The LaSalle City Council met in executive session on Monday Night to discuss personnel and interview candidates for the economic director’s position. I cannot disclose the actual happenings but I can tell you that if you have an interest, pro or con, on LaSalle creating the position of economic director you should attend next monday night’s meeting (June 15) at 7 PM.
As many of you may know, Mayor Grove campaigned with the idea of hiring or adding this position to LaSalle. His thinking was that he did not reappoint Pam Broviak as our Director of Public Works therefore he should have the ability to use her salary from the previous fiscal year towards the hiring of an economic director .
While I am not totally against the creation of that position when the city can afford it and the business climate is in more of a growth stage, this is definitely not the time!!
We are involved with two union contract negotiations, we have not completed our appropriations for the new fiscal year and have not been presented with our current revenue projections. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this fiscal year will probably show less income than last.
But the Mayor says that the public voted for him partially based on his campaign promise of an economic director. Is that true? Really?
I thought no one believed anything after the words ” I will make this promise” when you saw that in a political ad. Remember “read my lips, no new taxes!” We can ill afford our Mayor fulfilling this promise at this time without all the information on costs being calculated.
Are you spending any money you don’t absolutely have to in this economy?
Don’t you think your government should use the same logic before we create new positions (even if it’s promised its just a trial for one year?) When’s the last time you saw the government ,on any level, lay someone off?
And ask yourself one question….if we wait a year and revisit this idea after seeing if there is an economic turnaround will we be any worse off?
Monday, June 15th…..7PM LaSalle City Council Chambers… See you there!
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Yes, I do want an Economic Director. The City of LaSalle has been sitting stagnant for years and things need to change. Continuing to do things the same old way will continue to produce the same old results. Yes, the economy is at an all time low and money is tight, but waiting until the economy turns around is not a wise decision. Things in LaSalle will not change on their own – we need to do something. The fact that Mayor Grove won by a large margin is proof that the people of LaSalle want change. It’s time you realize that you are not mayor, nor is Mr. Washkowiak. The people of LaSalle spoke quite loudly when electing Mayor Grove and you along with other Council members need to support him.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I agree I am not the Mayor and it is his option to introduce new ideas to the council. However since this would be a new position he must convince the council it is a good idea. Those of us apposed to this idea must convince the council otherwise. In the end it is the council’s decision not one person who will decide. That is the way it should be in our form of government. Please stop by the meeting at 7pm on monday june 15th and let the council know how you feel. And please stop by the “insider” as often as you can
LaSalle Has been stagnant for years? Hmmm… Well I take it you don’t work at JC Whitney, Conway, Flying J, Hickory Hollow, Senica’s Golf Course, Senica’s Banquet Center, Nail Polish, Lucious Moi, The Canal Boat, the Lock 16 Visitor’s Center, etc. I guess you have not driven on the more that 150 blocks of road that Mayor Washkowiak had repaved (fiscal year 2007 I believe) Played tennis on the newly repaved tennis courts, swam in the new pool, checked out a book from the recently expanded Library, or had a child play little league on Volunteer Field. Maybe you don’t live on St Vincent Ave and received water from the new pipes, or flushed waste down the new sewers. Mayor Washkowiak worked to bring all this to the City with fiscal responsibility. Now do I wish we had an Olive Garden, Costco and major factory employer? Yes I do, but unfortunately you don’t just wish for these businesses and they magically appear. Not for Mayor Grove, or for anyone. Yes there are a lot of things that can be done as a City to attract businesses, but one factor often overlooked by the casual citizen is the education level of the community.
As far as more City improvements, well we will see if Mayor Grove has a money tree the rest of us don’t know about. Personally I think we could have 3 economic directors working 24/7 365 but in this economy I don’t think it will do much. Just ask the folks who want to remodel the Kaskaskia or build the Frontier Lodge how easy it is for a loan right now.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know your feelings. I appreciate your comments and agree. I would love to have you address the Council with your thoughts. Insight like yours is sorely needed on our current council.
For LaSalle to hire an Economic Director at this time is flat out irresponsible. Our state is in such poor condition, from corruption to financial instability that no business in their right mind is interested in locating in the state let alone LaSalle. So that leaves LaSalle fighting with other cities within Illinois for relocating business. That game comes down to incentives offered … it that sort of battle, LaSalle is unarmed!
I support a community economic development program for the City of La Salle.
Having said that, I’m skeptical of the “Municipal Economic Director” approach. I much prefer a public-private partnership, with revitalization efforts and initiatives coordinated–not directed–by a distinct and independent entity.
I have three essential reservations: concept, autonomy, and funding.
The “Municipal Economic Director” model implies development can be addressed with a top-down approach. That is naive. There are simply too many dynamic forces and independent participants in a market-style economy for them to be effectively directed.
The “Municipal Economic Director” is a city employee and, as such, has limited autonomy. Clearly, this newly-created position has already become politicized, and the one-year review period ensures it will remain so. Ultimately, this ongoing oversight could detract from the focus, credibility, and effectiveness of the directorate.
Furthermore, an effectual economic development professional should be able to “coalesce” the often divergent interests of policymakers, businesspeople, and stakeholders in the best interests of the community. Striking this delicate balance will be much more difficult for a “Municipal Economic Director” than for an independent coordinator.
The “Municipal Economic Director” is a salaried employee with a package of benefits funded solely by the City of La Salle. However, there are numerous other compensation alternatives that could have been considered. This is especially true if the public-private partnership approach had been pursued.
I’m disappointed our local policymakers didn’t take the time to thoroughly debate and evaluate different approaches to revitalization. By ignoring other options, I believe the City of La Salle has embraced a flawed and dated model.
By the way, my comments should not be construed as a personal or professional criticism of the individual selected to fill the newly-created position.