time to look forward to the opportunities, and as always a time to find the holy spot of communion with God, existing in all these things at once. Have a great day

March 11th

Good morning Elmwood,
I delivered Nancy to the airport this morning, then I went on to the gym. So once again morning has slipped away.

I am now in Smithshire to help with a sump pump, water in the basement issue that developed yesterday. Now water in your basement in Smithshire is not a disaster, it is normal. In fact water coming back in the basement is a good sign; it is a sign that our area is no longer in a drought situation. The drought is the cause of my mother's problem, we have had such a long dry spell her pump and her back up pump failed. This would probably not happened if each pump had been exercised.

This practice of being prepared and keeping everything working hadn't been followed since my father died. My father after decades of dealing with pumping water like it was a surprise, took time to install a very professional pipe system. Even though the main pump and the back up failed, he had a new, still in the box pump, waiting on a shelf. His preparation made fixing the situation a Sunday night hassle, but not a disaster. I have ordered a new pump and will try to be prepared if a similar problem occurs.

We have lessons to learn from our parents and grandparents. We should be thankful for the foundations they have laid for us. We do need to maintain these foundations, but we also need to adapt. I ordered a new pump from Home Depot online, free shipping. My mother would have had doubts about this, but we have done it before, so she is OK as long as we give them our credit card not hers. My mother at 84 has decided to get an Internet connection and does now get information online. Some things are as always, water in a Smithshire basement, some things change solving the problem in my mother's living room without driving to Burlington. Sunshine is coming

March 7th

Good morning Elmwood,
The drive this morning was much easier and I didn’t go to the gym, so no Shakespearean references via Star Trek this morning. I am foiled again by non-access to the Internet. This condition is soon to be as obsolete as a cassette. I view it as a learning experience, somewhat akin to missing lunch. It doesn’t happen often, but it is probably good for me. I do want to relate some of the great ideas, people, and places I have encountered at this conference. Often the presentations are rather boring, but have kernels of knowledge. Occasionally a presentation is really exciting, and sometimes two different points of view can be overheard in the comments from the same presentation. Yesterday, I had really enjoyed a presentation. In another room at the next session I listened as someone told how boring and useless the presentation I enjoyed had been. Yes, everyone is a critic of life, or they are not functioning cerebrally. We do not all have the same interests. I will try to add a few links and updates I picked up at the conference, later today.
We do live in a complicated and complex society. We have created a labyrinth of programs and agencies to try to improve our lives. Even though the efficiency of these efforts can be questioned, real life examples of projects demonstrate how important collaborative decision-making can be. Often guided by a talented city manager or other local leader, these projects come together to significantly improve lives for a community. Real life results are produced when united with the assets of the community. Many of those assets are the people who bond into a team of commitment to see a vision come into reality.
It has become apparent at this conference that many things are possible. Achieving accomplishments to create a better community will require a plan, dedication, cooperation, hard work, and a little faith. I have likely been exposed to 1000 acronyms in a day and a half.
Time for another series of presentations, I will try to sort through the dry leaves of boredom to find those kernels of wisdom. The phrase oft used by one old Smithshire wit was ‘blind sow found an acorn”, so I will do the best I can with my limited vision. Smithshire wits were almost Shakespearean. Have a great day --

March 5th

Good morning Elmwood,
I just cancelled my appointment at 11:30, so I will not be leaving Elmwood today. This is a very comforting thought. I feel like the school kids on a snow day, should I forget my homework and build a snow fort? I would not want to embarrass my family.
I read that a State Representative from Okawville introduced a bill to suspend salaries of all state officials until Illinois' debts are paid. This type of proposal is always popular with the government experts on Facebook. It is an universal placebo for all the ills of Federal and State government.
I would suggest a bill to allow people, me in particular, to lose weight on a diet of unlimited cheesecake, coconut cream pie, and cookies all made just like my mother does. Oh, it would be so good I would be all svelte, at a robust 190, I would be so happy. I would gladly share a few easy sugar bombs with others from this magic legislation. I like and fully endorse my three magic beans and a little fairy dust solution. It is the type of proposal awash in our culture today. The stock in trade of our manipulative pols and pundits.
Mr. Meier's bill did not propose tax increases, he didn't propose to close the prisons, he didn't propose to suspend teacher retirement payments, he didn't propose to stop plowing the highways during snow storms, he didn't propose a solution at all. Gov. Quinn proposed a plan to pay all the back bills, right after the 2% increase in our flat tax income tax, but it could not pass the legislature. Real solutions require hard choices, require working with real facts, require personal accountability, require honest brokers in good faith negotiations. Every proposal has a downside, government is the tool to fashion a compromise to meet the common good. Good government is not a feel good, magic beans bill, pundits puffering, or a Facebook meme; it is rational persons of good faith trying to do the best they can with the realities they face, this is good government.

I thought of a song by Golden Earring - Twilight Zone, maybe because I always liked it. We will have "... gone too far ... When the bullet hits the bone" On that enigmatic, somewhat irrelevant reference have a great and safe day in a beautiful winter-scape. Go find Twilight Zone on Youtube a great song from back when.

March 4th

Good morning Elmwood,
I began my thoughts for this on an elliptical in a Michigan Avenue fitness center, followed by a spiritual lift in a wonderful working class Chicago church. I didn't have time until back in my normal environment to post about it. This morning situated in my comfortable relaxing Elmwood residence I will try to tie all of it together. I did hear the fire siren about 5 AM this morning be grateful for those who volunteer to answer the call, and pray for those who needed their assistance.
It occurred to me if I was Mayor of Chicago I might curse as profusely as Mayor Rahm, but probably not. It is just not a part of my normal vernacular. When faced with the problems of Chicago's horrible neighborhoods it would seem overwhelming. I think each neighborhood does have assets to assemble, if there is the commitment. I would try to turn the schools into centers of health that could grow health into the neighboring community. Life is good on the Mag Mile, but Chicago presents such disparities of life, all in the same space. We have so many more advantages here in Elmwood than people do in Chicago. We can get to the root of any issue, bring in all the people to address it, and all feel like we are one team. Yes, comparing Elmwood to Chicago, Elmwood has so much more to offer. Chicago has so many overwhelming and exasperating issues to solve. I am glad I am not Mayor Rahm, but if I were I would still not scream and swear, at least not so profusely.

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