E.M. alderman candidate wants people to get involved

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cervantesEast Moline resident Roseann Cervantes and her neighbors wanted to make Garfield Tot Lot into a place where more kids would go and play.So they formed the group Los Amigos de Garfield Park and raised some money. Then they used it to clean the park at 18th Street and 14th Avenue. They also installed benches and painted the equipment.They also organized Halloween activities at the park, which last year drew 300 people. The satisfaction she felt after improving the area has stirred her to run for East Moline’s 6th Ward alderman seat.“We’re all part of East Moline,” Ms. Cervantes said, “If we want to change things, we need to get involved. You’re not going to please everybody. Everybody has a right to their opinion. But if you get together and talk, you can get things done.”She is facing Eugene “Bud” Austin and incumbent Gary Kelley in the Feb. 27 Democratic primary election.Ms. Cervantes said she would get to know her ward and meet with people to see what their priorities are.“Even if we make a dent in some things, it’ll be better than nothing at all.” she said. “If there are decisions going to be made, as taxpayers, we need to be a part of those decisions.”Her background is diverse and Los Amigos de Garfield Park isn’t the only group she’s left her footprint in.For the past 14 years, Ms. Cervantes has been involved in Relay for Life- a group that raises money for the American Cancer Society.She said she decided to join the group after her mother struggled with leukemia and died. Since then other people in her life have died of cancer making her even more devoted to the organization.“My family, friends, it’s all a circle,” Ms. Cervantes said. “They’re very important to me.”Ms. Cervantes also helps out at Viva Quad Cities events, which raise money for student scholarships and she volunteers at the Firecracker Run.

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