Fanning is new commissioner

On Wednesday, August 13, 2014 a swearing-in ceremony was held for the new Morgan County Commissioner. Ginny Fanning was sworn in to replace the late Dick Rawlings, who passed away earlier last month. Fanning will serve in the position until the November general election and then run against Democratic candidate Bob Large for the four remaining years of Rawlings’ six-year term. 

Fanning grew up in Sangamon County’s small town of Divernon, Illinois before moving to Jacksonville to attend Illinois College. Following her college graduation, Fanning taught school in Arenzville for more than five years. “I feel like the teaching helped me learn a lot of organizational skills,” stated Fanning. 

Following Fanning’s stint in teaching, she served as a partner in a business that was ran out of her home. In that process, she was tasked with daily paperwork, payroll and accounting. Fanning then went on to work for a newspaper, which gave her a greater understanding of media. Most recently, Fanning has been working for the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, currently holding the title of executive director. 

“The last thirteen years that I have been with the Chamber of Commerce has provided me with so many opportunities. I have been able to work in the community, learn more about our area and establish working relationships with our legislators at the state level and the national level,” added Fanning.

Although this is Fanning’s first time holding a political office, she trusts her diverse professional background will serve her well. “I believe who we are as a person now is certainly directly associated with where we came from.” Fanning continued, “I think my past has led me right here. The culmination of all my experiences has brought me to this point of being a Morgan County Commissioner.” 

The Morgan County Commissioners are a group of elected officials. In addition to Fanning, the three member board consists of Chairman Bradley Zeller and Vice Chairman Bill Meier. According to the county’s website (morgancounty-il.com) the commission acts as the executive of the local government, overseeing the Morgan County Courthouse. The commission is in charge of levying local taxes, administering county governmental services (such as prisons and courts) public health oversight, property registration, building code enforcement, and public works (such as road maintenance). Fanning admits she still has a great deal to learn about her new position, but is eager to begin. 

“We have a wonderful department, with a lot of terrific elected officials who are running an efficient program. Hopefully, we can continue to work together and provide opportunities for new ideas to be created. I’m looking forward to delving into the position and seeing what all we can do to better serve the community,” Fanning said. 

Fanning resides in Jacksonville. She is the mother of two grown children, and is anxiously awaiting the birth of her first grandchild in January. “I am very blessed with wonderful children, a terrific family, and fantastic friends,” shared Fanning. “I’m so excited and extremely honored to serve as Morgan County commissioner.”

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About the author

Kelsey Schutz hails from White Hall and is an adventure junkie. Traveling (46 countries and counting), practical joking, and spending time on her family’s farm are among her passions.

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