Jerry Lindsey wrote this essay.
Webster defines change as “making different in some particular way.” I would say that the current pandemic is responsible for change, and the general public had little or no time to prepare. However, the change that is on the horizon for the City of Morrison, IL, should not become a surprise if citizens are watching the local Government scene. The attention afforded the pandemic is well deserved, but the upcoming election in April 2021 deserves some of the citizens’ concern as well.
The next election of City officials will include the office of Mayor, currently held by Everett Pannier. Each Ward has one-or-both Aldermen whose terms expire: Ward 1 Dale Eizenga; Ward 2 Harvey Zuidema; Ward 3 Josh West, and Ward 4 Kevin Bruckner, Jr. and Arlyn Deets. That April election could change five of the nine seats in the Council chamber. A Council revamp of personnel comes at a time when a major renovation of Main Street is planned for 2021, shadowed with the on-going conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects to local retail operations is in question. The renovation construction only adds to concerns, offering a challenge for new Council members.
The Mayoral position for the City the size of Morrison offers a small stipend. It requires a desire to carry the leadership to the citizens throughout Northwest Illinois, as well as to fulfill the needs of leadership within the City limits. The Mayor is expected to supervise bi-monthly City Council meetings; attend meetings of Sauk Valley/Carroll County Enterprise Board; occasionally attend Thomson Correctional Facility visits. Local organizations requiring the City’s monitoring include Odell Public Library; Planning and Zoning Commission; Morrison Historical Preservation Commission; grove Hill Cemetery; City parks. Originating new City ordinances and Aldermen communication are key assignments, which often require sessions with the City Attorney and City Treasurer. The office requires someone who is mindful of expenses and cost allocations and owns a willingness to keep the media in the communication loop, to maximize the City’s need to keep citizens informed.
Any party interested in City Government should be aware of the existing positives and challenges that they inherit, with the acceptance of a seat at the table. One doesn’t have to search hard to recognize some of the Morrison offerings of which a City official becomes the proud guardian. To list a few:
- Morrison Community Hospital’s $20+ million dollar addition
- Resthave Care & Rehabilitation’s recent $12 million renovation and expansion
- Morrison Community Unit District school upgrades
- a new water treatment facility
- a soon-to-open Early Learning Academy
- expanded educational facilities at Morrison Institute of Technology
- expansion of retail at Kunes Country Auto Group of Morrison
- opening of The Loft on Main gallery
- renovation at Happy Joe’s Pizza and addition of Brick Block Pub
- relocation and enhanced facility for 1st Gateway Credit Union.
All of the aforementioned will be complimented with a four-block renovation of Main Street and sidewalks, to invite future retail opportunities. The community has been in transition mode since the closing of General Electric Co. facility. It is in position for the changes that accompany such an undertaking.
If a changing of five Council seats offers a new vision for the City of Morrison, the efforts of the departing Mayor and Council members deserve a lot of credit for preparing Morrison, to unveil actions that will follow, during the somewhat “return to normal” we anticipate after the pandemic’s end.
Mayoral or Council member inquires and/or questions may be forwarded to retiring Mayor Everett Pannier at Mayor@morrisonil.org or by calling 815-772-7657.
Applications are available from City Hall after Tuesday, September 22, 2020. The deadline for return of the completed petitions is Monday, December 14.