The Mike Bertelsen Project

On Saturday, June 27, the Rock Island Republican Central Committee held their upper Rock Island County event at the Civic Center in Cordova. This is the second year for this and it was a great time. Bobby Schilling, candidate for the U.S. House was there and spoke about getting the 17th District back to a more stable foundation to keep and provide jobs. State Representative Jerry Mitchell from Dixon adressed the gathering and mentioned that the state legislature goes back to Springfield to hopefully get the capital plan in place. The Democrats are holding it up since Governor Quinn decided to take on House Speaker Madigan, at the expense of much needed projects around the state.

Eric Wallace announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. I like Eric. we first met at the Illinois State GOP Convention in Decatur last year. I extended my support and I hope you do too.

The event was hosted by Rich and Betsy Morthland. Rich is a member of the Rock Island County Board, having won his seat last year. I thank them for their hospitality and friendship.

Pictures: left, Rich Morthaland and Johnathan Wallace; center, Me and Bobby Schilling; right, State Representative Jerry Mitchell

Illinois City was the palce for the meet and greet sponsored by the Rock Island County Republicans. A big thank you to Susie Carpentier, Rock Island County GOP chairman and Bernie Thiergart, vice-chairman. The attendance was very good with about 80 people from lower Rock Island County and upper Mercer County.

State Senator Dale Righter from Mattoon was there on my behalf. Dale talked about the fiscal problems of Illinois and the results we need to show taxpayers. I talked about the need for a sunshine provision for the proposed budget BEFORE it is voted on by the state legislature and no more lump-sum appropiations in the budget so the money spent can be tracked easier.

Pictures:

Top: Jane Chandler, myself and Susie Carpentier
Next down: Don Richhart, a Freedom Rider from Moline
After that: Myself and State Senator Dale Righter, 55th District
Bottom: John McCutchan, myself and Kevin McCutchan sons of Mike and Kim McCutchan from rurul Aledo

On Saturday the 27th the local chapter of the Illinois Federation of Republican Women held their meet the candidate event at the Rock Island County Republican headquarters in Moline.

This was a statewide event with emphasis on supporting Republican candidates throughout Illinois.
I was very pleased to be part of this important event. Candidates in attendance were myself, U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Steve Sauerberg, Lawrence Bruckner, 71st State Rep candidate and Rich Morthland, Rock Island County Board, District 1 candidate.

I spoke about the need for better accountability and transparency in state government. I am for no "lump-sum" appropriating in the state budget. Also a "sunshine provision" for the proposed state budget of 15 days before the legislature votes on it. We have to get back to the fundamentals of good government in Illinois and by doing so we will save taxpayers money.

Pictures: top, myself, Steve Sauerberg and Rich Morthland
bottom, me speaking on the importance of good government

The Rock Island County Republican Central Committee held their annual bar-b-q on Thursday, August 21st at Indian Bluff Golf Course and Forest Preserve. The event was well attended and I saw mant familiar faces as well as meeting new friends and supporters. The Rock Island County Republicans have been working very hard and the entire committee has been very helpful to me and the campaign. The food was excellent, provided by Famous Dave's. A big thanks to all who attended and helped with the event! News Channel 8 was there providing coverage and I, along with Steve and Rock Island GOP Chairman Susie Carpentier were interviewed.

The special guest was Dr. Steve Sauerberg, M.D., Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate. I had met Steve before as he spoke at the Mercer County Lincoln Dinner on May 10th. Steve is big now on energy and he had a press conference that day addressing that issue.

I spoke and I was really fond of the response. The message is change and folks need to tell the ballot that very thing on November 4th.

The pictures are from top to bottom:

Dr. C. Edgar Crockett, ph.D., Professor of Music at Blackhawk College and the band providing some great light jazz.

Brent, Samantha and Carrie Titus on yard sign detail.

Myself and Dr. Sauerberg take a moment to greet one another.

Myself and Matt Larson talk about the issues in the state senate race.