Improving the Status Quo

Improving the Status Quo

Why I'm Running

I'm Cary Mathews, and I want to serve as your County Board representative.

Each week since the Primary Election on June 28, I have shared with you the responsibilities of the various committees to which elected County Board members are appointed. These committees are the primary means through which the business of the county is kept accountable to the voters. If you were added to the mailing list more recently, you can read these synopsis on my website, https://cm4cb.carymathews.info in the "News & Events" section. These articles have been helpful for me as I prepare to take on the duties of a county board member.

As your voice on the County Board, I want to know what is on your mind when you deal with the County. The status quo can be either positive or negative, therefore it is important to share what is and is not working within the county so the board can address it. I am running because I think St. Clair County (and other levels of government) status quo is in need of improvement:

• St. Clair County is second only to Cook County for highest property tax rates in Illinois (and Illinois has one of the highest average property tax rates in the nation!) I want to make sure the county is using those taxes effectively and return them to the residents if not.
• Illinois is seeing many high-profile businesses flee the state because of policies enacted at the state level. I'd like to make St. Clair County a location that businesses come to rather than leave from.
• East St. Louis' location on the Mississippi River --across from St. Louis, MO-- provide it with potential to be a thriving community. Instead, decades of Democrat (mis-)management has made it a nationally-recognized center of crime and corruption. With new County-wide oversight, East St. Louis may be rehabilitated and thrive once more.

These and other concerns are on my mind as I run for election to the County Board. I will work with the other Board members to make St. Clair County a place where residents are proud to live, not just have to because of their employment. And if you have a concern with the county, I'm committed to helping you address and resolve it.

Early Voting Reminder

Early voting is underway in Illinois, if you will not be in town or otherwise indisposed on November 8, make your way to the County Clerk's office (2nd Floor of the County Building, 10 Public Square, Belleville) between 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. Starting October 24, you can cast a ballot at the following additional permanent early voting sites:

• The Rec Complex, 9950 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights
• O’Fallon Township Office, 801 East State Street, O’Fallon

Extended Early Voting Hours

Weekdays: October 24-28, 9am-5pm; October 31-November 4, 9am-7pm, November 7, 9am-7pm

Weekends: October 29, 9am-Noon; October 30, 10am-4pm; November 5, 9am-5pm; November 6, 10am-4pm