I’m sure by now most if not all of you know we voted not to renew with IVAC this year. That no vote (which I supported) saves us $13,225.00 this fiscal year. I believe it was the right thing to do but let me tell you my reasons.
First let me say that not renewing is no reflection on the ambassadors and volunteer help of IVAC. These individuals do a great deal of good and donate much time to the cause. Many are business owners themselves and are appreciated for what they bring to their respective communities.
The no vote from my perspective is due to the fact that our Mayor insisted on an economic directors position for his administration. As you know I was not supportive of this decision by the Council but was outvoted.
The initial passage of this position came with the understanding that we would review it in one year. This was done recently and no criteria was used to determine whether the position was worthwhile to continue or not. Instead we were told that Don was doing a good job and we should extend the position for three more years. Again I opposed the vote due to the fact that no information was forthcoming as to whether the position had accomplished anything worthwhile.
Fast forward to last Monday night where we were asked whether we should renew with IVAC or not. Last year at this time I thought we should not have due to the fact we had an economic director on staff and we were in (and still are) a tight financial situation given the current economy.
My feelings haven’t changed this year. We now have Director for the next three years and IVAC is going through a transition with a change in their Director. It will be sometime before things are settled with IVAC’s operations and I still feel we are in an economy where expansion by major businesses is not going to be taking place. The prudent step is to wait for a year and revisit the idea. It also gives us a great opportunity to rate the job Don is doing for the city. Hence my no vote to renewal at this time.
I want to add that I commended the Mayors of LaSalle and Peru on Monday for their investigation into the IVEZ (Illinois Valley Enterprise Zone). The board that oversees this is called the ZMO or Zone Management Organization. This group is made up of the current mayors of LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby,Village President of North Utica and the LaSalle County Board Chairman. Recently Mayor Grove and Mayor Harl raised questions as to what the expenses were to administer this program currently done by IVAC. They have not received any real answers from IVAC. They have also suggested that other entities should be allowed to compete for the chance to administer this program perhaps at a fee lower than what IVAC is currently receiving. I applaud their efforts to investigate and look forward to finally getting answers back from IVAC concerning this matter.
Finally, with all this talk about IVAC and new business development I want to suggest to Don that he not lose focus on those businesses already here. We should thank these companies for coming here and STAYING here. We need to attend to their needs and not forget that they are vital to our survival as a city. From one city official to all of you businesses out there….THANK YOU!
Loading ...
