Campaign Kick-off wrap up and more....

Last Wednesday evenings campaign kick-off was a resounding success and exceeded our wildest expectations! Thank you to all those who helped with the planning and preparation, in particular Artist and neighbor Dawn Kapp who designed the room decor and centerpieces, Paul Sullivan who made the hall arrangements and who, with John's being his 4th judicial campaign, was an endless source of knowledge, advice and inspiration. We also appreciate the contributions of Brendan Kennard, who trained us in some technology used for the event. It takes a big person to admit they need help from a twelve year old! Brendan re-invigorates our confidence in the future of our great country.

Also a shout out to our friends at Peoria.com, who hooked us up with the remarkable entertainer Lamar Harris. Lamar blew everyone away with his talent. I'll never forget my brother, Steve, telling Lamar "It's amazing how you can memorize every one's name," to which Lamar replied "Why, Thank you, Steve". He was amazing!



Last but by no means least a very heartfelt Thank you to our event sponsors. Your generosity made the event possible and your support is truly humbling. It was a enchanted evening made possible by you.

Diane's brother, Joe Gizzi, is the lucky winner of the door prize

Of course, the highlight of the evening was the opportunity for John to address the gathering of our friends and family. We feel he shares a powerful message of commitment and love for a community that he was born and raised in. A community where he chooses to live his life and raise a family- a feat that is no longer quite so simple. John shares a message of commitment to hard work, values and a healthy dose of old fashioned common sense.

He spoke of his desire for a return to the values our country was founded upon. Values at one time held dearly, but that have become lost in a society that is slowly blurring the lines between right and wrong. Values that have always been an integral part of his life, originating even earlier than his Grandparents arrival in Toluca, IL, where his grandfather worked in the coal mines. John expressed his concern about our undeniable descent into an "excuses" society that is slowly eroding the very fabric of human existence.

John places a high value on being a loving nurturing parent, a responsible homeowner, (other than getting behind on the lawn mowing a bit this summer), helping the sick, disabled, the elderly and those down on their luck, the every-day hero who is committed to his community and his calling. Call him old-fashioned, but John still holds those principles dear, and rejects the trend towards an expanding gray area of acceptable behaviors.

As Judge, John will strictly interpret the law and offer every participant a thorough and respectful hearing of their case. He will rule with good judgement, integrity and common sense. He will not legislate from the bench.

John's message had a resoundingly positive reception from the crowd. His childhood friends Chuck, Tim, Dutch and Al all chuckled as he spoke. John's strict adherence to rules is legendary. Having grown up with him, they nodded their heads in acknowledgement as John in a very self deprecating way referenced his rigid code of behavior throughout his adult life. "I act the way my parents taught me to act", he said. A friend or two may have found it troublesome at times, but as we age, the wisdom of such principles becomes increasingly evident. His is a philosophy that, possibly due to the current state of affairs, is slowly returning to society, but for John has never left.

A strong dedication towards one's family, one's country, the constitution, and a responsibility to society to become the very best person we could be is what John Vespa is all about.

Thank you once again to all of our dedicated volunteers, all those who celebrated with us and supported the official kick-off of John's campaign for judge. Thank you to all who have circulated petitions on his behalf. There is still much work to be done, but we are well on our way, and we could not be more pleased with the private and public support we have encountered along the way.

If you would like to volunteer to help the Vespa for Judge campaign, please call Diane at 309-645-8608 or fill out the on-line volunteer form on the campaign website. Your participation can be as simple as walking your street or introducing John to your group or club. We value even the smallest gesture.

Today by 8:30 AM, John will have completed the petition stage of this race. More to come on that later.