It is my privilege and pleasure to endorse Alexa Edwards for St. Clair County Board member for District 14.

I have known Alexa for 30 years and know her to be a very capable and credible candidate. She is a graduate of McKendree University and a successful business owner. Her award-winning manufactured home community has provided her with a valuable leadership perspective. Budgetary issues, investment spending, development and maintenance of roads, water lines and sewers are all handled by Alexa. She continually strives to evaluate what should be done to better serve her residents and community.

Alexa is a 20-year member of the St. Clair County Zoning Board. Her decisions have been fair and guided by the zoning ordinance. She is passionate about zoning that promotes quality, safe, compatible land use that respects the needs of all citizens while protecting the long-term interests of the community.

Alexa is a board member for the Hospice of Southern Illinois. She supports local events and many charities. Alexa is a champion for all residents -- "everyone matters."

She is a selfless problem solver who is respected by the community. She is dedicated, honest, trustworth, and determined to pay it forward if elected. She will reinvest her salary ($19,400) into meaningful projects associated with District 14. She will not sign up for the pension program and believes community service and involvement is a calling and privilege not to be compensated.

I sincerely hope people will vote for her on Nov. 6.

Pamela J. Lashley

Swansea