By Tim Dempsey

 

 

President Diana Taylor opened the meeting, Dave Ritland led us in the pledge, Greeter Pat Hart gave a prayer and Dennis Kratohwil led us in a strange combination of “We are Rotary” and “Inagadavida”. Not sure of the connection.

 

-Tom Miller’s first daughter had her second child and his second daughter had her first child 3 days later, Tom’s first grandson.

 

-October Board meeting is 10/9 at Chili U at 5:30pm. All are welcome.

 

-10/31 is the fifth Wednesday of the month so there will be no morning meeting.   The Mittelmans are hosting a Halloween party the night before on 10/30. Details to follow.

 

-Highway cleanup is Saturday morning 10/6 at 7 am at Sunset Foods.

 

-Youth and Family Services has a gala coming up. Raffle tickets end event tickets are available from Pat Schwartz.

 

-Pumpkin Fest is 10/20 in Downtown Libertyville. Volunteers needed. Signup sheet next week.

 

Ron Lapins entertained us with the “Name Game”.

 

Today’s speaker was Douglas Bennett, Candidate for the 10^th Congressional District. Doug began by asking the question: “Is Washington broken?” He believes that government can reach consensus on any issue by identifying stake holders and what they want. The solution cannot be perfect and each stakeholder must be willing to compromise.  We don’t reward candidates for courage and honesty.

 

Doug took us through an exercise on the immigration issue. His view is that most immigrants are Mexican. Many are here illegally. They undercut groups for jobs and wages such as African Americans. They don’t always pay taxes or for services. Employers look the other way because they are looking for low cost labor. Other groups such as those from China and India need H1b visas and have to wait in line for 10 years or more. Stakeholders each have a different view.

 

The DACA program allows “Dreamers” to stay if they came to the US as children. If we enforce immigration laws, families can be split up if we allow the Dreamers to stay. We have to solve the whole problem. We have to secure the border and prevent some from gaming the system. The US is a haven. Not everyone coming here is economically driven.

We can bring stake holders together if each is willing to live with their decision. If everyone wants to win under last year’s rules they don’t want change. We voters must reward courage and honesty.

 

Daily: $18 won by John McDonald.

Progressive: $634 (31 cards). Ron Lapins drew the King of Hearts. Rollover!

 

Greeter & Prayer: Jeff Harger

 

Fun & Frolics & Bingo: Seb Karasu

 

Program: Libertyville Fire Chief Rich Carani

 

“The only competition worthy of a wise man is with himself”. - Washington Allston