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| Rep. Jim Sacia |
by Rep. Jim Sacia
As my career as a State Representative comes to an end, you can imagine there is much reflection. I have loved this opportunity to serve you, the constituents of the 89th District, these past eleven years. Yes it’s bittersweet. There are disappointments, there are great joys.
I make no apologies for stands I’ve taken on issues. Each one was based on the conviction that I believed was the best decision for the majority of you. Some of you will read this and say I never represented you or your convictions. Rest assured I tried to understand your point of view. I take great pride in listening to all sides of an issue.
Yes, this article will open some old wounds. I will always believe that my decisions were based on carefully thought out facts.
One of the most disappointing losses was the loss of the horse slaughter issue. To this day the horse industry has not recovered. I have always been on record as a horse owner and lover and that the humane termination of these creatures we so deeply love, makes so much more sense than stuffing them in crowded trailers for over a forty hour ride to Mexico where, in many cases, their end of life is anything but humane. Most major breed associations agree with me, but emotion trumps common sense every time. For the record nearly 100,000 horses a year make that trip now specifically for slaughter. Where is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals or the Humane Society of the U. S.? They are conspicuous by their silence and they were the driving forces to eliminate this humane termination in DeKalb, Illinois.
The loss of the development of a 5,000 cow dairy farm in Jo Daviess County is also painful. Jenny and I, traveling the nation visiting like large dairies convincing us, beyond any doubt whatsoever, that the loss of this farm was a huge mistake. Oh, rest assured the anti-dairy folks will write a response of how wrong I was.Two memorable losses, hundreds of successes - I cherish them all. It makes life great when there is honest dialog on all sides of an issue.
To be able to serve you, the citizens of this great area, I will cherish to my last breath.
My longtime friend, former law enforcement colleague, now your State Representative, Brian Stewart will be an exceptional advocate for you. I know you will welcome him as you have always welcomed me.
I don’t know to whom to attribute the following but a challenge to me: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘wow’!!! What a ride.”