CITY OF QUINCY

CITY HALL - - 730 MAINE

KYLE A. MOORE QUINCY, IL 62301-4056
MAYOR (217) 228-4545

January 3, 2018

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Kyle Moore
217-228-4545
mayor@quincyil.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAYOR MOORE ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY EFFORT TO SUPPORT ILLINOIS VETERANS HOME AT

QUINCY

QUINCY, IL –

Surrounded by a bi-partisan group of current and former elected officials, veterans, and concerned citizens, Mayor Kyle
Moore updated the community on an effort that has been underway for the last few weeks to give additional support to the
Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy.

Mayor Moore said a steering committee met for the first time on December 15 to address the issues surrounding the facility
that have taken place over the last two years.

“We were very concerned when a number of well-intentioned elected officials and candidates for office began calling for the
closure of the Quincy Veterans Home after lawsuits were filed in response to the Legionella outbreak,” Moore said. “I want
to thank those public servants, especially those on the Veterans Affairs Committees, who are trying to help us
get to the bottom of what has happened. We know the Home is doing everything it can to eradicate the bacteria and everyone
involved is working together to find the best possible outcome.”

“We know the state is not hiding from this, but is doing everything they can to stop further outbreaks,” Moore continued.
“The Quincy Veterans Home has over 131 years of experience in caring for our veterans, providing them with 210 acres in a
park-like setting to live out their days with the respect and dignity they deserve. Over 500 employees dedicate their lives to
taking care of our veterans and have enormous pride in the quality of care they deliver. Our committee’s goal is to work with
the Quincy Veterans Home to tell their story, to support the staff who provide quality care to the veterans who call this their
home.”

Mayor Moore announced the members of the steering committee were: State Senator Jil Tracy, State Representative Randy
Frese, IDES Director Jeff Mays, Former State Representative Mike McClain, Former Mayor C. David Nuessen, Former
Mayor Chuck Scholz, and GREDF President Marcel Wagner.

“I am committed to the best possible care for our veterans and I am working with all the stakeholders to ensure that the issues
surrounding the Legionella virus at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois are resolved.

The Illinois Veterans Home is the exact type of high-quality residence our veterans deserve. It has a 132-year history of
providing the care, compassion, and camaraderie that veterans seek and I would not hesitate for a moment to have a member
of my family retire or convalesce there. I have met with Illinois Veterans Home residents, staff, and representatives from the
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. I am confident that the recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control
are being followed. It is my belief that with the implementation of a comprehensive water management plan and the
construction of the new water management plant the problem has been resolved.

It is imperative that we remain vigilant, continue to adequately supervise the overall living conditions in the facility, and
ensure that we put the health of our veterans before all other considerations in this matter. True leaders can put politics aside
when problems like this arise. Further politicization of the issue is self-serving and just plain morally wrong. We must work
together to take care of the people who have served our nation.” Sen. Jil Tracy (R-47)
 CITY OF QUINCY
CITY HALL - - 730 MAINE
KYLE A. MOORE QUINCY, IL 62301-4056
MAYOR (217) 228-4545

Representative Randy Frese (R-94) spoke at the press conference stating, “Regarding the special hearing being called by
Chairpersons Senator Thomas Cullerton and Representative Linda Chapa LaVia, I stand in full support of their desire to have
a complete audit of events pertaining to the Legionella issue at the Illinois Veterans Home-Quincy. The staff and
administration currently serving at the Quincy facility have my complete confidence. Over the past two and a half years, the
amount of effort extended and resources dedicated towards the care of veterans at the home is to be commended. It is my
belief that the special hearing set for January 9, 2018 will present a positive look into those efforts…and may provide an
opportunity to enhance even further the quality of service that the Quincy Veterans' Home provides to future generations of
veterans and their families.”

Former Quincy Mayor Chuck Scholz highlighted that this is an ongoing effort that would span many months, if not years.

“We want this group to not just be focused on caring for our veterans today, but how the Illinois Veterans Home at Quincy
can evolve to be prepared to take care of the next generation of veterans that will need care at the home,” Scholz said.

Mayor Moore also announced a sub-committee has been formed with the task of promoting the positive impact the Quincy
Veterans Home has on the region. They are: Brandy Blickhan-Ridder, Raquel Piazza, Bob Gough, Hap Northern (Former
Vet’s Home Administrator), Ron Frillman (Former Vet’s Home Administrator), Michael Hutmacher (Former Vet’s home
Administrator), Jeffrey Conte (City of Quincy), Roger Schwengel (Friends of the Illinois Veterans Home), and Lynn
Niewohner (Quincy Senior Center).

Both groups have been meeting since December 15th and will continue to meet on a regular basis to ensure the Illinois
Veterans Home at Quincy continues to be a place where veterans receive the care they have earned.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Vicki Ebbing
217-228-4545
vebbing @quincyil.gov