Candidates pledge to improve river

This weekend Mahomet will celebrate the Sangamon River with its annual Music Fest, giving the community an opportunity to focus attention on our somewhat neglected river. The village is both fortunate and unique within Champaign County and other central Illinois cities to have a significant navigable river running through the middle of town. Moreover, the river features prominently in the village's logo. Yet, the Sangamon River is a treasure that has become neglected.

As a candidate for the Champaign County Board from District 1, I believe the Sangamon should be the star of Mahomet and of Champaign County. But in its current state, fallen trees block easy navigability to canoeists and kayakers, trash and other debris litters its banks and channels and access points and parking areas are poorly developed. Plus, there is only limited information about river access available to those who might want to enjoy its beauty.