CommonSense73 wrote on Aug 22, 2008 12:48 PM:
" Forby says, "He is going to come after me when there is nobody in Southern Illinois who has stood up to Jones and Blagojevich more than me?" Lets count, shall we? First State Representative Mike Bost of Murphysboro, Dave Luechtefeld of Okawville but they are both Republicans. So lets see on the Democratic side State Rep John Bradley and even President of SIU Glenn Poshard have been critical of the games going on with Jones and Blagojevich.
You, Mr Forby have been a rubber stamp for all of Jones' & Blago's chicanery. You have have not fought for southern Illinois. You have not fought to keep the governor to his word about building local schools. One of your own counties had to pass a school improvement tax because they could no longer count on the state to keep their financial obligations to the school system.
Shame on you... "
Ed wrote on Aug 21, 2008 6:58 AM:
" I do not vote for a candidate because of political party. I know there are good people on both sides democrat and republican. I can not vote for Obama but I will agree with one thing he said its time for change. The state of Illinois is hurting right now. "
Mark Twain wrote on Aug 21, 2008 1:12 AM:
" Forby continues to brag about the jobs he has brought to the district. Hardin,Alexander and Pulaski rank #1 , 3 and 2 in the State for high unemplyment. What have you done to help those counties? Gary, you are the worst legislator Southern Illinois has ever had. You should do the same as your buddy Emil and resign. "
swilcan wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:36 PM:
" "He is going to come after me when there is nobody in Southern Illinois who has stood up to Jones and Blagojevich more than me?"
Gary the only time you have stood up to these two is when they got tired of using you as a puppet and they had to change hands. The best thing that could happen to Southern Illinois is for you to lose and just go away. "
BV wrote on Aug 20, 2008 4:17 PM:
" While it's easy for politicians to say that they have helped create jobs, sometimes the actual numbers don't tell the same story.
According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)unemployment stats for June (the most up-to-date month available) the 59th District has the dubious distinction of having seven of the top 10 unemployments rankings from the 102 Illinois counties.
The overall unemployment rate for the US is 5.5 percent and for Illinois it is 6.8 percent. Compare those numbers with the unemployment rates in the 59th District.
Hardin (11% 1st overall)
Alexander (10.2% 3rd overall)
Franklin (9.9% 4th overall)
Pulaski (10.9% 2nd overall)
Pope (9.8% 6th overall)
Saline (9.2% 7th overall)
Gallatin (8.9% 9th overall)
Johnson (8.8% 10th overall)
Additionally:
Massac (8.7% 13th overall)
Williamson (7.5% 33rd overall)
Union (8.7% 14th overall)
Aside from Williamson (which is in the bottom one-third) 11 of the 13 counties in the 59th are in the top 10 percent for the highest unemployment.
Figures don't lie ... but liars figure. "
voice wrote on Aug 20, 2008 3:31 PM:
" Well, I could name over 100 things Mr. Forby has done for Southern Illinois. And the fact that you, Ex-Local, have to ask the question 'what has he done?' shows that he does have one flaw: He doesn't toot his horn loud enough!!! "
progress wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:47 PM:
" Every week I see news articles about funding Senator Forby has brought to the area, such as improvements at schools and money for road projects and our towns. These are dollars that wouldn't be in Southern Illinois without Forby. To me that is progress.
And with Forby being a major supporter of the capital bill that would bring new jobs and significant money for schools and roads, how can you claim he's not concerned about the economy and Southern Illinois? "
Ex-Local wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:24 AM:
" Name ten things that Mr. Forby has done for Southern Illinois.
What has he done to help the economy? Have you seen the unemployment figures for the area lately?
What has he done for education in Southern Illinois? How many schools and educational facilities in the area are falling apart at the present time?
What has he done to help the infrastructure in Southern Illinois? How many roads and bridges in the area are crumbling and in need of repair?
Sorry. I just don’t think Forby is the saint that some people make him out to be. "
DooDoo wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:17 AM:
" Forby typical Democrat whinner.
If you fail at your job, just cry Negative attacks.
Burzynski is absolutely right, Democrats have failed the citizens of Illinois.
At least Jones is smart enough to get out. Forby should follow suit. "
voice wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:25 AM:
" I feel like Senator Gary Forby has done a very good job representing Southern Illinois. Most importantly, he has the kindest office staff of any politician in Illinois; whenever I have had to call there they always work hard to resolve whatever problems I've had. As far as his opponent is concerned, isn't his brother a CHICAGO politician already? I wonder who he would vote with if he was in office - my guess is his brother and CHICAGO. "
good old boy wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:07 AM:
" You can't say Sen. Forby has not brought jobs back to our area. After all he got his daughter a state job and his brother a state job, and his wife a well paid job in the Regional Schools office. I would say he also let the Phelps family pull the rug out from under him on moving the IDOT jobs to Harrisburg. Remember Sen. Forby said initially those jobs were coming to Franklin County. IDOT did not even come to Franklin County to look and this makes Sen. Forby look good? "
Grayson wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:11 AM:
" To my Friends Gary and Ken,
Here are some recommendations for both of you as you seek the honor of representing the people of the 59th Senate District:
1. First, restore the people's respect for the democratic process.
We are tired of negativity. In fact, many folks are downright cynical. If you restore our respect we will take the time to become more informed, we will vote, good folks who wish to contribute to the welfare of their communities will step up to the plate and serve. Being an elected public servant will, once again, become viewed as an honorable profession.
2. Second, focus on the real issues that result in tangible benfits to the people.
Develop strategies for not only the short-term, but long term growth, of our regional ecomomy. Everybody talks about jobs. Give us specifics. The Illinois Works Capital Development Plan is the place to start.
3. Third, regarding the Capital Development Plan, tell us specifically how we are going to pay for it.
I will say this again: How are we, the people of Illinois, going to come up with 25,000,000,000 dollars. Please do not tell us through gaming revenue, selling the lottery, etc. The figures do not add up. Just tell us the truth.
4. Fourth, (reference 3 above), have integrity. Do not treat your employers (the people you represent) as a bunch of ignorant folks that can be manipulated through campaign strategies, new releases, 30 second sound bites, rumour, innuendo, and all the silliness that goes on in Springfield and Cook County.
5. Fifth, Do not underestimate the inherent intelligence and goodness of the people of Southern Illinois. Regardless of what the party bosses and politicos in Springfield tell you--always do what is right for the people.
6. Sixth, always remember that your are Southern Illinoisans first and foremost.
Your loyalties must lie with the people. At times, this will put you at odds with powerful members of your own party. Do what is right and we will remember. Do what is wrong and we will remember that too.
7. Seventh, and last, public service is a sacred trust.
We elect you because we have faith in you. You will make mistakes. That is OK--just make sure they are honest mistakes. We do not expect perfection. We do, however, expect you to serve as our advocate, our voice, and our servant--yes servant.
Never forget that you work for us--the people of Southern Illinois.
Gentlemen, good luck and keep it clean. "
