McLean County Board Member Chuck Erickson has announced he will present a plan to reopen McLean County at Tuesday‘s board meeting.
Erickson will seek to amend the original resolution he presented to county administration on Monday and will attempt to pass the Restore Heart of Illinois (HOI) plan, starting May 29, the first day the Governor’s plan allows all regions to move into Phase 3. In essence, we will only be one phase ahead of the rest of the state. He was made aware of the HOI plan after his original resolution was submitted.
Local elected officials, including several county board members, have indicated that they support the HOI plan in principle. During an Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, members Josh Barnett, Bill Caisley, Catherine Metsker and Jim Soeldner voted in favor of Chairman John McIntyre lending his support to the to the HOI plan.
“My top priority is doing what‘s right by McLean County residents,” said Erickson. “Since the HOI plan is already understood and has broad support, it likely has the best chance to pass the county board. My goal is to pass something and give small businesses in McLean County a fighting chance.”
The HOI plan as presented by Erickson is an alternative means of reopening McLean County if Governor Pritzker does not approve the plan. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis has also said Peoria will continue to move forward with the HOI plan with or without Governor Pritzker’s approval.
“Families and small businesses in McLean County can’t afford to go much longer with little or no income,” said Erickson. “Our residents have acted responsibly. We have flattened the curve. Hospitalizations have been kept low. The time to act is now.”
