Legislative redistricting discussed in Aledo

Illinois State Representative Don Moffitt, (R, 47th District) addressed the Aledo City Council at the Aug. 1 regular council meeting, explaining that because of the recent redistricting map changes, Mercer County will now be entirely a part of the 47th District. The new map has been adopted and signed by Governor Pat Quinn. There are some court challenges on the new map, Moffitt told the city council.

He reassured the city of Aledo about his role in the legislature. "I look at local government as a partner," he said.

Moffitt listed off the many areas he has served in, such as former Knox County Treasurer, Knox County Board member and chair, Knoxville City Council member, mayor of Oneida and as an alderman in Oneida. He has been a representative in the Illinois legislature since 1993.

"I advocate for the communities I represent," he said. He added opinion of local government. "The best government you deliver is here at the local level."

Also addressing the council during the committee of the whole meeting was resident Earl Etheridge. He shared his concern about the amount of littering that is taking place in the city. "I think we need an ordinance on littering," said Etheridge.

He brought in a small sack of trash he had picked up from the Circle K gas station to his business location, about a block north of the gas station. Another woman in the audience added that she had lived in Aledo for the past 45 years on West Main Street. "I just walk out and there are beer cans, pop cans and other trash out alongside her property.

Police Chief Terry Dove said the city did have a littering ordinance, but it only referenced public areas.

Alderman Michael Chausse said, "Obviously we need to do something." The council came to a consensus to send the matter to the City Attorney so he could draft an ordinance.