SE Illinois News

People of faith are taking action when it comes to elections in the United States, and the chairwoman of the Hardin County Republican Party hopes to see that trend continue in 2017.

“We're just on the heels of this wonderful, miraculous sweep, and we're just hoping to continue the same," Hardin County Republican Party Chairwoman Rhonda Belford told the Southeast Illinois News. "We're looking for good, like-minded folks who want to move their communities forward."

As Hardin County prepares for the municipal races, Belford said they are seeing a lot of enthusiasm from Christians, and she hopes to see that trend continue in 2017.

“It's energizing that people are ready to stand up for what they believe first and foremost. With municipal races, we are not supposed to be partisan, so we are looking for people of faith, and we are seeing that,” Belford said. “We have seen such a crumbling, mostly because they have taken Christ and prayer out of our school system. Most of the people will say they prayed like no other time for the right thing to be done (in this election).”

Belford had the chance to see the enthusiasm for the candidate who promised to protect religious freedom firsthand. She said she happened to be vacationing in Panama City Beach, Florida when she learned there would be a Donald Trump rally there that night. She said she can attest that there were 20,000 people at that rally. The woman next to her said she just wanted to see for herself if it was true how many people were coming to his rallies and saw that it was. Prior to the rally, a prayer was said, and at the end, 20,000 people said “Amen,” Belford said, adding that it was like a wave through the crowd. She hopes to see that wave continue.

“These GOP leaders are energized, and they are going to continue to be that way and see people of faith stepping up," Belford said. "They will be encouraging them to step up no matter which side of the aisle, and they're going to take their communities back. They are not afraid to do that,” Belford said.

This election has given people a sense of hope and really has got people talking, Belford said.

Fluorspar mining had been an important industry in Hardin County, flourishing in the 1970s and '80s. Fluorspar is the commercial name for the mineral fluorite, which is used to produce aluminum, Teflon, fire-retardant clothing and batteries. The mines began closing when it became easier to import it from China, and that devastated Hardin County, she said. The industry had employed up to 6,000 people at times.

Trump has discussed helping mining industries and re-evaluating trade agreements -- something that gives Belford hope for Hardin County's future.

“Donald Trump really struck a cord on so many levels and gave hope on so many levels,” she said. “I think if changes are made, it would boost fluorspar mining here again.”

The new year is looking positive, with a lot of good candidates stepping up in Hardin County for the local 2017 elections. Belford said there are a lot of important issues that need to be addressed, such as jobs, education and health care.