Editor’s note: Morrison High School American Government teacher Brian Bartoz contributed to this report.
Mayor Everett Pannier shared his insights on leadership, collaboration, and local government in Morrison, IL, during his Friday, April 6, 2018, visit with students enrolled in Morrison High School’s American Government and Advanced Speech classes. The latter is taught by Gwenn Rickertsen.
Pannier, who was elected Mayor in 2013, observed that Mayors have three main areas of responsibility: public safety, infrastructure, and parks/recreation/quality of life. With regard to infrastructure, Pannier identified the successful completion of Morrison’s $12 million wastewater treatment plant as one of the highlights of his tenure. Although an increase in water rates was necessary to fund the project, Pannier noted that the new facility in its present form will serve the community for well over 50 years. A low-interest loan (one percent for 30 years) from the Illinois EPA made the project affordable for a small community such as Morrison, Pannier noted.
Re-elected in 2017, the Mayor praised City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen for his sense of community needs and his work staying in contact with various stakeholders throughout the City. Dykhuizen and the City of Morrison are currently working with businesses on Main Street to ensure that some of the proceeds from a 2014 sales tax increase are directed to street, sidewalk, and streetscape improvements, in the central business district. About $210,000 in sales tax revenue is allocated toward street improvements each year, Pannier said
Balancing the interests of constituents with different perspectives on an issue, Pannier said, is a key part of being effective as Mayor. “You deal with factual information” when evaluating how to proceed on any municipal issue, Pannier observed. With the appropriate data, decisions that might seem difficult can come into a clearer focus. In addition to data, Pannier observed that Morrison’s non-partisan political system helps City Council members work effectively, without gravitating toward a label. “It’s not Democrat or Republican,” Pannier explained. “We are not partisan in that way.”
Mayor Pannier also emphasized the importance of civic participation, volunteer work, and voting. Recalling an education referendum a few years ago that passed by only two votes, Pannier noted that every vote matters. “Make darn sure that you register to vote!” Pannier said.