There is much we have accomplished during the past four years, but there is still important work to be done. My service in the Congress has been guided by several basic principles which continue to frame my work on behalf of our citizens here at home:

Veterans Health Care — Saving our North Chicago VA Hospital – twice threatened with closure – I am proud that the VA/Navy sharing agreement is now a model for combining veterans and active duty health care services.

Economic Development — One of my greatest priorities here at home is the revitalization and rebirth of Waukegan and North Chicago. We have secured millions in federal funds for both economic development and environmental cleanup – but there is still much more work to be done as we oversee a Renaissance of these lakeshore communities.

Education Excellence — As a former school teacher, I know kids come first. We have a tradition of education excellence in this district. Our children deserve safe, drug-free schools with world-class teachers.

Illegal Drugs — Our children face a growing threat from so-called “club drugs” like Ecstasy. We must better educate ourselves and our children about the dangers of these and all illegal drugs and also work to prevent them from entering our schools.

Environmental Protection — Lake Michigan, our lake, a source of beauty, recreation, and commerce faces several environmental challenges. I have introduced the “Mercury Pollution Reduction Act,” calling for no new source permits for mercury and co-sponsored the “Great Lakes Restoration Act” that will provide funding to clean up hot spots and reduce pollution in the Great Lakes.

Transportation Upgrades — To live in our communities is to be stuck in traffic. We must upgrade our transit and highway infrastructures. Working with Speaker Hastert, I will continue to fight for highway and transit funds to relieve congestion, preserve our quality of life, and protect our environment.

I would like to share with you a story about how government is not always the answer. Often government moves too slow to confront serious problems in our neighborhoods. And sometimes being a good congressman means thinking outside the box.

Last spring we witnessed the senseless murders of two 16-year-old North Chicago boys. Shocked by their deaths, I asked community leaders what could be done to break the cycle of violence. We learned that there were few activities for young men after school. When an evening basketball facility was suggested, I approached Jerry Reinsdorf and the Chicago Bulls seeking their help with this problem. The Chicago Bulls agreed to build a first class basketball facility in North Chicago to serve nearly 4,000 young people.

Late last summer, I joined Jerry Reinsdorf as we cut the ribbon on those world class basketball courts open today - a timeline the government could not match.

My work in Washington and at home continues as we tackle many important issues facing our nation and our families here in the 10th District. I invite you to explore the issues section of my Web site and share with me any questions you may have that relate to the federal government. MarkKirk@kirkforcongress.com

Thank you for your continued support and also for the honor of representing you in Washington.