Kankakee Times

“Bring Back Bourbonnais,” a Republican group dedicated to strengthening the GOP’s presence at the local level, recently expanded its outreach with a post on its Facebook page, summarizing its accomplishments and looking toward future goals.

“Two short years ago, you voted for new representation in Bourbonnais,” the organization stated via Facebook. “On day one your new team required the board to abide by the Open Meetings Act, which created a more transparent government in Bourbonnais.”

Bring Back Bourbonnais listed the coming of a new village administrator and a recent town hall meeting as positive changes and avenues for communication. The group also announced plans for its next event, a Chocolate Tour scheduled for Feb. 4, aimed at generating financial support for a popular local skate park.

“We appreciate your vote and more importantly, we appreciate your partnership,” group spokespersons said via Facebook. “Together we move Bourbonnais forward. Will you help us to continue the momentum we started together two years ago?”

Bring Back Bourbonnais took the opportunity to endorse four candidates vying for office in the April 4 election, urging voters to choose Brad Arthur, Chris Deschand, and Mike Zenz for trustee positions; and Jeff Keast as Bourbonnais mayor.

Keast, a lifelong Kankakee County dweller, has been a Bourbonnais trustee since 2015. He oversees the Parks and Recreation Committee as its chair, additionally serving on five other committees; owns Keast Electric as a union electrical contractor; and belongs to the National Electrical Contractors Association.

The Bring Back Bourbonnais group said that it represents honest government, community participation, business growth, new business and tax reduction.

“The most important thing you will do on April 4th is vote,” the post reminded constituents. “Your vote … will insure (sic) that this momentum continues.”