Thursday, June 19, 2003
Tonight's meeting was a success. There were a bit fewer people, but we didn't have as much publicity. However we did accomplish our objectives.
First off, we did agree on a name. We're calling our group...
What do we want? Open it NOW! Open what? The Old Slave House! You get the picture.
I came up with the name while typing up an agenda earlier tonight at the library. After some discussion of it and some alternatives, Ron Wilson, president of the Gallatin County Historical Society, moved that we accept the name. Hazel Pate, who represented the Gallatin County Tourism Board tonight, seconded the motion. During our discussion some pointed out that we didn't mention the Old Slave House, so it was suggested that we add the second line "Friends of the Old Slave House." Ron and Hazel agreed to amend their motion and second. All voted in favor.
I think the name really says what we want to do. Everything else on how we run the site, etc., doesn't matter if we can't get the governor's office to take action now. This group is a transitional group. When we get the green light from Springfield as far as reopening goes, then we'll look at what we need to do next.
We also heard from Jed Nelson of Harrisburg that his boss, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, has come out in support of the plan of action and has written a letter to the governor. Blagojevich and Shimkus served together prior to the last election as members of Illinois' Congressional delegation. Here's a public thank you to Rep. Shimkus, who also operates a local office in Harrisburg in the City Hall. Let him know you support his efforts (and ours) by sending him a thank you at his web site.
Our next event will be a public rally and news conference on Tuesday, July 1, in downtown Harrisburg. We'll have more on the time and actual location in the next few days. Tell your friends and neighbors, and make plans to be there.
First off, we did agree on a name. We're calling our group...
What do we want? Open it NOW! Open what? The Old Slave House! You get the picture.
I came up with the name while typing up an agenda earlier tonight at the library. After some discussion of it and some alternatives, Ron Wilson, president of the Gallatin County Historical Society, moved that we accept the name. Hazel Pate, who represented the Gallatin County Tourism Board tonight, seconded the motion. During our discussion some pointed out that we didn't mention the Old Slave House, so it was suggested that we add the second line "Friends of the Old Slave House." Ron and Hazel agreed to amend their motion and second. All voted in favor.
I think the name really says what we want to do. Everything else on how we run the site, etc., doesn't matter if we can't get the governor's office to take action now. This group is a transitional group. When we get the green light from Springfield as far as reopening goes, then we'll look at what we need to do next.
We also heard from Jed Nelson of Harrisburg that his boss, U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, has come out in support of the plan of action and has written a letter to the governor. Blagojevich and Shimkus served together prior to the last election as members of Illinois' Congressional delegation. Here's a public thank you to Rep. Shimkus, who also operates a local office in Harrisburg in the City Hall. Let him know you support his efforts (and ours) by sending him a thank you at his web site.
Our next event will be a public rally and news conference on Tuesday, July 1, in downtown Harrisburg. We'll have more on the time and actual location in the next few days. Tell your friends and neighbors, and make plans to be there.