The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Friends:
On Tuesday, March 16, 2004, you will have an opportunity to participate in an important primary election. This upcoming primary is important because you will have a chance to vote for a candidate who is best qualified and worthy of the Republican nomination for state's attorney. This candidate is Jim Drozdz.
I have worked alongside many of you while serving on over 20 committees throughout this county. Together, you and I have tried to make a difference and we have had our share of successes. Many may not realize, but you place your trust in me on a daily basis.
You trust me with your money when you so generously donate to support our local needy assistance charity, with your furniture and household appliances to aid the victims of house fires and domestic violence, as a counselor with you and your loved ones during times of crisis, and with your children who participate in many of the county's youth functions. Those who know me, know this: I put my heart into everything I do. I pray that I will never betray your trust.
I have carefully researched Jim Drozdz's qualifications for the office he seeks. He has been an overnight guest in our home on several occasions as he campaigns across the county. I have gotten to know him and his values, beliefs, and morals. His credentials are impressive.
For example, Jim has been admitted to practice before the Illinois courts as well as the United States Supreme Court. He has served as an assistant state's attorney and as a special assistant attorney's general. He has over 20 years of criminal justice experience. He is a former fellow of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Alexandria, Virginia. Currently, Jim is finishing his doctorate at The University of Iowa.
His dissertation was recently selected to be a seminar topic at this year's International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators conference in Ottawa, Canada. Jim knows the law from a police officer's, a prosecutor's, and an academic's perspective.
Many of you do not have the time to research the candidates' qualifications and will be confronted with voting for someone you might remember from the past two elections. I am asking for you to place your trust in me yet again. My research leads me to one conclusion-I must support Jim Drozdz for Hancock County State's Attorney. I welcome any questions you may have about Jim's qualifications. You can call or stop by my home Thank you for your time and consideration.
Randy White
Hamilton, Illinois 62341
Dear Editor,
Sunday February 22,2004, my wife Kathy and I, along with around thirty Hancock County residents attended a fundraiser for State's Attorney candidate, Jim Drozdz. Illinois State Senator Dan Rutherford R-Pontiac addressed the group for about twenty minutes.
In attendance were Jim Drozdz and his wife Barb. Including many current and former elected officials. Our gracious hosts were Barbara and Robert Ziegler of rural Nauvoo.
The open house was an excellent time to get to know Jim Drozdz. Jim currently works in Springfield with the Illinois State Police. He has taught at the Police Training Academy of which some graduates currently patrol the streets in Hancock County. Jim has been a member of the Illinois Bar since 1992.
He has worked as the Assistant State's Attorney in Henderson County, and has been involved in many trials. As Hancock County States Attorney Jim plans to utilize his skills in law enforcement to successfully fulfill his duties. Jim Drozdz explained "that not only is it important to convict persons that break the law, but it is just as important to collect fees and fines." A State's Attorney, JimÊsaidÊ"ensures that criminals are actually punished for their crimes, and collects fines which assists the countyÊwith meeting its financial obligations"
Jim also knows there is a concern of his not currently being a resident of Hancock County. He explains it this way " If you apply for a job in another state, you aren't expected to move there just because they interview you. You will wait until you are offered the job and you accept it before you move to the new location." "This situation is no different."
I personally look at the qualifications of a candidate before I vote for them. I would personally feel it is better for someone qualified to move here and do a competent job than to elect someone incompetent because they "live here."There are some very important trials coming up in our county. I urge you to look at each of the candidates and their overall experiences and knowledge of the law.
If you have never voted, please register and participate in the election process. Everyone that accepts the great freedom of the right to vote owes it to our county to "hire" the candidate that can get results. For me that candidate is Jim Drozdz. I believe you will feel the same way after you meet Jim Drozdz.
Check out (www.jimdrozdz.org) and learn for yourself. Jim has the leadership, education, the respect of law enforcement and the judicial system to bring results to the Hancock County States Attorney Office. His qualifications out weigh any concerns any citizen should have of where he currently lives.
Brian Dougherty
Carthage, IL