Ramey, Millner should keep seats

While throwing out all of the politicians would be easy, it would not be prudent. Let's remember that it is important to look at their accomplishments before we simply throw them out. I believe this to be even more important in our local races, specifically the races for the IL House and Senate.

The Bartlett area has been well represented and should continue to be represented by Rep. Randy Ramey and Sen. John Millner. Among their many accomplishments are the following actions that have directly impacted the area, and therefore merit their retention.

Ÿ In their respective chambers, they have sponsored and passed a very important victim's rights bill in response to the 2006 murder of Jim McNally. Public Act 96-0117 allows the victim or victim's immediate family to present a victim's impact statement at future hearings in cases where the offender is found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Ÿ Furthermore, they were directly responsible for keeping the 400 jobs at Aspen Marketing, located on North Avenue just west of Route 59. One has to believe that a number of Bartlett residents are employed at Aspen based on our proximity to the business.

If these local considerations don't sway your vote, consider the stronghold that the Democrats have in Springfield. In the House, there are 70 Democrats to only 48 Republicans, and in the Senate there are 37 Democrats versus just 22 Republicans. In both chambers the Democrats have a clear majority. Personally, with the way things are going in Springfield, I fail to see any benefit to making that majority even stronger.

It is important to support those politicians that support our community.

Please join me in voting for Randy Ramey and John Millner.

Jim McCarthy

Bartlett