Emery Boards: A “nod” to my Dad

Immediately after filing to be a candidate for County Commissioner, I started to think of ways that I can let people know that I am running.  Without being on the ballot for the March Primary meant that I was potentially missing out on the opportunity for Madison County residents to get to know my name, presenting an added challenge.  As a “nod” to my dad – who was a state representative in rural Northern Illinois for 18 years, I looked into giving away emery boards like he did back in the 70s and early 80s.  

Since the early voting and the primary, I have given away more than a thousand of these emery boards and they have been well received.  They are practical and functional – even guys happily accept them, they are easy to hand out, and they are a reminder of my name.  And, unlike some other giveaways, they also are going to last a long time.  I still periodically use the emery board from my dad’s re-election campaigns and while they are well worn, they somehow assure me that my dad would be proud of me for stepping up to be a voice for the people like he was.