Rock Island Today

Jeffery Orton is seeking to practice what he’s always preached in his run for re-election to the Henry County Board.

As a retired history teacher, Orton always stressed to his students the need for public service from everyone in a democratic society.

“The responsibility of giving something back is a job every citizen should have,” Orton previously told Rock Island Today. “I’m concerned about the financial situation of this county. I’m trying to leave things in a better position than when I came on board, which is a great challenge given the current economy of Western Illinois.”

More recently, the 64-year-old Orton told the Dispatch-Argus he is also increasingly concerned with Henry County’s dwindling population, adding that he sees a lack of opportunities for young people and an overall fledging state of the economy as the primary reasons for the bubbling exodus.   

Orton is also convinced his malleability as a candidate and policy-maker make him the best option for the county, he said.

“We have to have less regulations if we’re going to attract more businesses,” he said. “No one likes to pay taxes. At the same time, I’m a former teacher, and I know that the school system is able to operate from taxes being paid. So, I just can’t say that all taxes are bad.”

At the same time, Orton is also a strong proponent of responsible government and fiscal responsibility, he said. Orton is also on record stating that major change is needed in Springfield and the only way for that to come about is with a change in leadership.

Mostly comprised of rolling farmland and agricultural cultivation, Henry County is nestled in Northwestern Illinois and is widely known for its corn, soybean and cattle production.

Orton resides in Geneseo with his wife, Mary and their children, Adam and Rachel.