Danville Dec 1,
2020 @ City Council ~ Resignation:
Rickey Williams Jr.
Mayor City of Danville, Illinois
Dear Mayor,
This year of the pandemic
has been very difficult for you and all our citizens. While my
health is very good, I am at higher risk having been treated for
cancer (now in remission for five plus years) at my age of
eighty plus. Still, I and my wife are apparently susceptible to
contracting the virus. Obviously the less exposure the better.
The need for a minimum of three meetings monthly and more for
the City Council is considerable. Even though we have gone to
online meetings they are still [and I fear for some time to
come] taxing and cumbersome. The preparation, emails, phone
calls, and correspondences requires a great deal of my time each
week. I have been involved in State, County, City business and
organizations for more than thirty-five years, serving on many
boards and commissions as a member, including Presidents or
Chairman.
It is my sincere desire
that I continue to be involved in our community, perhaps
requiring less time. Meetings of one per month and perhaps one
additional quarterly like the Governmental-VA group I was in
would be acceptable. In addition to my proposed limited time
reductions I also am writing a book for some time; I want to
complete it as a goal and devote more attention to my many
international study groups sharing my common interests; while I
still have time to do so.
As I mentioned to you
previously, I consider running for Alderman would consume much
time and create some potential health risks (in cold weather) as
well. Just to gather my petitions needed going door to door in
November, and further campaigning Winter into Spring is
questionable. People [because of the virus] are uneasy about
even opening their doors, let alone to chat or sign and handle
petitions on a clip-board. So, elected offices are out of
my probabilities as I would need to be appointed only
to any future public services
I believe my resignation
prior to finishing my term’s ending (May 4th, 2021)
is wise, more helpful to the City and my constituents; allowing
you to appoint a replacement in December. This would be an
advantage to all for the experience gained in the months prior
to May’s normal swearing in.
Therefore, I respectfully
tender my resignation as of the end of this year, December 31st,
2020. Which in so doing allows you time to appoint my
replacement in the December Council meeting of Tues December 15th
2020. December has five weeks, so two full weeks can be
used to help acclimate and prepare your appointee, reading
various manuals, visiting Divisions and Directors etc. (I would
also be pleased to meet with your appointee over the holidays if
desired for some coaching). The first meeting and swearing in
could then occur seamlessly, on January 5th, 2021, or
on Dec 15th effective Jan 1, 2021 and my replacement
will officially take office then.
Respectfully,
Stephen E Foster, Alderman
Ward 7, Chairman Public Services
Danville Fall 2020
I was
elected in the spring of 1993.
In 2021 I will complete my 28th year on the City Council, God
willing, but our futures are unknown. The
Pandemic is has brought difficult times to our city's people and
many business have suffered, some will be not survive. A great
loss to all of us. The City has established means to continue
functioning via Tele-conferencing and Uber-Zoom type internet
online meetings. We hope to be able to reopen all our Council
meetings for the public in the Council Chambers soon. I
personally greatly appreciative the understanding and
cooperation of all my continuants and friends, your calls and
emails keep us closer. Danville is a special place and our
people are survivors. These are troubling times, but like all
times, war times to peace time, bad times in life's great cycles
will soon be good times again, change is the only certainly and
it's just around to corner for all of us. I wish you all the
best. SEF
Danville March
2017
I thank all of you for the support in the recent election. I
will do my best to continue the positive advancement of our
city....
Danville
March 2013
Please take a
few moments to view my video (at left) for the 2013 election on
April 9th, 2013. If you also read my responses to the Newspaper
Questioners you will get a good idea of my approach to
Danville's present and future directions, and it's importance to
all of us. Due to lower turnout in off year elections, a single
vote can (and has been) very important.
Many registered
voters have never voted in Aldermanic elections in the off years
(non Mayoral elections). Yet, the greatest personal effect on
your well being from any government branch is your local
government, You live in Danville and local services, taxes,
and quality of government has a daily effect on your well being
and quality of life. Both City Council and School Board
elections significantly affect your taxes and community
attraction for years.
Your vote truly counts in these smaller
elections, and care should be given to your choice of
candidates. For Example, I (and a few other council members),
have not voted for a property tax increase any year during this
current last 4 year term starting in 2009,
and just two of us prior to 2009.
So, If a candidate has a website - then go to
their
website,*
this
will tell you a lot and give you a clear view of their positions
and will aid you in your choice. Please go out on TUES
APRIL 9TH AND VOTE. Thanks to all of you that have supported my
efforts over the years and this year.
* Most candidate
website's address will be something like
www.SFoster.info
or
www.PhyllisRoth.com
or
www.MichaelPuhr.com
Danville Mar 2013: My response to
the Commercial News questioner:
Here are the Questions - see my
response in March:
1. Why are you running for alderman? Why do you
think you would/you will continue to make a good alderman?
2. What are the three biggest issues facing the city council? Explain your
answer and how you'll address them:
3. If budget cuts are needed, where would you look first in the city's budget?
4. The city has been giving retail incentives for businesses to locate here. Do
you support this? Why or why not?
5. Do you have the time to serve as alderman and
attend meetings? Should pay be based on attendance at meetings?
6. Other issues/additional comments:
Danville January 2009
Responsible
representation is critical for Danville - special interests and
political affiliations have no place in our local city
government. Vote wisely this April, a lot is at stake.
This is
why I believe I need to run again and be reelected. In reality
it is
fairly simple. As I re-read my comments below and on the
Opinions
page, posted over the years, my positions are clear (if not
always popular). The best interest of all has been my guiding
catalyst for my votes and positions. I believe we have reached
an impasse in these times that clearly indicates a reduction in
services and personnel are the only options available to all of
us. New taxes and fees of any kind currently are not responsible
if the financial future of the city is to stabilize and survive
increasing costs. (See my recent letter to the editor in
Opinions).
Your calls
and comments to me on the street encourage me to continue in this position again. My health is very good (or I
would not run - knowing the demands and responsibility as
Alderman). Following is my biggest concern: Last election, of the 3,900 registered voters in Ward 7, only 874 votes were cast for
Alderman. Because of new primary/general election rules -if this
trend continues - less then 10% of the voters in Ward 7 may
elect their Alderman for the next four years and determine
policy and economic guidelines closest to our pockets.
Some issues should not be a primary
reason to seek office, we see enough of special interest
candidates in Washington. I believe a candidate should not seek
office to support a certain program or the interests of a
specific group of persons or organized employees. All employees
and all program's future must be considered objectively to meet
the needs of all the people.
If you want me to continue my policy of expense reductions
as opposed to income increases through new taxes and fees, I
NEED YOUR VOTE APRIL 7TH 2009...Which ever way it goes I thank
my past supporters for the opportunity of serving our community
here in Danville for the last quarter of my life.........Steve
Danville Mar 7th 2009 My response to
the Commercial News questioner:
1. Why are you running for alderman?
Why do you think you would/you will continue to make a good
alderman?
I
am alarmed with what is happening in the world, our country,
state, and our community. I believe each of us should do all we
are able to have maximum effect on our future. The largest
effort should begin where we live. Since moving to Danville in
1983 I have contributed much of my time and resources to
bettering our city, serving on many boards including the
Council. I see no reason to abandon this effort as long as I
have my health. There is much left to do. I will continue to
work hard for all.
2. What are the three biggest issues facing the city council?
Explain your answer and how you’ll address them.
1-Declining revenues and increasing
costs: We can no longer increase revenues through new taxes and
fees. Continued reduction/reorganizing of personnel is our only
course if we do not experience new income through economic
growth.
2-Decaying infrastructure: We have
addressed and resolved our sewer problems. I have actively
pursued a similar long-range plan of street repair and new
construction, the fuel tax will go a long way to meet this. Now
we include bridges and Fairchild subway to this challenge, at a
sum of many millions, unobtainable by ourselves. I will actively
support seeking much needed funds for these mayor projects in
2009-2012 from the State and Federal infrastructure grant
programs.
3-Abandoned and neglected properties: We have made great efforts
to remove blighted property over the past ten years. In order to
prevent a continuation of this problem we have passed (and must
continue to pass) new ordinances and beef up old ones,
instituting stricter code enforcement and establish efforts to
monitor potential trouble sites, all without undue burden on
citizens who are actually trying.
3. Do you support the city’s reorganized departments and budget
cuts? What would you do different? How would you save money
elsewhere?
Yes, in the past eight years I have supported the Mayor in
reorganizations and trimming of employees. I would have pressed
harder to make some changes earlier.
4. Under the city’s reorganization, the planning manager will
work more directly with Vermilion Advantage and Downtown
Danville Inc. to facilitate economic development and growth. How
can the city specifically encourage more development and the use
of local labor?
I previously supported incentives to businesses locating here
when using local labor. We should continue to pass competitive
incentive ordinances to attract retail and new development.
5. The city’s 2008 tax levy is almost an 8 percent increase from
last year’s. Will you support future property tax increases? Why
or why not?
I vocally did not support, and voted against, this tax levy. I
will continue to oppose the increases of property tax to meet
cost increases. I presented other means to meet these expenses
and will continue to do so.
6. The city cut funding to Renaissance
Danville
and will oversee the organization’s goals and objectives. What
should the city’s role be with Renaissance
Danville?
We established the district several years back and I have
supported funding it (though never at the full amount). The role
of more city oversight is correct, with the housing as it is
now, and the use of a part time director for the past year,
would require our direct participation if the program is to
survive.
7. A $4.75 million bond issue will partly pay for Fairchild
Subway engineering to take the street over the railroad tracks.
Do you support the massive construction project? Why or why not?
I was very concerned with the cost of engineering to create the
plan necessary, but the only other emergency vehicular route
trough the city without a railroad crossing is Winter and
Poland.
Fairchild must continue to be a major route east, and is
critical.
8. The city has started the Jackson Street Corridor Community
Design Project to improve problems with the pavement, curb and
sidewalk conditions, intersections, vehicular speed and
pedestrian accommodations. Why or why not should this be a
priority for the city?
With the passing of the fuel tax we now
have annual funds to begin long range street improvement.
Jackson and Vermilion are the only north bound corridors past
Winter until Bowman, and is the only quick alternative to the
north end in the event of emergency blockage of Vermilion.
Jackson
needs to be high on our list of priorities.
9. Mayor Scott Eisenhauer wants to amend the city’s consolidated
plan to reduce the number of public housing and Section 8 units
in the city. Do you support this? Why or why not?
Yes. The consolidation plan is one of the few means to address
an ever increasing burden to the city. We can locally support
only a certain number of those seeking assistance. Funding is
being cut at every government level, we are now expected to take
on more than we can afford, and this will result in hurting
people currently under assistance as well as our ability to aid
all our citizens.
10. Other issues/additional comments:
Some issues should not be a primary
reason to seek office, we see enough of special interest
candidates in
Washington. Locally a candidate should not seek office to
support a certain program or the interests of a specific group
of persons or employees. All employees and all programs must be
considered objectively to meet the needs of all the people. I
ask that those that agree be certain to vote and mark your
ballot for me in April.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
News
Gazette Questioner and Answers April 2009
What skills, experience and/or qualities do
you possess that would make, or do make, you a good city
alderman?
Active in our community since 1984. Leadership responsibilities
include Past: Chair: Historic Preservation Commission~ Pres: DSO
~ Pres: DSO Foundation ~ Founding Director: VHF ~ Pres Elect:
Danville Noon Rotary Club ~ Leadership Danville Class Five ~
Strategic Planning Steering Committee ~ VP: Boys & Girls Club ~
Board of Directors DACVB ~ Past Chair: Public Works ~ Past
Vice Mayor City of Danville. Retired Pilot and Multi-Businesses
Owner. Active in internet business marketing.
In this tough economy, what should be
done to keep the city financially sound?
Great oversight efforts and tight fiscal
policy. In the past eight years I have pressed for and supported
the Administration in reorganizations and trimming of
employees. I also have supported incentives to businesses
locating here when using local labor. Secondly, I want to work
to find income sources related to economic growth and encourage
new businesses to come to Danville in all areas: retail,
services, and manufacturing.
Would you support more personnel cuts or cuts in services to
balance the budget?
Yes. My solution is first to review each year’s
circumstances, and if feasible, press for continued efforts to
reorganize city departments and cut the number of employees,
minimizing cuts which affect services and public safety.
Would you support raising the property tax
levy to increase funding for the city in order to achieve a
balanced budget?
No! My goal is to continue to diminish future tax increases for
budget solutions, and especially oppose any increase in property
taxes. In this year’s budget, the city of Danville passed a
property tax increase to meet an increase in State mandated
employee retirement contributions. I vocally opposed and voted
against this tax increase as a method of meeting the State’s
requirements, Next fiscal year the City will likely face
another large increase in employee retirement contributions, due
to a decrease in pension fund values, and I will likely vote the
same next year if I remain on the Council..
How would you approach your
responsibility as an alderman in terms of attending city council
and committee meetings and preparing for those meetings?
Only 14 alderman and the Mayor can vote yes on
an issue. There are 30,000 people in Danville who only can be
present and observe a vote. I think, and have stated, as one of
15 out of 30,000, an alderman should never vote “present” do to
pressure or to duck an issue. If there is a legal conflict of
interest the alderman can and should vote “abstain” and refrain
from debate as well. Attendance is critical and only fair to the
public especially when a zoning request is to be voted. While it
is understandable that an illness can occur and anyone may have
to miss a meeting; but, a high rate of absences and early
departures occurs too often with some. We all should do our best
to be informed of the issues to vote properly and make every
effort to keep absences to a minimum.
What do you believe are the top three
issues facing the city?
(Same reply as in the Commercial News form above)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Danville, Jan
8, 2009: Why several filed objections to some nomination petitions.
In the past six
elections in which I have been a candidate I have never had
occasion to examine someone's candidacy filing papers. After the
Ward 1 objections and hearing, a second hearing in Ward 5 ended
in 2 candidate's filings being found in violation of the State
Codes and removed from the ballot. After seeing the newspaper's
report about Ward 5 hearing on a Friday evening, I was made
aware that living in Ward 7 there was also an alderman and
treasure candidate with omissions on their filings. I then
decided to join the objectors because I believed all candidates should be
treated equally in each Ward. I went down to the election
commission the following Monday (the last day to file
objections). My reason for my actions are made clear in the
following excerpt from a summary of my objections to the
Election Commission Board.
"...Many believe
that nomination papers completed (accurately) by election candidates should
demonstrate a basic ability to review and carefully complete all the
questions on the petition forms required under Illinois Election Codes. The inordinate
number of erroneous omissions on election candidate’s filings
may indicate a questionable ability to serve and meet the basic
requirements of the reading and comprehension of detailed volumes of
reports, forms, resolutions, and ordinances presented to Elected
Officials monthly".
(Added comment): The opinion above
was the most common comment I received from several people,
especially the several petition omissions as it related to a
Treasurer (candidate), given the necessity for absolute accuracy
in reports and forms required. (The petitions for Alderman
contained only one omission, but necessitated a challenge in
fairness to other Ward candidate's petitions with the same
error) The Ward 5 Alderman in his
objection also stated .."It is my strong belief that if a
person desires to run for political office it is crucial that
they understand the correct way to fill out the required papers
for the (office) they desire to serve. ...Mike Puhr".
In five of the
seven Wards in the city of Danville one or more persons in each
of these wards (1-2-3-5 & 7) filed nomination petitions only
partially completed. The primary error in all 5 wards was the
failure to place on their petitions the Office they were
actually seeking. Under state Election Code this invalidates the
petitions, and entails removal from ballots
Considering the
Objections to petitions in Danville, Champaign, Urbana, and the
hearing yesterday in Decatur it would seem that the forms may
not be clear (as is the defense for many petitioners). Yet the
State forms are clearly printed with boxes and
blanks to be filled in.
This must be
difficult and I do not envy (the Election Commission Board
Member's) positions. Certainly treating all the same would be
your first inclination. Equal treatment for all was my final
catalyst to file these two objections. I had opposition in five
previous elections which often gave me an opportunity to debate
important issues and views, so eliminating opponents through
legal technicalities is not a reputation that I seek, and in
fact was a determent, initially, to object, insofar as the
Aldermanic race was concerned.
Perhaps, to avoid
these situations in the future, sample forms for the candidates
and objectioner’s petition’s general outline should be available
to help citizens on either side of the issue. We need to
encourage and not discourage persons to get involved and seek
public office. Such confusion only adds to difficulties
perceived by many in running for office.
Danville March 2005 ~ Why reelect Steve Foster
Historically, off year elections (non-Mayoral) get
low voter turnout and less interest. However, these off years elections are
of equal importance to our community. One half (7) of the fourteen City
Council members will be elected this April. Two times in previous elections
your Alderman for Ward 7 was elected with 19 votes separation. Your Vote is
essential. I believe that, while an Alderman should represent his or her
ward and address the needs of his constituents, an Alderman needs to
understand the over-all needs and goals of our entire city. Many of the
problems facing us require long term planning and real time
decision making. An understanding of finances and resources is
critical. A sound knowledge of past applications of our resources to problem
and needs solving is essential.
I believe that my experience and involvement in
our community on many boards and agencies, and prior presence as an Alderman
on both Public Service & Public Works Committees and Strategic Planning
lends an important understanding and experience in the applications of our
resources. I wish to continue to participate in our on-going efforts to
maximize use of our financial and human resources, to continue to bring
about an increasing rise in the quality of our community, and contribute
input into the present operations and plans for future development of our
assets. Working towards maximum efficiency and increased quality of results
continue to be my goal. I appreciate your vote for my reelection to Ward 7
April 6th 2005
A
commentary on the Ward 7 - 2005 Elections
The One vote margin,
what happened & how it happened. An insight into Understanding
Statistics & the Work, and Time required to run for public
office
The numbers in
this opinion-commentary, and a single vote’s value are
worth considering when one becomes a major aspect.
A number of obvious conclusions can be made in the
City Ward 7 Aldermanic Election - and some less obvious
elements are worth considering.
First, no one
could hardly fault a candidate, losing by one vote out of
874 cast, to not consider a recount of the votes. I
telephoned my opponent Wednesday morning and told him that
all I talked with in our area, that knew him, had nothing
but nice things to say about him and his children. I
congratulated him on his great effort. I we discussed
future community involvement and other personal topics.
As the
declared winner I would like to share my views leading up
to the election and the results. I will start by looking
at what did not happen. There were 3,884 resisted
voters in Ward 7 eligible to vote, a net increase of 44
since the 2003 elections. The 873 valid votes cast
represents 22.5% turnout and 77.5% did not vote.
Having
followed the voting precinct by precinct in Ward 7 since
1993, you can develop a good idea of what to expect,
assuming normal issues, and average opponents. I was first
elected in 1993 with a margin of well over 50% of
approximately a 25% turnout. In all years but one I had to
first win a primary of 3 or more candidates. In 1997 I won
by 19 votes with a turnout out of less than 25%. In 2001 I
was reelected with a turnout of around 10% (unopposed).
The off year
elections (non Mayoral elections) are historically low
turnout. So in the two elections 1997 and 2005 with
an opponent I won both elections by only 20
votes collectively. The Council is supposedly
nonpartisan, but well organized opponents backed by a
political party, or likewise - a special interest group,
or ethnic group could and did have a strong chance of
winning an election, especially in the odd year’s
elections. In fact the same candidate, backed by a
political party that lost by 19 votes in 2001 also
lost by 19 votes in a Mayoral election year running
against the other Ward 7 Alderman (in 1999). Understanding
that once again this was likely a close race, I
anticipated a heavy turnout of certain newly registered
voters and previously registered voters, generally not
voting in off year elections, to vote this time - mostly
as a block in one of our ethnic communities. This is
nothing, on my part, to be construed or implied as wrong,
all minorities need representation and the right to work
and support a member of their community to be elected to
public office is recognized, commonly done, and applauded.
On Monday
April 4th - by that evening, I and my wife had
finished walking over 60% of Ward 7 and talked to a large
number of potential voters. I had examined the voting
trends precinct by precinct comparing the 2003 precincts
to the new 2005 reorganized precinct’s records. I
considered all comments made to me personally, and other
factors, and I believed that in normal years and with an
unknown candidate I should expect 55% to 57% of the votes
cast.
On Tuesday
before the polls closed I showed these following
special factors revision of my election projection
numbers to several people at the scheduled City Council
before the 6PM meeting. I worked in the special factors
for this year and concluded with a projection that
anticipated a turnout of 832 voters or 21% turnout, which
included the voting block factor and projected that
I could receive 419 votes and my opponent would receive
413 or a 6 vote margin equaling 50.03% to 49.97%
for my opponent. Everyone doubted it would be this close
that saw these projection numbers, but my opponent had
campaigned hard, had good support, and an incumbent of 12
years accumulates some dissenters - since you can not vote
both yes and no on various issues in order to please
everyone.
|
The actual
certified election results was 873 votes cast –
437 or 50% to 436 or 49.89% for my
opponent (there was one write in). I won five of the seven
precincts and lost two precincts that contained most of
the ethnic group residents, (which I anticipated I could
loose). In reflection, I can count scores of people I
talked with that made that one vote, and my wife
and I literally went the extra mile (walking the Ward
streets). By Monday evening we were worn out but I walked
one more street. The last person I talked to had
not generally voted in off year elections but said she
would this year. The first person I talked to was
on Thornhill. He said that he was going to “vote for the
other guy”. I asked him what I did wrong in case I should
be reelected and might correct in the next four years. He
said “nothing wrong”, but he was “voting for the other guy
because” ( I had) “been (serving) long enough”. That
last person four days later that committed to vote
this year, counts as one vote gained to offset one vote
lost - and elections are won or lost by a number of one
votes added together. The only number needed to break a
tie is one.
Returning to
“looking at what did not happen”, all who voted are
to be commended and whether or not your votes represent
everyone who did not vote, we can never know. My
opponent’s votes of 436 do imply that 11% of voters are in
opposition to me, but is this 50% total disapproval in
Ward 7? I know, of course, that many persons that voted
for my opponent do not in fact disapprove of my record and
efforts on the council but wanted to vote for a friend or
acquaintance (and some told me so). So while the one vote
margin is no mandate, neither is the 11% not voting for
me.
The unexpected
endorsement by a local newspaper for my opponent seemed to
have little or no bearing on the race (5 votes?).
The factors I used were arrived at before the paper came
out Monday afternoon. Speaking of this newspaper, I was
asked for comments late Tuesday night by a reporter for
this paper. When asked my opinion - and then how I
understand the results. I told her I was happy with the
victory. And mentioned the dissenter's comments on my
first stop and the voter’s intention to vote for my
opponent (as an example of uncertainty of voter's
opinions). I said that so few people call me on issues it
is hard to determine which way to vote on some things and
could not always know which way the people want me to vote
since I get little input, and would like more. The
quote in the article the next day is in error and is
phrased in such a way that it implies ignorance and
arrogance on my part. The “quote” and the implied
conclusion follow:
[Foster said he’s happy he came out on top, but
realizes “I have to pay more attention to the
people”]
First, I did not say this. I “pay” very close
“attention” to each call or contact. And second, I
“realized” nothing new - as I am well aware of
what the few that take the time to contact me are
concerned about - and my responsibilities to the people I
represent. I have never dozed off and fallen into
unawareness on my watch, and work hard to be aware.
In conclusion: If the Courts and Election Commission find
errors in the recounts, and my opponent is seated on the
council, then I can accept this. But I am not ashamed of
my work for and in this community for the past 20 plus
years. There is much to be done and very soon we plan to
aggressively address some of our cities mayor needs - and
I hope to continue to be a part of solving these problems,
but if is not to be - I still live here and will likely
die here, and I will always care about our city and fully
support those who will sit on the Council this May - and
all the years to follow. I thank those who voted for and
supported me this year and in the past, and I thank
those who voted for my opponent too. You have my
respect, and you alone spent the time to care and express
your preferences. I now address the 3,011 citizens that
did not vote. I understand that for various reasons it was
impossible for some to vote, like my dear neighbor that
was ill in a hospital and never fails to vote in every
election, but to many I ask: Do you now believe that every
single one vote counts? I can not
believe that you do not care.....Steve Foster
Replies and
comments are welcome and will be posted - with your
permission |
Danville
Now April 21, 2003:
4/2003: The
recent elections hold much promise for Danville. I have met with
all the new Aldermen and they are intelligent, eager, qualified,
and committed to serve our community well. In particular, the
election of Scott Eisenhauer to Mayor represents many positive
changes, and an extraordinary opportunity for betterment of our
community in virtually all areas of concern.
Having served on the
council for three terms with Mayor Jones and the departing
former Aldermen this should in no way imply that many
achievements of Mayor Bob Jones, this past Council, and his
administration were not important. On the contrary, under Mayor
Jones, and the new form of Aldermanic Government, we have seen
unparalleled advancements and accomplishment in many aspects of
our community. In just one example: Even with the loss of major
companies the past fifteen years, through the efforts of Jones
and the Vermilion Advantage (EDC), we have seen an actual net
increase of over 3,000 new jobs brought to our city. For
another example, an enormous amount of blight has been removed
from neighborhoods and the downtown thru demolition and clean
up.
Mayor Eisenhauer has
a strong foundation from which to launch his proactive community
development plans, phase by phase. His knowledge, understanding,
and involvement in our prior efforts allows him the "hit the
ground running".
For those that say
“it’s business as usual”, you maybe certain that this will
be business by no means as usual. We have entered
a new age of opportunity, progress, and community involvement
that will cause our city to prosper and grow. “Business as
usual” departed Danville this April 2003 figuratively and
perhaps literally.
In my meetings with
Mayor Eisenhauer before, and especially since being elected, I
can assure you that his involvement, dedication, and
understanding of what needs to be done, and how, exceeds
my expectations.
This is a good
time for Danville, and a good time to live in our community. Get
involved, get on the train, we’re going on a great journey;
don’t leave your seat vacant, there’s a place for everyone……Steve
Foster
|