Published: October 22, 2009 07:17 pm      

Governor visits Granada as part of announcement tour

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn appeared at the Granada Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday as part of his nine-city day-long tour to formally announce his candidacy in the February primary election.

“I have introduced a five-point program for our state, our people,” Quinn said. “It’s about our people building and making things happen is what we are all about.”

After being welcomed by local residents, Quinn was introduced by Mayor Mary Jane Chesley in the foyer of the historic theater. Quinn, in turn, introduced Gold Star Mother Cheryl Price, whose son Kyle, of Woodlawn died in action while serving in Iraq.

“I attended Kyle’s funeral, and at that sad funeral, all of Illinois was mourning that day and every day since,” Quinn said.

Cheryl Price said she appreciated Quinn for his dedication to servicemen and women everywhere.

“Three years and nine months ago I met him at the funeral of my son,” Price said. “I was touched by the genuine sincerity he expressed to our family. ... I have attended several events where he has appeared and spoken about the military. Each time I hear him speak, I believe his words come from the heart. He has shown a continued commitment to honor those who have served and always remembers my son Kyle by name.”

Quinn said he wants to go down in history as the governor who cared the most about servicemen and women, the veterans and their families. He then spoke about his five points in the Jobs and Growth for Illinois plan, saying when soldiers return to Illinois, he wants to be sure they have a good job.

Quinn said infrastructure projects — roads, schools, railway and public works — made possible through the Capital Bill, is a start to providing the needed jobs in the state.

“We have a terrible financial crisis going on in the country,” Quinn said. “I believe we keep the state afloat and stable by investing in things that matter.”

Quinn said the new overpass/interchange, which will be opening next week, is one of the “things that matter.”

“Having that road, that interchange, is important,” Quinn said. “It’s important to bring development and jobs. ... My plan emphasizes tourism and travel. ... We want people to see all parts of the state, Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County.”

According to information from Quinn’s campaign office, the five points of the plan are to invest in public works and 21st century communications systems; to invest in clean energy and create jobs and sustainable energy sources for the future; to protect and increase the state investment in citizens through education; encourage entrepreneurship through use of state investment to provide start-up capital; and expand the state economy to the world through exports.

The stop in Mt. Vernon was part of a nine-city tour of Illinois Quinn made to announce his candidacy. The tour started in Chicago, with stops in Springfield, Cahokia, Herrin, West Frankfort, Mt. Vernon, Salem, Mattoon and Tuscola.