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Category: People in the News

Created on Thursday, 28 February 2013 14:21

Last Updated on Thursday, 28 February 2013 17:26

Published on Thursday, 28 February 2013 14:21

Written by Editor

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Since I am a candidate for Mayor of Morrison, IL, I felt that I should provide the voters additional information about why I am running and what qualifies me to seek this office.  My name is Everett Pannier, and my wife Nancy and I are lifelong residents of the Morrison area. 

The upcoming election on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, will result in a new Mayor, as well as at least four new council members.  Morrison is a wonderful community, but like most communities we struggle with debt as we try to balance income and spending, so as to still provide the services that afford residents the quality of life they deserve. The Council, Administration, and community will face many challenges in the coming years, and the City needs good leadership from all parties.

I believe that my years in business and involvement in community affairs have prepared me well for the role of Mayor.  My business background is primarily with GE, although I am also a co-owner of a small business.  At GE, I progressed through the ranks, starting as an hourly tool and die apprentice, to eventually being appointed Plant Manager. 

I have handled budgets involving millions of dollars in materials, and sales.  At one time, as Plant Manager, our facility had over 700 employees, with an annual payroll of over 20 million dollars. 

During my time at GE I learned how to deal with all sorts of people issues, production problems, and environmental and safety concerns.  I prepared and presented reports to employees and higher management. 

I learned that it is imperative that one have good communication skills, and, more importantly, a leader must be up front with everyone that he deals with.  People do not always like or agree with the message that sometimes has to be delivered, but they will respect the fact that they had a say and that they were told the truth, even if the outcome wasn't to their liking.  This philosophy applies to all leadership positions, including and especially that of Mayor.

In addition to my time at GE, I have been a member of the Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC) since its inception in 1995, serving as President for four years.  I am an active Rotarian and a current member of the Whiteside-Carroll Enterprise Zone.  I have served on our Church Council many times over the years, several times as Council President.  I also served eight years on the Unit District 6 School Board, four years on the board at Morrison Institute of Technology, and four years on the District Finance Committee.  All of these gave me valuable insights on budgets and measurements as they pertain to a public, versus private, system.

In summary, I truly believe that I am qualified to be Mayor, and that I have demonstrated the type of leadership that can bring the Council, Administration and community together, so that Morrison can be all that we can and should be. 

Morrison has choices on the ballot this year, and that is a good thing.  I hope that after making an informed decision on all of the candidates, that you will vote for me on April 9.

Respectfully,
R. Everett Pannier

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