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James E. Bohnsack, Chairman
Rock Island County
Jim is a lifelong Rock Island County resident, growing up in Andalusia. He and his wife Joyce of 42 years continue to reside in Andalusia where they farm the ground their children were raised on. Children Joel, Jill and Jay also live in the area with their families.
Jim was elected to the Rock Island County Board in 1992 to represent the citizens of the 24th District. He has served on various committee's of the board and chaired the Finance & Economic Development Committee, Legislative Committee, and Budget Committee.
He retired from John Deere Product Development in 2000 and took over as Chief Executive Officer for Mississippi Laser for a period of two years. Jim then pursued the position of County Board Chairman. He was elected to this position by the Board Members in December 2002 and was relected to a third term. Jim has served as a Director of the Rock Island County Fair Board and is a past president. He was appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich to the State Fair Advisory Board in 2002.
Under Jim's leadership the past five years, Rock Island County has made great strides in increasing it's presence in economic development opportunities. Additionally, the County has been pursuing other revenue increasing options such as handling police and zoning services for communities within the County and the completion of a cost study to ensure accurate fees for services rendered. Rock Island County continues to be proactive in disaster preparedness and employee recognition programs. The first ever County Employee Picnic was in August 2004 at Niabi Zoo where the event has become an annual affair.
Other programs implemented during Jim's term as County Board Chairman include an evaluation program for non-union employees, relocation of the County's human resource departments and a greatly enhanced web site. A joint animal control facility for the County and cities of Rock Island and Moline are complete. This $1.6 million project includes geothermal services. It provides low cost clinic services as well as adoption of stray pets. Capital improvements were recently completed at the County's Nursing Home to allow for an Alzheimer's Unit to better serve the community. Currently in the design phase is a new $20 million Nursing Home which will replace the 100 year structure. The Rock Island County Board remains committed to the care of their elederly and infirmed residents.
Under Jim's leadership, the committee's of the Board have undertaken a great number of projects. The employees recognize their importance to the services provided. All departments of the County are working as teams to complete the objectives. Annual goal setting sessions are held in January and attended by all county board members, elected officials and department heads.
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