Created: Tuesday, December 2, 2008 12:00 a.m. CDT
FONT SIZE:

Arduini retains county chairmanship for 10th term

BY TARA BECKERtbecker@svnmail.com800-798-4085, ext. 570
Tony Arduini, wants to boost local economy.

MORRISON - Tony Arduini will remain front and center at Whiteside County Board meetings - at least for the next 2 years. The board unanimously re-elected Arduini, D-Rock Falls, Monday night to his 10th term as chairman of the board. Arduini has been with the county for more than 40 years. "I'm really honored to serve you and serve this county," Arduini told the board. "Our goal has always been to serve the county and not ourselves." After the meeting, Arduini said the biggest challenge facing the board over the next few years will be the local economy. The county board recently passed a $30.6 million budget with a projected $1.23 million deficit. In addition, the board recently approved a $462,000 tax levy to help offset a $200,000 deficit in the county's ambulance services through CGH Medical Center. Bringing new businesses to Whiteside County has also been a struggle, Arduini said. "I've been on the board for so long, and one thing I've learned is that you can't predict the future," Arduini said. "We will just have to do the best we can." Bill McGinn, D-Sterling, was unanimously elected as vice-chair during the organizational meeting. The board swore in newly elected board members Tom Ausman, D-Sterling; Mark Hamilton, R-Morrison; Kenneth Roeder, D-Fulton; Steve Wilkins, D-Morrison. Robert VanDeVelde, D-Sterling, was unable to attend the meeting and will be sworn in Dec. 16. As the chair, Arduini receives $3,000 a year, while the vice chair receives $600. Board members receive $60 for each meeting.

saukvalley.com Multimedia

AP Video

Reader poll

How concerned are you about the unexplained deaths of thousands of fish in the Rock River?
Very
Somewhat
A little
Not at all

Blogs

» Simply Digital
Simply Digital

5 Search Tips I Learned in Middle School

Teenagers can find just about anything on the Internet. Is it because they're more technologically saavy? Probably not.
» Grammar Moses
Grammar Moses

Raise Them Right, and They'll Do Right on Father's Day

Daughter Ashley, the journalism/poly sci major who now is a congressional aide on Capitol Hill, sent Mose a special Father's Day card this past week.