Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I wish to take a moment to wish Mayor John Rednour of Du Quoin, IL, a happy 78th birthday and to thank him as he prepares to retire after so many great years of public service to his town and Illinois. John Rednour, known to most people as simply Rednour, has served as mayor of Du Quoin since 1989. Public service was his third career. He started work as an ironworker, a member of the United Ironworkers. He worked on projects in St. Louis and in Chicago and served as site superintendent during construction of the U.S. Federal penitentiary in Marion. In 1970 John moved to Du Quoin with his wife Wanda and three kids. In the early 1980s John began his second career when he and some local shareholders took control of the Du Quoin State Bank, converting it into a community bank that served downstate Illinois. Today the bank stands as one of the strongest in our State, and John remains the bank's chairman. But it was John Rednour's work as mayor of Du Quoin that really distinguished his public service. In his 23 years as mayor, he focused on balancing the city's budget and investing in its infrastructure. His legacy to Du Quoin includes construction of the Poplar Street overpass--a major thoroughfare for travel on Highway 51 through southern Illinois--improved water service and the development of an industrial park. He managed to do all of this with a balanced budget, creating new opportunities for his community even in tough times.…”