County Board Approves Unborn Human Beings Resolution

(SOME OF THOSE GATHERED AT MONDAY'S MEETING)

For the second time in three months, the Effingham County Board voted in favor of a resolution that has sparked controversy.

In April, the Board voted to declare the county a sanctuary for weapons if laws to restrict them are viewed as unconstitutional.

Monday, the Board voted to declare the county a "sanctuary for the life of unborn human beings."

County Board Chairman Jim Niemann crafted the resolution, making some changes from the measure recommended by the Board's Legislative Committee last week. The final document cites the Princeton University internet website and the Declaration of Independence in contending that human life begins at conception and is protected outside the incidence of war or defense of life. The document contends that "emergency medical interventions done for the mother and/or unborn child that may have the unintended side effect of harming the other are acceptable, but intentional killing of an innocent human life is never acceptable."

There were contingents of those on both sides of the issue on hand for the vote. Kathleen Miller, Vickie Dasenbrock and Shirley McEvers spoke in opposition to the measure. Miller asked the Board, "Who do you think you are?" She said members were "inserting (their) personal beliefs" and told the Board to do the County's business and "mind you own business". Dasenbrock said the action is "beyond the scope of the Board" and asked whether this is grandstanding and "what will change with the passage of this legislation?" Also speaking in opposition was Shirley McEvers. We asked her why it was important to her to speak to the issue...

On the other hand, some were present strongly in favor of the Board's action. Valerie Kemme said to the Board, "Thank you for efforts to bring up this sensitive topic. Kemme compared the number of deaths from other causes to the number that are the result of abortion, and said, "conception is the start of the life of a human being." Jami Johnson said, "I stand here as a woman proud to live in Effingham County" and termed the action of the Board as "heroic". A number of those present wore pro-life T-shirts. Sue Thoele was one of those present in support of the measure and talked about why...

The one Board member to vote against the resolution was Karen Luchtefeld. Luchtefeld, who was also the only vote against the gun sanctuary legislation passed in April, said she took issue with the government getting involved in issues for religious reasons, saying "if your religion is more important than your government, you should work in a church." Both Luchtefeld and McEvers said they are pro-life, but respected the laws in place and the process that saw them enacted.

In another story, you can read the resolution in its entirety.

Another proposal that drew criticism was the annual prevailing wage resolution, which received a 5-4 vote in committee. State Representative candidate Dave Seiler said a vote by the Board opposing adoption of the wage "works against the economy" in that it could negatively impact the amount of dollars flowing into the county. Seiler said, "wages for lower and middle-income workers are flat" and said "higher wages benefit the economy". 

Board member Rob Arnold asked for the prevailing wage question to be tabled for a month until more could be learned about the potential impact of a No vote on the question. The issue will be researched before the Board's July meeting.

Also speaking was retired optometrist Mike Sehy who asked for the pay for board members, how many committee meetings are held, and whether every board member, regardless of whether they are a member of the committee, gets paid if they show up for a committee meeting. The answers are $70 for each board member and $85 for the committee chairman, nine committees, and everyone who shows up gets paid. A clarification, though; the Board members are paid on a per diem basis; if there are four meetings in a day, board members only are paid once that day. 

Sehy, who is running for the Board against Vice-Chairman Dave Campbell, questioned the votes in favor of being a 2nd Amendment sanctuary county and a life of the unborn child county, contending that many pregnant women are killed due to gun violence.

Also Monday, the Board learned of the official resignation of County Treasurer Steve Dasenbrock, effective June 30. Dasenbrock, who term ends at the end of November, recommended that his chief deputy, Mary Behl, succeed him until the new treasurer takes office after the November election, understanding that the Board has the final say in who is appointed, pending a recommendation from the Democrat party, since Dasenbrock is a Democrat. Dasenbrock is working for J&J Ventures Gaming.

The Board took time to thank retired Fayette County Coroner Bruce Bowen, who worked as acting coroner in Effingham County following the death of Duane Guffey earlier this year until the appointment of Kim Rhodes as interim coroner. Bowen assisted Sheriff Dave Mahon and State's Attorney Bryan Kibler in overseeing the office. Bowen thanked former Assistant Coroners Gerry Kingery and Linda Mette for their assistance in the interim period.

(BRUCE BOWEN WITH COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM NIEMANN)

Recognition was given Veterans Service Officer Lynn Brown for his 28 years' service to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and to area veterans. Brown plans to retire later this year.

(LYNN BROWN WITH JIM NIEMANN)

The Board allocated $4,000 in hotel/motel funds for this year's Effingham County Fair, $1,500 in hotel/motel funds to the Good Neighbors of Lake Sara for the lake's fireworks display on July 3, and $2,000 in economic development funds for this fall's annual Manufacturing Day to show local young people the manufacturing opportunities in the county.

The Board approved a grant request for vehicles for the county's public transportation fleet, approved some budget amendments, and awarded a bid for $591,483.66 to Effingham Asphalt for resurfacing a 1-1/2 mile stretch of roadway south out of Teutopolis.

Board members also approved a number of appointments. Stanley Bahrns was reappointed to the Airport Commission for a three-year term; named Larry Taylor, Karen Mahaffey and Billy Genaust to the Housing Authority for three-year terms; named Janelle Eck to fill out the remaining two years of the term on the Housing Authority of the late Dollie Martin; named Dr. Ted Fifer and Effingham City Commissioner Merv Gillenwater to three-year terms on the Board of Health; named Luchtefeld to a one-year term on the Board of Health; named Gerald Jansen and Faith Griffin to new three-year terms on the 377 Board; named Carol Warfield, Barb Utz and Pati Jansen to 4-1/2 year terms on the 708 Board; and named Julie Stephens and Wayne Rubach to new three-year terms on the 911 Board.

Luchtefeld voiced disappointment that Dr. Dan Niebrugge was not recommended for another term on the Board of Health and moved that he be named to the committee, but withdrew the motion when board member Rob Arnold said the motion would not have come through committee, as is normally the procedure. The matter will be revisited in committee.