Scholar Jessica on Drama
McLean County Diversity Project c/o Jeffrey A. Schwartz PO Box 58 Downs, IL 61736
McLean County Clerk
All content is ©Copyright 2010 McLean County Diversity Project
One "special project" underway was designed by McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael. Here is Kathy's description of that project.
When I proudly took the oath of office as McLean County Clerk December 1st, there were two projects I knew I wanted to begin on Day One.
First: community outreach to high school and college students in an effort to more involve, to develop a higher and genuine level of interest - not to mention - active participation, in the election process regardless of party affiliation.
Second: special needs outreach focusing on voters challenged by special considerations; their concerns, their input and their rights.
I am compelled to better understand how to make the election process in McLean County entirely accessible to each and every registered voter.
I am compelled to equal and unchallenged opportunity for all registered voters in the exercise of their constitutional right at the ballot box.
Period.
I soon found out that being a brand new County Clerk, brought much to learn and little time before our April 5th consolidated election.
My first full-blown election!
I was afraid I’d have to put my two important projects on the back-burner. And then I ran into my old friend, Jeff Schwartz.
We've worked on a few projects together over the years, but I'd not sat down and visited with my good friend in a while.
When we did, Jeff asked, “Have you ever thought about having a scholar from the McLean County Diversity Project work with your office? Perhaps help you achieve some of your goals?”
Don’t you just love coincidence? I do!
I told Jeff, “I've a tall order. I need a student who cares about the voting rights of those with special needs as well as, concerned about community outreach and getting students more involved in the election process.”
Jeff replied, “I’ve got just the young man for you. His name is Tarush.”
Jeff was right. Tarush fits the bill to a "T".
And so our 'Special Needs Voter Outreach Program' and 'Student Voter Outreach Program' were launched. Both programs are original efforts to improve communications and collaboration between the Office of the McLean County Clerk and the citizens of McLean County.
The industry driving the mechanics of the McLean County Clerk’s office is, very community intensive.
Whether coordinating an election, preparing tax levies for school and/or fire districts or archiving vital records for citizens: the McLean County Clerk's office works with people throughout the community to get the job done. Through genuine cooperation and communication, my office intends to maximize efficiencies and satisfaction. Nothing less.
Tarush is a God-send to our efforts.
By the way: in addition to working for the McLean County Clerk’s office, Tarush is also busy with that high school senior “Rite of Spring” – applying for colleges.
”I want to major in biology and political science,” Tarush says. “My ultimate goal is to become a successful physician.” A love of reading and learning “... especially in the areas of science, technology and history” - is what interests Tarush the most.
Our McLean County high schools are full of exceptionally motivated young people. The McLean County Clerk’s office is lucky to have one of them: Normal Community High School Senior Tarush.
Call it coincidence or call it fate: whatever you call it, the McLean County Clerk’s office, is honored that the McLean County Diversity Project provided a timely and wonderful opportunity for us to move forward.
I think it’s a great “fit” for McLean County citizens.
In fact and as I type: Tarush is busy gathering facts for my office as a result of his listening to citizens throughout McLean County share their thoughts, their needs and their dreams.
I am so very grateful to have this opportunity, this moment in time, to serve you the citizens of McLean County.
