Illinois
Commentary

The connecting link-rural development

I have lived in the country or a small town all my life. I have been a farmer my entire life and as such have had the opportunity to be an advocate of numerous rural issues. On March 23, 2001 I was appointed to the position of State Director of Rural Development by President Bush and the Secretary of Agriculture.

I see a bright future for rural development and rural America under the Bush administration. There will be many challenges, but I believe there is resolve to address many of the issues facing rural America.

Douglas A. Wilson, Illinois State Director USDA Rural Development

How can we as supporters of rural Illinois act to further development?

I believe that, as in urban areas, rural areas must band together and be their own best advocates, but we must enlist others. While many rural groups, particularly rural electric co-ops, have been successful in raising awareness, many times they run into barriers which are beyond their ability to influence or inform. One key for rural advocates is to work together, speaking with a clear and unified message. The message must be focused and it must be presented to the right people. Legislators are high on the list. Their ability to pass legislation and fund programs are critical, but local support and implementation make or break many efforts.

It appears the new census will show a shift of population from both the city and downstate to a larger suburban population. While this shift is concerning, it also presents an opportunity. Representatives that may have had more urban than rural districts will now have larger districts with more rural areas. They will be more aware of overall population spreads, be learning new constituent concerns, and looking for ways to gain support in their new districts. Community development, business development and cooperative development will give a solid base to work from.

Second, can agriculture and non-agricultural folks get along?

Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois and is a major component of Illinois' economic strength. Electric co-ops deserve credit in helping achieve this. By stepping forward to bring electricity to farms when private industry would not, they assured affordable electricity to rural areas. This helped agriculture gain many advancements that otherwise would not have been possible.

As times have changed so have farms and rural areas. Farms have become technology-based enterprises run with keen business sense. The days of quaint farmsteads are quickly fading. Farming today is a high-capital, high-risk business, regardless of its size. Farmers have had to be adaptive and because of this they have ensured the U.S. a safe and abundant food supply. Farmers must also understand their world stretches far beyond their land. We are dependent on transportation systems, communication (phone and Internet), fire and police protection, water systems, health care, education and rural businesses. We need solid economies in nearby towns to help create off farm employment and stable tax bases.

I believe that USDA Rural Development is a key connecting link between town and farm, and urban and rural communities. It is our mission to assist rural areas in improving their quality of life. Our programs have helped to directly provide housing, sanitary water and sewer systems; essential community facilities such as hospitals, libraries, fire stations, day cares, etc. and helped to develop and grow economy-boosting businesses and industries in rural areas. For many it is the most visible use of federal tax dollars. The opportunity to make a difference has never been greater. Together I know we can make a difference. To find out more about our agency and its programs, please call (217) 403-6200 for more information.

Doug Wilson is a third generation farmer from southwestern Liringston County. Prior to being appointed as State Director, Wilson held leadership roles in a wide variety of organizations including: president of Illinois Corn Growers Association, co-chair of Governor Ryan's Agriculture and Rural Development Transition Team, and clerk of Pike Township in Livingston County.

The opinions and views of guest commentators are their own and may not represent those of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives or the electric co-ops of Illinois.

4    ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING NOVEMBER 2001