Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for August 15, 2006 BARACK OBAMA VISITS CAIRO...

...but, who knew?

From the Southern Illinoisan...the following day!

Obama makes several stops in Southern Illinois

BY NICOLE SACK, THE SOUTHERN

CAIRO - Being instrumental in bringing nearly two dozen jobs to the struggling town of Cairo was one of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's recent victories for Southern Illinois - but he admits there is a long road of economic recovery ahead for the region.

Obama, D-Chicago, joined local officials Monday morning to announce a biodiesel venture between Bunge North America, Inc., with the Renewable Energy Group, Inc., which will be based in Cairo and bring 20 new jobs as well as create auxiliary economic stimulation.

"We need to begin taking the kind of steps that are necessary for energy independence," Obama said at the press conference. "This plant in Cairo is a representation of this effort. It will also generate jobs that are critically important."

During the first leg of a two-day driving tour of southern and southeastern Illinois that will culminate in Springfield on Wednesday, Obama was able to get a firsthand look at the part of the state that is often left in the shadows of Chicago's skyscrapers. Besides the thriving crops that have been bolstered by rainforest-like weather of late summer, Obama said there are some aspects of the region that are wilting.

"Obviously, economically we still have work to do," Obama said. "There aren't enough jobs and too many people are struggling."

It is not uncommon to hear people in Southern Illinois discuss a feeling of inequity with the rest of the state, with so much emphasis and money focused on the northern portion of Illinois, especially on the city by the lake. Obama said he is the senator of all of Illinois and his decisions reflect that.

"Most of the issues that help Chicago help the rest of Illinois and vice versa. People are concerned about many of the same issues," Obama said, but added, "Downstate Illinois is somewhat unique because rural communities generally have had a tougher time as the economy shifts. Agriculture has gotten more productive, but that also means there are fewer agricultural jobs.

"You have manufacturing plants that a lot of towns have been dependent on, have downsized - that even if they are still sticking around - the number of economic opportunities are fewer."

And it's not just opening businesses and the sound of time clocks punching cards that will bring success. Obama said it all begins with infrastructure.

It means making sure each part of the state has the roadways and transportation lines to move both people and goods.

It means having the Broadband and cellular access to share information and to keep people connected.

It means having first class schools that will attract to companies and their employees, as well as offer a competitive education for future generations of citizens

"It would allow companies that would want to locate in Illinois to take a look at downstate and not just Chicago or the suburban areas and spread the wealth around a little bit," he said.

Reforming the school systems is one theme that Obama recently returned to - and in many ways it is one similarity that rural communities may share with residents in urban centers.

"There are some similarities. The rural tax base has declined. That means a lot of school districts are hurting in the same way that many inner-city school districts are hurting," he said. "That means that you don't have the same budgets, you don't have the same facilities, it's harder to hang onto good teachers.

"Sometimes kids in rural communities - because they can't see the direct connection between what they are learning in schools and their futures - a lot of them don't take school as seriously as they could. They are not given as much encouragement as they could and their expectations are not raised as high as they could be.

"The first thing rural communities need is more financial assistance and reforms are needed in rural communities as well as the rest the state."

A related story from the WPSD TV Channel 6 website...

IL: Biodiesel Fuel Plant To Help Rebuild Struggling Economy

Gerran Thomas,
WPSD NewsChannel 6

When it comes to new jobs, it's like real estate...what matters is location, location, location. Twenty new jobs are coming to Cairo, Illinois with word that a new Biodiesel fuel plant is being built near the Mississippi River. Cairo's access to the river, a good rail system and nearby interstates lead to the decision. And the help comes just in time for a city facing tough times.

"This is the shot in the arm this community is in need of and has been in need of and it's a reality now," says Mayor Paul Farris. He is pinning Cairo's economic dreams on 8 acres of land on the south side of town. It's right next to where Bungee turns 41 million bushels of soybeans into soy oil every year. Right now, the company has 86 employees. The new Biodiesel plant will add about 20 more in the next year.

For more than 30 years Bungee's Cairo plant has been used for exporting, so all the soy oil that's created is sent to places like the Gulf Coast. The new Biodiesel plant will change that because a renewable energy helps everyone, around the world and right here at home. "With these high price of gas and people working on minimum wage they can't afford it," says Harry Armstrong. Armstrong just paid 24 dollars to put 7 gallons of regular gas in his Dodge Caravan. He hopes Biodiesel fuel provides some relief to the pumped up prices.

Ali Abukhdair owns several gas stations around town, and even had to close one due to lack of business. He says finding local jobs in town is crucial to the city's success. "Most people go to work they have to go out of town to Cape, Paducah or Sikeston because there is nothing going on in this town."

One thing's for sure, change is on the way for Cairo, Illinois.