Spoon River Journal
Meade made some final remarks, as well
When Kevin Meade says he enjoyed every minute of his five years as Canton's mayor, believe it.
Mostly, anyway. There are always less-than-optimum moments in public life. Losing an election comes to mind. But with the exception of the late Peoria Mayor Jim Maloof, I can't think of any Central Illinois elected official who appeared to relish the job more than Meade. He liked to say it was much more fun when you got to preside over expansive efforts such as new medical device plants on the site of the town's long-lamented International Harvester brownfield.
But still.
Meade did close his last meeting on May 7 with a recap. He noted that no mayor accomplishes things by accident, or alone. He cited City Administrator Jim Snider and City Attorney Chrissie Peterson, among others. He thanked the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, Graham Hospital, Chamber of Commerce, Spoon River College.
And he added up some numbers that are rather startling, even when you consider the largesse of the late billionaire/philanthropist Bill Cook.
"On average, we were awarded over $100,000 every month in federal and state grant money," Meade said. "About every two weeks, a new business opened, remodeled or updated. On average over the past five years, over $500,000 of investment was put into this community every week."
At the same time, according to Meade, Canton reduced city staffing by 8 percent.
He did say he was disappointed at the low voter turnout. And he did say he now has better insight into the feelings of Winston Churchill, who was voted out of office after World War II. But he closed with thanks to Cook, and "the greatest mayor this town has ever seen, Don Edwards."
That last speech probably wasn't fun, but it's done. And it makes an interesting benchmark to watch where things go from here.
Author Terry BiboPosted on May 11, 2013 Tags Canton, mayor, Meade
Previous Previous post: And another thing . . .
Next Next post: Nature Treks on
musings in west central Illinois
Walk and talk global change
Kid's Fest offers free fun
Sounds like bluegrass hit it off
At the farmer's market
Breakfast of (local) champions
ajamcodes.com on Bilbo Baggins: eco-pioneer?
doug smith on Kid's Fest offers free fun
countrygirl2 on Snider starts new job
KathyJean on Just sit on it. Please.