Archives 2007: Jan-Feb  Mar-Apr
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Carbondale Communiqué March/April 2007 Many people help make Carbondale work Carbondale city government is unlike any other in the region.  We are fortunate to have an open, inviting form of government that allows citizen input and involvement, public interaction and criticism, as well as broad and diverse representation at all levels. Several years ago the community acted to increase the size of the City Council from five members to seven members; this allowed for more direct representation on the City Council and has proven to be a positive step forward.  The current Council has shown good leadership in addressing issues and attempting to resolve problems either before they arise or as they are brought to our attention.  Just looking at the Council, one can see that the different backgrounds, experiences, ages and perspectives give everyone in the community a voice at the table, something other communities can only wish for. In addition to the elected leaders, Carbondale has numerous boards, commissions and committees that are made-up of volunteers from all walks of life.  There are always positions available on many of these boards and I encourage citizens to express an interest in volunteering.  Some of the boards require technical expertise and some just require the ability to listen and learn, but all are equally important and all contribute to the overall success of the municipal government.  If you are interested in volunteering, please send a letter or email to my office and indicate which board may be the best fit for you and your skills. Additionally, the final piece in the city's organizational puzzle is the full-time staff.  Carbondale is a leader in the region in employing highly-trained professionals, men and women of all races and ethnic backgrounds, and giving young people a chance to start their careers.  Many of our employees have been with the city for their entire careers and have raised their families as a part of the City family.  There are often seasonal and year-round employment opportunities that come up, so please keep an eye out for job postings or contact our Human Resources office if you are interested in applying for a job with the City of Carbondale. All in all, the City of Carbondale is more than just a unit of government.  It is a collection of people who work hard every day to provide products and services to our customers - the tax payers.  When you see a City employee next, say hello and thank that person for the work they do.  When we see you next, we'll do the same. Brad Cole, Mayor top Carbondale Communiqué Jan/Feb 2007 More residents in the new year As the New Year begins, we all usually take a few minutes to think back over the past year and some of the events that have happened in our lives.  After a quick trip down that memory lane, most people turn to look forward to what's ahead and try to make plans that may include personal or professional development, bringing the family together more often or just hoping for fewer worries. In the life of a city - and the City of Carbondale in particular - we also look forward, and we do so everyday with the task of making Carbondale a better community.  One of my goals for the community has been to set our sights on increasing our official population to more than 30,000 within the next dozen years.  This may not seem like too high of a goal to the average person (adding about 4,000 new residents), but it equates to a net gain of about 300 new people annually.  In order to reach this goal, we have to continue to work hard together to attract and retain business, to build new homes, and to create opportunities for people who will want to live in the city. In the past we have done these things, too, but we never had a recognizable goal to which we would be accountable.  Now, with the 30,000 population mark, we have a goal to meet and the work takes on new meaning.  Setting achievable goals is important when focusing on the future, because it sets a target and gives us something to measure against in all that we do.  Building a community is like building anything else, there have to be points where success can be seen and where one step leads to another.  We have just taken the first step and 2007 will be an important year in deciding what future steps we take to meet our objectives and surpass our goals. To support our efforts in growing the population base, we will also look ahead in the New Year to continue building our business community, our faith community, our schools and youth programs, investing in public infrastructure, and strengthening the support systems that come together to make Carbondale the Capital of Southern Illinois.  I am certain that this New Year will be the best ever for our neighborhoods and the community as a whole, and I wish the best to all in 2007.  Happy New Year! top Nov-Dec 2006 The Goal: Making Carbondale the Best Possible In many of my recent speeches and casual talks with various groups, I have used the analogy of city government and a community needing to be more similar to a football team.  With the success of the Football Salukis under the tremendous leadership of my friend, Coach Jerry Kill, it is easy to use this reference and hopefully as easy for people to understand my message. With just the basic knowledge of a football game, the analogy is described by the fact that there are many different people with many different roles that are critical to a winning team.  There are the fans in the stands, there are the back-up and extra team members on the sidelines, there are all of the support staff and equipment managers, there are the coaches and administrators, and then there are the actual team members on the field of play.  Everyone on each respective team is lined-up facing the same direction and everyone is focused on protecting the person with the ball, in order for that person to advance the ball toward scoring.  Once the team scores, everyone celebrates - whether they are on the field, along the sidelines or in the stands.  There are even folks at home listening or watching somehow that share in the excitement of winning. In government sometimes, and unfortunately more and more in politics everyday, the field of play becomes less organized toward one common goal and scattered with personal objectives looking and going in different directions.  This not only causes confusion, but it also creates an environment whereby the attention is lost on the goal of scoring and winning.  The goal for a community is not so much winning as it is growing, serving the needs of the people, and providing for the public health, safety and welfare.  However, the result of confusion is the same, instead of achieving its goals the team gets distracted and is unable to focus on results. As we end one political election season at the state level and approach an upcoming election for city government offices (including mayor and city council), I hope that all the players on the team, and all the coaches, fans, supporters and others, can stay pointed in the same direction and stay dedicated toward the goal: making Carbondale the best community possible.  With that cooperation and teamwork, we will be able to move through the election process with the same agility and style of the Football Salukis… where the team succeeds, where everyone feels part of the win and where the community benefits and is proud. top Sept/Oct 2006 Haven't You Heard… It's Happening Here! Well, if you haven't already heard, I'm sure that you will soon and you will also see first-hand for yourself all of the great things that are happening in Carbondale. The "It's Happening Here" slogan is the newest piece of Carbondale's three year marketing campaign centered around "Haven't You Heard…"  The campaign has worked terrifically for us and it gives us an opportunity to promote the community as a whole, while supporting all of the people, places and things that make Carbondale the Capital of southern Illinois. This year's theme is proudly displayed on our back to school t-shirts that are given to more than 10,000 new and returning residents in Carbondale.  The shirts are provided free to citizens, based on the generous support we receive from the shirt sponsors, as a way of saying "thank you" for being part of this community.  I am always delighted to see someone wearing one of the old shirts and even more thrilled when I see someone wearing the newest version, especially since they've only been available for a few weeks. The shirts are a token of our appreciation for everyone who lives and works in Carbondale, but they also serve as a connector between all of those people.  When someone sees someone else wearing a Carbondale t-shirt, they can immediately recognize them as a friend or neighbor.  And wearing the shirts also helps us promote ourselves to other communities and to people outside of the region.  It sends a strong signal that we're proud of our community. And the truth of the matter is, it is happening here.  We are fortunate to live in a beautiful community with a rich history of educational resources, friendly and helpful people, fun social and recreational outlets, caring businesses and cultural diversity.  There is a touch of the big city in our small town setting and I hope you are able to take-in as much of that as possible during your stay… whether that stay is for a weekend, for four years or for the rest of your life. So, if you haven't already done so, please stop by City Hall and pick-up a free t-shirt.  Wear it around town and make sure you let everyone know that "It's Happening Here! top July/August 2006 Clean-Up Program Looking Good Summer is off to a great start in Carbondale with one of the most exciting programs we have ever undertaken (at least in my opinion)... the Community Clean-Up Program. The program is a community-wide effort to clean-up areas of town that need serious attention by way of trash and litter removal, as well as brush and tree trimming and other similar activities.  The City Council approved this program in January and city staff have been working around the clock to make it a success. Of course, the success is not so much the program as it is the people involved.  We have hired nearly 100 youth from throughout the entire community to work in this program.  High school and college students were selected to be team members and team leaders in a group-work model to tackle specific areas in an eight week time period.  So far, the improvements in the neighborhoods have been tremendous. Even more noteworthy than the clean-up aspect of the program is the development of our young people.  We are helping to instill solid work ethics in all of our workers and we are teaching the value of an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.  The kids have been terrific.  They show up at 7:30 am each morning and get working right away, they have a lunch break and then they finish each afternoon by 2 pm.  This gives them a chance to work and earn some money, but to also have some of their summertime days free. Seeing the faces of our young people engaged in this activity is very rewarding.  We have already seen a change in some people who needed that helping hand to get focused and find some direction.  And we are seeing people work together and build interpersonal communication skills that are important for any future employment. All of this is being coordinated by Mr. Yolande Ajamu, with Naarah Lindsay and Brian Noland acting as his primary assistants.  All of them, and especially all of the team workers and team leaders, are doing a fantastic job.  We will owe them all a great debt of gratitude when their program is completed and the community can see first-hand how successful it has been.  If you see the crews working in your neighborhood, please be sure to stop and say hello to them - I'm sure they would appreciate it. Brad Cole, Mayor top May-June 2006 Remembering Woodlawn Cemetery Of all the places in Carbondale, whether of historic or sentimental value, and even considering some of the newer additions to the community like Friendship Plaza, my absolute favorite place in Carbondale is Woodlawn Cemetery. When the first organized procession gathered at Woodlawn Cemetery exactly 140 years ago, on April 29, 1866, under the guidance of General John A. Logan, the prominent thought was that the graves of the war dead should be decorated and an appropriate memorial service should give recognition to those buried heroes.  Since that first ceremony, the observance has grown and is now a national day of remembrance.  It is a day on which we take time to honor and remember our fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen of all ages, races and genders.  The ceremonies of the day give respect not just to those that were killed in action, but it is also a fitting tribute to the countless others who served their nation in military uniform and went on afterward to contribute to their community and country by raising families, building businesses and being good citizens. Woodlawn Cemetery, the site for our Memorial Day observance, was once on the far outskirts of the city, but because of growth and development it is near the heart of downtown today.  It is tucked away neatly behind a decorative fence, yet it welcomes visitors every day of the year and it does so in such a subtle, dignified manner that stepping foot on the grounds almost seems to provide immediate sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everything going on around us. For me, this Memorial Day will mean much more than any of the others I have observed.  I had not thought about it much until I began writing this piece and started to reflect on the importance of the day and place, but it is now quite heavy on my mind.  While it will not be in Carbondale but rather in my hometown of Macon, Illinois, this year will mark the first time that I will pause to decorate the grave of one of this nation's many deceased veterans.  It is the grave of a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict.  It is the grave of a proud American, someone who loved his family and his country.  It is a relatively new grave that was covered following impressive military honors barely more than three months ago.  It is the grave of my dad, Neal Cole. Even before this year the observance of Memorial Day was special to me.  I hope that is true for you, too, and that whether you come to honor a specific person or to recognize the history of the site or to listen to local speakers, I encourage you to take part in this year's event.  If you have other plans that day, please take a few minutes sometime soon to visit Woodlawn Cemetery and pause for your own reflections and remembrances; I think it will be worth your time. Brad Cole, Mayor top March/April 2006 From the Mayor's Desk Shop Carbondale One of the questions I am frequently asked as Mayor is, "why don't we have XYZ Store?" Of course there is no real XYZ Store, or at least I don't think so, but the point I am making is that people often ask why Carbondale doesn't have a particular brand store, or when we will get one.  The question is both legitimate and appreciated, but the answer is usually complicated and misunderstood. The question brings with it some excitement about the future of our community.  When will we get an Abercrombie & Fitch, for the young people?  Why don't we have a Brooks Brothers, for the adult males?  Why can't we have a Nordstrom, for the ladies?  Shouldn't we have a "whatever?"  The fact that people are asking shows that they believe in the community and want to stay here, with opportunities to shop and have a taste of the bigger cities right here at home.  The same is true for restaurants that many people favor when traveling in metropolitan areas. Unfortunately, the process of enticing a national restaurant or new retail development like those mentioned, or any others of significance, usually only comes after months (if not years) of work and due diligence on the part of the property developer, the retail corporation, the city government, and many others.  It just isn't as simple as "going and getting" a new multi-million dollar investment. As Carbondale grows and maintains its position as the retail center for the region, we will naturally attract more developments that someone might see in St. Louis or Chicago or Memphis.  And as a city government we will do so with as much planning and foresight as is possible.  One of the worst things that could happen is to develop a new store and then have it fail because the proper market studies weren't performed or there wasn't adequate assessment of the needs of all involved parties.  Having the necessary incentive tools available is also important and we are sometimes unable to compete with neighboring cities or states when trying to attract a new retail development, simply because the playing field is not level and all sides aren't playing by or within the same rules. But keep an eye out for many good things to come to Carbondale.  Take note the next time we announce a new investment, whether it has a local connection or is national brand name, and realize that it probably took months or years to see the idea materialize from concept to completion.  And please keep asking the questions, it helps us stay in touch with the market's direction and where we should be planning. Brad Cole, Mayor top Carbondale Communique; January/February 2006 Resolved for New Year: Support Local Businesses With the holiday season just passed, many people are settling back into their lives having forgotten about those New Year’s resolutions and waiting with fear for their gift-buying credit card statements and cold, winter utility bills.  But all is not lost and the money spent on presents and meals and other expenses over the last few months will have all added-up to a significant boost to the local economy. As the retail shopping leader within the region, Carbondale remains the destination of choice for people from the tri-state area who want to find unique specialty stores mixed with nationally-known retailers.  Whether it is found on South Illinois Avenue in our Main Street district or at any of the numerous strip-center shopping complexes or at University Mall, it can be found in Carbondale and the community has proven itself to be a sustainable force in the retail shopping industry.  The seasonal and annual cash register receipts show the facts to support this claim and the revenues generated by all of our spending helps to keep Carbondale ahead of the curve in attracting new stores and in keeping property taxes (for general city government purposes) at an impressive rate of zero... that’s $0.00. This type of spending boost to the economy is not just local and the effects of positive trends and low unemployment numbers nationwide are helping to strengthen and grow our national economic outlook, as well. During the third quarter nationally, consumer spending increased 4.2% and, over the post-Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the National Retail Federation reported a nearly-22% increase in sales over last year’s shopping statistics.  The average income is up, sales of new homes continues to spike with single-family homes being built and sold at record numbers both nationally and locally, durable goods orders rebounded in October from a decline the previous month, and manufacturing output grew for the thirtieth consecutive month in November.  These are all recognizable signs and key indicators that the economy is strong and vibrant. Looking at the numbers in this way hopefully gives a better view of how important it is to support local businesses and to have a positive outlook on our overall economic picture.  The region still has many needs, which is why we work daily to build our industrial and technology-based businesses for the future, but the numbers and statistics show how much progress has been done and how much we have to look forward to with hard work and a focus on this agenda. So, what about those resolutions? Brad Cole, Mayor top Carbondale Communique; Nov-Dec 2005 Another Year, Another 'State of the City' Address This year will mark the third year that I have presented a State of the City Address to the people of Carbondale and southern Illinois, firmly establishing this practice as a new tradition for the chief elected official of the city. When I offered the first such address, it had two joint purposes.  First, I had hoped to use the very public opportunity as a way of signifying the importance of our business community.  This was done by hosting the speech in conjunction with a regular luncheon meeting of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.  I wanted to meet face-to-face with the business leaders of our community and put forth to them a plan for our city government in the upcoming year.  The turnout for the event was quite large and last year grew even more; this year promises the same.  For those who cannot attend in person, the speech is broadcast live on CityVision 16 and is replayed several times, just like meetings of the City Council. Second, I wanted to stand before the community at large and be accountable for what had been done to date and to be forward-thinking and progressive in communicating what issues we saw ahead.  As a municipal government that is rooted theoretically and practically in the people of the area, there is no greater responsibility than answering to the public for where we have been and where we are going.  This is exciting not just for me, having the chance to detail an agenda for the direction of the city, but also for the citizenry who then has direct insight into issues and events that will affect their personal or professional life. Working in conjunction with city staff and members of the City Council, the text of the speech is put together over several weeks and touches on multiple aspects of local government.  Some things may be more interesting than others, but all of the ground covered in my remarks is meant to convey the message that Carbondale is moving forward and we have clear direction in the process. This year’s event will also provide an opportunity for others to benefit directly from the gathering.  A portion of the price of each meal ticket for the luncheon before the speech will go directly to the Chamber of Commerce’s scholarship fund.  This fund benefits Carbondale students who seek higher education at Southern Illinois University.  It is my hope to raise more than $1,000 this year, as we make this step for the first time and as we move to provide greater financial support for academic ambition. The event is being held Tuesday, November 8, at 11:30 am in the Carbondale Civic Center.  For more information about attending the 2005 State of the City Address, please contact the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce office by telephone at 618-549-2146.  If you have feedback afterward, please let me know directly. Brad Cole, Mayor top Aug-Sep 2005 Summertime Thoughts and Memories School has started and summer is over (if not officially by the calendar, it is at least somewhat practically over for most people). That seems like a rather harsh approach to looking at the end of a season, but we have all seen them come and go so many times that perhaps it is best to move on abruptly from the heat (which we know is not over) and the modest summertime relaxation.  In doing so in my own mind, I thought of summers-gone-by and recalled some  great memories.  There are probably two summers that stand out most for me.  The first memory was as a ten year old child, in the summer of 1982 after my Great Aunt Lucille Cole Miller passed away.  She and I had been close, with me often daily visiting her home after school or whenever free time allowed.  Her absence then forged an immediate relationship between me and my grandfather, Cecil E. Cole, which lasted from that summer until his death on Mother’s Day 1989.  Grandpa was such a great friend and we were pals through-and-through.  But it was that first summer that sealed the bond.  Sure, there were other summers that followed, when we took a bus tour to Niagara Falls or when he helped teach me drive or so on, but that first one was especially memorable. The next summer of great memory had an entirely different context to it; it was the summer of 1992 during my college days here in Carbondale and while attending SIU.  One Friday afternoon, a bunch of friends and I loaded up a borrowed Chevy station wagon and drove all night to Myrtle Beach for a weekend in the sun, and we made it back to Carbondale just in time for Monday morning classes.  Every time I hear Tom Cochrane’s 1992 hit, “Life is a Highway,” I recall that trip and the all-night driving.  Out of that weekend eventually came two marriages, at least three kids, a diary of photos, funny comments and captions, and to-this-day friendships that I know will last forever. All of this being said, my focus here is not necessary on what summertime memories I have had, but the wonder of what will be thought about the summer of 2005.  I wonder how many countless stories, whether similar or not to mine, will be remembered by young and old alike as we sit back and reflect on yet another summer passed over in the future.  Unfortunately, this summer has also been a very tragic time on some of our rural roads and in armed conflict over seas, a summer that many would prefer to forget.  Perhaps it is worth a few moments of everyone’s time to pause and consider where this summer would be in one’s mental memory book. Brad Cole, Mayor top July 2005 Transatlantic issues in our neck of the woods Since I began this term as mayor, one of the issues I have concentrated on is rebuilding our Sister City relationships (we have two: Shimla, India and Nakajo, Japan) and giving the necessary respect and recognition to the large international population that calls Carbondale home.  No where else in southern Illinois is there a community as diverse as ours, and we are rightly proud of that characteristic. Last month I had the unique and special opportunity to participate in the 23rd Annual Manfred Woerner Seminar, sponsored by the German Marshall Fund (GMF) of the United States.  Along with fourteen other young American leaders, I was chosen to meet and join with a dozen of our German counterparts in studying German-American and European-American relations.  The group spent ten days together in various German cities, as well as two days in Brussels, Belgium, at NATO Headquarters; a photo of the group at NATO may be found inside. Our program was designed to improve international relations and provide a more in-depth and better understanding of transatlantic issues.  Coordinated and arranged by GMF staff and the German Bundeswehr (national military), our schedule included opportunities to meet with local business and civic leaders, military personnel and command officers, current and former German elected officials (including Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder), and many other people from ordinary to extra-ordinary. While the connection to this program from Carbondale, Illinois may seem like something of a stretch, the overall goal of establishing and building new relationships among the leaders of tomorrow is clear and was present at all times.  The friendships among the participants that were forged will be lifelong and some may reach levels higher than the seminar’s normal mark.  This was the true success of the program and credit is due to everyone involved. It is worthwhile to note that as a follow-up to my trip overseas, plans are already in place to host a group of German military youth information officers in Carbondale this fall, when they are touring the United States and will be at nearby Scott Air Force Base.  I’m sure the community will join me in welcoming them and showing-off the Capital of Southern Illinois. Brad Cole, Bürgermeister top May 2005 From Blight Spots to Bright Spots Many of the comments I receive from people around town have to do with the improved look and feel of the community, and I’m glad people are noticing.   For years, communities of all sizes have struggled with ways to keep their cities looking vibrant in the face of many detrimental factors.  Businesses start moving out of the central downtown areas, urban blight pops up in the most noticeable and worst-possible places, old buildings begin to fall apart from neglect... but that is not necessarily the case in Carbondale these days.   As part of our comprehensive new approach to economic development, the City of Carbondale has targeted this potentially-devastating situation as a critical piece of growing the community.  People now notice the results of strategic economic development efforts in our downtown tax increment financing district, and all along South Illinois Avenue, where we successfully have torn down old deteriorating buildings and are building up new opportunities for commerce and trade.  Just getting rid of the blight was good enough to make some people feel positive about their community as they drive through it, but with the expansion of new business and the daily construction of buildings and infrastructure, the pride in growing Carbondale is present around every corner.   Borrowing from the play book of several other larger communities, we have also placed a significant importance on establishing a softer, greener element to our concrete and asphalt surroundings.  With the placement of dozens of flower planters at major intersections and with the dedication of Friendship Plaza at the Mill Street underpass, Carbondale is literally blooming with the excitement of spring, and more awaits as summer approaches.  It is my hope to continue this effort in partnership with several of our new business developments, helping to improve their look at the same time as enhancing the overall city’s appearance.   So, as you walk, ride, or drive around Carbondale, please take a few moments to note what we are doing to grow the community... not just with bricks and mortar, but with flowers and green space as well. top March 2005 Re-establishing ties with Long-lost Sister City Last month I had the opportunity to visit the City of Shimla, India, as part of our effort to re-establish the Sister City relationship with that community.  Some people wondered about the association (why there was one to begin with, and who started it) and what benefit it might have to the people of Carbondale and southern Illinois. The history is a little unclear about the original relationship, but we believe it was begun because of a connection with a graduate student studying at SIU in the early 1970's who was from Shimla.  From that point, resolutions were passed and correspondence shared between the two cities.  However, over the years and with a more dedicated focus on our Sister City in Nakajo, Japan, the India ties were left unkept.  That all changed when the City Council adopted another resolution re-establishing the formal relationship in February 2005. Sister Cities throughout the United Stated and, obviously, around the world are formed for the purpose of building positive relationships between communities.  There is even a group, Sister Cities International, that helps to facilitate similar arrangements for desirous cities and villages.  The relationships generally bring cultural, educational, social, informational and governmental exchanges that otherwise would have been unimaginable.  This is certainly the case with Carbondale and Shimla. In kick-starting the new relationship, we were joined by the India Association of Southern Illinois, its officers and members, to help make the arrangements and finalize the details for my trip.  I can say that the help of many people, especially my friend Dr. Harvinder Singh, made my overseas experience the best it could possibly be and one that I will always fondly remember.  Contacts were made in Shimla by the father of local resident Roopa Gulati, and the wheels were set in forward motion from both directions. It will be up to us and those who follow to keep this new Sister City relationship active, as well as our Japanese connection, and I hope the community encourages such to happen.  Friendships and contacts that are developed in times of peace help to ease the problems and pressure in times of conflict.  By reconnecting to Shimla, India, and by continuing our efforts with Nakajo, Japan, the local community of Carbondale, Illinois, can play a larger role in creating a better global society. top January 2005 Healthy and Prosperous New Year At this time of year, just finishing 2004 and just beginning 2005, we look both to the past for what has been accomplished and to the future for what is still being planned. Carbondale has been witness to many successful, productive measures during the past twelve months to increase our presence in the region, to support and assist small businesses, to develop new opportunities for private investment, and to encourage new residential construction and home ownership.  These efforts have been recognized by individuals and organizations alike, as Carbondale took on a fresh approach and positive attitude. The new year holds promise for continued success in those same areas.  We also look forward to undertaking several initiatives that will add to the community's overall well-being, such as a comprehensive road resurfacing program that will replace the existing oil and chip roads with higher grade bituminous material.  Improving upon the basic public infrastructure throughout the city limits is necessary and appropriate, and it allows for immediate benefits through long term investment.  Other efforts to streamline city services and adapt to changing market needs will be highlighted from time to time, as we respond to our customers - the citizens of Carbondale. At a time when other communities and even the state are suffering from budget deficits and restricted services, the City of Carbondale is fortunate to maintain itself with solid finances and steady growth that strengthen our ability to serve the people of the area.  We are well situated to meet the needs of the community for the coming year and for decades ahead, and we do so with a clear understanding of where we have been and a dedicated objective of where we would like to be.  Thank you for your role in this, too... joining with us to guarantee success. Best wishes to all for a healthy and prosperous year. top November/December 2004 Post-Election Reflections By the date of distribution of this newsletter, citizens in cities of various sizes, all states and the nation at large will have decided who among us will serve in positions of elected leadership.  In this year's elections, we will have chosen from candidates at the local level all the way to the highest office in the land--the American presidency.  Hopefully, there was increased voter turnout, which would mark a change in some people from apathy to involvement. Being in the middle of political contests has been second nature for me for nearly twenty years, since I first volunteered to make telephone calls in a campaign office for the re-election of my hometown state representative. My participation in the process has certainly changed over time, from volunteer caller to candidate, and my appreciation for the systems of politics and government has certainly expanded.  Something that hasn't changed, though, is my core structure of beliefs and my regard for the people that actually comprise those systems. Unfortunately, I have seen a change in the societal mood about the people that involve themselves professionally in politics and government.  I suppose there is fair reason for cynicism when the news headlines seem to repeatedly report misconduct of some kind by more and more people.  But the attitudinal shift among partisans--those who are most dedicated to a strict, partisan political agenda--has taken on a whole new level of contempt.  I find this entirely distressing. This contempt is often taken in the form of near hatred for those who oppose their own beliefs and values.  What results is the ever-present negative campaign advertising and the opposition research that seeks to uncover even the slightest mis-step from a candidate's (or even a family member's) past.  What then happens is several-fold: voters are turned-off by the constant negative tone; qualified, potential candidates choose not to run for office in order to avoid possible embarrassment; hostile resentment festers between parties and candidates; and so on. So, as we recover from the long election cycle and either celebrate victory or rebound from defeat, let us also remember that it is the people--and we are all human beings--that make up our political and governmental systems.  We owe it to ourselves, and those before and after us, to maintain civility, to promote friendship, and to work cooperatively with all those around us, regardless of one's political opinions and preferences.  Let the recent campaign be the last to harbor ill-will and negativism toward the "other" side.  I say we deserve it to be this way, and our democracy deserves it as well. Brad Cole, Mayor top September/October 2004 Fall season means rising excitement Each year the summers seem shorter and shorter.  In Carbondale, that means the perception of less time between the hectic ending of the spring and the frantic beginning of the fall.  Of course, those seasons are marked more by the goings and comings of students than by the changes in weather patterns.  For most of the community, time is marked by the academic calendar.  It may be for the children and teenagers who look forward to summertime freedom, and frown upon the eventual return to elementary or high school.  Or it may be for the thousands of college students, of all ages and walks of life, who leave Carbondale after graduation with a degree in their hands and hopes in their hearts; or those students who remain and look forward to the start of yet another semester prior to commencement.  Naturally, parents and family members of students share the emotional feeling of the same ebb and flow. Indeed, Fall in Carbondale is an exciting time for the citizenry and commerce.  The rush of new students, faculty and community members colorfully foreshadows the soon-to-follow cascade of falling leaves in the surrounding hills of southern Illinois.  With the start of school at Southern Illinois University and John A. Logan College, Carbondale is energized with fresh faces, falls sports and weekend festivals, the hustle and bustle of shoppers to downtown businesses, and the unique mixture of people from around the world. I hope each of you will join me in welcoming the fall and sharing in its excitement.  Few other communities can boast such a vibrant spirit as Carbondale. Brad Cole, Mayor July - Aug 2004 Passing Acquaintances and Gallant Men During the past several weeks, the nation has been in a state of mourning over the loss of our 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan.  This has been a time for reflection on the accomplishments and legacy of the Reagan presidency and it has also been a time to remind the country and American people of the common bond we have as citizens of a great society.  That common bond is a tie together in the promise of democracy and the vitality of its experiment in the United States. With the passing of one of our most popular leaders, the period of mourning allows for a very public remembrance in the form of ceremonies, tributes and admiring recollections.  It is a time of history, both past and present, unfolding for everyone to participate in and to reflect upon.  This is a healing moment for countless people, regardless of whether or not they ever personally knew or met the man they chose to lead them. This occasion also brings to our immediate attention the process of grieving for lost loved ones and the respect we have, both individually and collectively, for the people in our lives that pass before us.  The death of a president happens so infrequently, because there are so few still living, that we pay special attention when it does.  The special treatment is deserved and the fond sentiments are appropriate, but they are just as important in our every day life events. The Carbondale community has long been blessed by being home to great leaders, renowned thinkers, active citizens, true friends and kind neighbors.  During the course of the average year we see many of those among us depart for life eternal, and they too deserve a share of our thoughts and reflections about their contributions to the community, just as we do for those on the larger front. I have thought many times that I am far too young to have witnessed the number of deaths among family and friends during my life.  After considering the last few weeks, losing both a national hero and a local friend, I have changed my opinion on the matter.  I now realize with honor that I am far too young to have had the privilege of meeting, knowing or loving such a magnificent collection of gallant and gracious men. Carbondale Communique: Jan/Feb 2004 This time of year - the start of a new year - brings many people the opportunity to reassess their personal and professional lives and identify points of strength and weakness. Usually this means that people will make resolutions about losing weight or getting in better physical shape, maybe being nicer to co-workers and in-laws, and other such good natured causes. Perhaps some of those resolutions for 2004 will be similar to last year's goals, which just didn't quite reach fulfillment but still deserve attention. While resolutions for the future are often positive steps toward correcting a problem or altering a flawed pattern or personality trait, let's not forget to look back and reflect on the past year. In fact, when we look ahead to anything or make resolutions about future change, we should always also look back over what has already transpired. 2003 was a good year. Specific to the city government, 2003 was the capstone to a long and distinguished career for retired Mayor Neil Dillard. His administration saw many positive changes come to Carbondale and for that the community poured out its respect and admiration time and again at the ballot box. The 2003 calendar also sported the opening of the new Carbondale Community High School campus and its related facilities. Great improvements and nationally known, new store openings at University Mall also happened, and continue to happen. And who could forget about the Saluki Football team that re-inspired the region with spirit and excitement over a squad of first-class student athletes on the campus of Southern Illinois University. These are just a few of the things we should look back over as we begin to look ahead. For this community, it is easy to look back and say that 2003 was a good year and that we are collectively resolved to making 2004 somehow better. I hope you can join me in that effort. Happy New Year! Back to top Carbondale Communique: Nov/Dec 2003 With less than 60 days remaining in the calendar year, thoughts will soon shift to the seasonal traditions of Thanksgiving and Christmas, or other holiday celebrations rightfully recognized in our diverse community. Far too often, this means that many of us will concentrate our efforts on presents, party planning, post-holiday dieting and New Year's resolutions. While all of that is certainly enjoyable, except for the dieting, I would ask that the community as a whole take a look at the deeper purpose of the holidays. Regardless of anyone's faith, religious beliefs or political convictions, I urge all of us to be mindful of the ideals of friendship, morality, brotherly love, relief and truth. It is through these concepts that the lessens of the holidays may come forward in everyday practice. And it is through our practice of those ideals that we can support our community and the greater society that we are very much a part of in this state, nation and global environment. Let us promote friendship by sharing time with our neighbors and co-workers. Let us advance the theories of morality by treating others as we would wish to be treated. Let us develop brotherly love for members of our own families, as we or they may be traveling for long-awaited visits, putting aside family feuds and arguments that have lasted longer than an accurate memory of how the arguments began. Let us take time to recognize the needs of others less fortunate than ourselves, and then to take whatever steps we might be able to afford in providing them with relief. And let us display honesty and truth in all our actions, whether personal, professional or emotional. With just the collective attempt toward accomplishing these goals, we will have given tremendous and immeasurable gifts to the community that cannot be purchased at a cash register and won't require any post-holiday dieting. Back to top   Communique Article Sept/Oct 2003 It hardly seems believable that summer has already passed by and fall is on its way. But this is truly an exciting time for Carbondale and we must look ahead. Every year at this time we have a rare chance to start fresh with a new infusion of community members and a new sense of thrill with the start of the academic year at Southern Illinois University. We also share many of those same feelings with the opening of the region's newest and most-advanced high school campus, at Carbondale Community High School District 165. Newly renovated primary facilities are also coming on line with Carbondale Elementary School District 95, giving Carbondale the best educational environment for all students from pre-k through post-doctorate work. The fall season not only means that school is starting once again, but that many cities and towns in the area will be sponsoring festivals, parades and fairs. I encourage everyone in the area to take part in as many of those events as possible, and particularly Carbondale Main Street's Pig Out. Events of this nature bring together people from across the region to share in good food, fun and entertainment and these are the types of activities that help make southern Illinois a great place to live, work and play. So enjoy the cooler weather, the exhilaration of fall sports and weekend festivals, the start of school and the hustle and bustle of a community that prides itself on being the capital of southern Illinois. Enjoy your community, whether you've been here a month or your entire life. Enjoy Carbondale! Back to top     Carbondale Communique: July - August 2003 It is once again summer in Carbondale and many of the favorite summer time activities are in full-swing; things like the Sunset Concert series (now celebrating its 25th year), weekends at many of the area lakes, evenings packed with youth baseball and other sports, family barbecue cook-outs and picnics, and maybe even a vacation to somewhere fun and interesting. There is also a sense of newness and an exciting air that compliments the old favorites. Many people in and around town agree that the City of Carbondale is once again building momentum in a positive direction. The new members of the City Council are informed and energetic. Through the Mayor's office, external relationships are being rebuilt with neighboring community leaders and elected statewide officials. Internal dialogues with the business and residential communities are also improving one step at a time. We have many things in this community to be proud of, but there are also some needed improvements in areas that were left untended. As a municipal government we are actively working to promote those positive attributes, which help to make Carbondale the capital of southern Illinois, and we are systematically beginning to address the issues of concern. In that process, the City administration will identify strengths and weaknesses and we will then need to make some difficult decisions about eventual policy directions and their financial ramifications. However, once this is underway and a clear vision is set, the community will be on course to enjoy the benefits... the benefits of new business development, new opportunities and a fresh, new feeling of community pride. I'm looking forward to the rest of the summer, and all of those favorite summer time activities... almost as much as I look forward to what awaits us thereafter. I hope you are, too.