Rock Island Today

Coming to the end of what he believes to be four successful years, South Moline Township Supervisor Tracy Best has launched a campaign for re-election on April 5.

Best was elected as supervisor in 2013. Prior to taking that position, he served as road commissioner for 16 years.

When elected as supervisor, his goal was to take the surplus left by the past supervisor, Rose Verstraete, and use it to lower taxes for citizens.

“One of the things we’ve accomplished was we lowered the tax levy over the last four years by 11 percent,” Best told Rock Island Today.

Additionally, he was able to help with bridge and road resurfacing on top of lowering the taxes. With the help of the Road Maintenance Department, the team was able to resurface over 10 percent of South Moline’s roads.

Best is also proud of the work he’s been able to do with senior citizens and needy youth.

“I enjoy getting out and meeting the youth and seniors and making improvements,” he said.

Part of Best’s focus the last four years has been continuing and growing South Moline Township’s many youth programs.  

The LensCrafter’s Eye Glass Program gives students who wouldn’t normally have access to vision care an opportunity to get glasses.

There is also a voucher system to get the students shoes and clothing and a School Backpack Program. Best and the trustees meet representatives from South Moline’s 10 schools to help identify students who may be in need. On the first day of school, two boys and two girls in each grade receive backpacks full of school supplies. Last year, they were able to hand out 100 backpacks.

Best worked to improve and repair the senior center. They resurfaced the parking lot, fixed the roof and replaced the doors, making the center safer for its attendees.

He also met with the seniors to ask them what activities they would like to do. They’ve been able to provide the seniors with Bingo, parties and raffles among other various activities.

“The tax dollars are limited but every little bit helps,” Best said.

He continued to say that although the center is small, the seniors enjoy having access to it.

Best is happy with the path the township is on and, if re-elected, said he would like to build on the progress of the last four years.

“The goal would be, with the limited funding, to continue finding these programs for needy youth and the senior center,” Best said.

He also vows to try and continue keeping the tax levy lowered.