As I turned the municipal gavel over to newly elected Mayor Cohen Barnes Monday night, I realized it was his night.
I had already delivered a few closing remarks a couple of weeks ago. But, I did let those assembled know how confident I am of our community going forward. And, with Mayor Barnes at the helm, I emphasized that “The momentum will continue.”
Our momentum will continue because of the tremendous economic development strides we’ve made. We are quick to mention Facebook and Ferrara, but drive around and you’ll see new construction and new businesses continue to sprout up. With the revitalized Egyptian Theatre as our showplace, Downtown DeKalb is prepared to recapture the vitality of a strong business and entertainment district.
DeKalb’s momentum will continue because of the collaborative spirit between regional governmental organizations. DeKalb County has seen our 14 mayors and village presidents getting together as the County Mayoral Forum. Taxing bodies, from townships to park districts to school districts, have joined forces as our City utilizes tax increment financing in a responsible fashion.
The momentum continues because we’ve been quick to respond to the many social and racial issues that for far too long have been neglected, not only here in DeKalb but across our country. I’m so proud to see a reconfiguration of our Police Department, as we realize that we must change to become a more compassionate society. And, the “belonging” initiative promises continued community discussion.
Momentum will continue because City Hall has taken on a more business-friendly approach, as City Manager Bill Nicklas leads the way. We now have a staff, and a City Council that has taken up the task to find a way to make positive things happen. Furthermore, we will continue to actively engage the public, with greater communication tools and input from our citizen boards and commissions.
We will continue the momentum because the relationship between NIU and the City has never been better. Working together, we must strengthen these bonds in making this an exciting College Town. Expanded bus service, better off-campus housing continued communication. Go Huskies!
We started the momentum when we formed the Annie Glidden North Task Force, and now we’re seeing the fruits of our efforts. While we’ve been thrown a roadblock with a poor landlord smack dab in the middle of AGN, recent efforts to persuade Hunter Properties to divest of its holdings should result in a more attractive, and safer, neighborhood in the future.
We’ve regained some momentum now that COVID-19 restrictions are being slowly lifted. Kudos to our many first responders and health care workers who toiled to near-exhaustion as they cared for their fellow citizens. We simply cannot thank them enough.
Our momentum will continue because of the can do spirit exhibited by most of our city’s residents. I’ve been in the community for well over 60 years now, and I feel that our best days are still ahead of us. For my wife Ging and me, we pray for continued good health. And to Ging, my heartfelt thanks for allowing me to serve our community while spending far too much time away from home. To my fellow citizens, I’m so honored to have been your mayor during the past four years…and I look forward to seeing you around our town!