Pleased with local candidates

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Dear Editor:

I want to congratulate and thank all the candidates running for local offices in Randolph County, both Democrats and Republicans, on running honest, and for the most part, positive campaigns. I also would like to congratulate and thank the thousands of voters in Randolph County who took the opportunity to actively participate in our democracy by casting your vote. Millions of Americans have fought and died to protect our freedom so that we, as citizens of this great country, have the opportunity to fairly elect our representatives and leaders. Our region faces many serious issues in the coming months and years, including creating more economic opportunity and jobs for Illinois workers, reigning in out-of-control spending, and reforming our government so that it works for the people, and not against us. I wish all our elected leaders success during their upcoming terms, and pray that they do not forget the voices of the voters who entrusted them with the opportunity to serve.

Matthew Wagner

Red Bud, IL