Mayor’s Row……..by Ned Mitchell

          Not that I want to keep repeating myself, but here I go again!  Not long ago I made the statement that democrats in Illinois and nationally are becoming so predictable that even a top water political observer like me can figure out what they are doing well in advance of their next move.

          I was talking about the appointment of Roland Burris as the United States Senator from Illinois at the time.  I correctly pointed out that after the dust had settled he would be appointed despite the fact that Senate leader for the democrats Harry Reid and Illinois own Senator Dick Durbin had rounded up signatures from 50 of their cohorts vowing not to seat Burris.  This was all before President Obama’s political hatchet man Rahm Emanuel had whopped both of them upside the head for such foolish talk.

          The next prediction that I correctly spelled out was that we would next see the race card tossed out as if now folks in elected positions were picking on Burris because of his color.  We have witnessed Governor Pat Quinn, Senator Dick Durbin, Comptroller Dan Hynes, and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias all call for Burris to step aside and call for a special election.  Not a single one of these gentlemen have ever been called racist, even though they have spent a lot of years collectively in public service.  There has been no hint of racism for any of them and because they see a situation differently now than some other folks that does not make them racists.

          Speaker of the House Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton continue to show a true lack of leadership all the while sitting on the sidelines and watching this fiasco build steam.

          Over the weekend a group of black ministers met in Chicago and issued a statement that they thought criticism of Burris was based on race.  Some black aldermen for the City of Chicago even made the threat that notes were being taken and if politicians wanted votes from their respective wards they should just all back off the idea calling for Burris to step down.

          Senator Dick Durbin then came forth with his thoughts that the Burris appointment was in fact made based on the color of his skin.  Democrats did not want to cloud President Obama’s inauguration with the idea that a bunch of white folks had denied entrance to the esteemed halls of the United States Senate to the lone black member.  In other words Burris was accepted not because of his qualifications but the color of his skin which democrats wrongly thought would give everybody a feel good boost.

          Now democrats have once again stepped in it big time as they are on the verge of creating a huge race war for elections to come.  The gauntlet has been thrown down; either back off Burris or suffer the consequences at the ballot box.  Whether that threat can actually be carried out remains to be seen but it will not be a pretty site.

          Governor Quinn is calling for a special election to let the people actually decide who will be their Senator.  Attorney General Lisa Madigan has issued an opinion that it would be legal to have a special election.  A bill calling for a special election has been introduced in both the Illinois House and Senate but the two big wigs, Madigan and Cullerton are hiding in the proverbial closet on this one.

          Critics point out the special election would cost millions of dollars to put on.  While that is true I don’t think we can necessarily put a price tag on democracy.  If that were the case why not just let a few politicians run the whole show and when they retire or die we can appoint one of their family members to step in and take over?  Yes, I know we are already doing that now in Illinois but I agree with Governor Quinn, it is time to clear the air and let the people elect a Senator.  If Burris wants to run, so be it and if any of the others want to run, well have at it.  Burris came in under a huge cloud and his not being forthcoming with all of the facts concerning his appointment has damaged his credibility big time.   Democrats have created this stink and they; especially Madigan and Cullerton, need to face the music, pay the fiddler, and get this scandal behind us!

          The historic Sesser Opera House was booming Saturday night and if you were driving through you would have noticed cars parked 3 blocks in all directions.  The band known as FARM, to the north of us held their reunion concert in Sesser and the place was packed with about 380 concert goers, most of who had never been to the historic Opera House previously.  In the beginning I had my doubts when promoters told me they would sell out the seats at $20 each as I have seen that fail before but sell out the house is exactly what they did.

          The concert opened with Gary and Roberta Gordon of Chester doing renditions of folk music.  This very talented husband and wife team have been performing since 1976 and have performed internationally as well as locally.  In talking to Gary we had a laugh at how difficult it is to get local people out to hear such talent but travel to Memphis or Michigan and folks pack the house to hear them perform.  Often we do not realize what talent we have right here amongst us.  The good thing about this event was we were able to introduce about 360 people to the historic Opera House for the first time.

          Upstairs in the Woll Banquet Room we were host to the wedding reception of Ashley and Gabe McCord.  We extend our congratulations to them as they begin life together.  It is a lot of work to sponsor such events as concerts, plays, receptions, and dinners but the staff at the Opera House do a wonderful job and that helps us promote Sesser to the outside world.

          In sick bay this week City Clerk Marilyn Stacey suffered a fall and fractured her hip.  She is taking it easy and hoping to avoid surgery.  Larry Taylor has had kidney surgery and is doing well.  Josephine Goessman has been in the hospital but is home now.  Carl Allen has been released from the hospital and is at home resting.  Please remember these and others with your thoughts, cards, prayers and a phone call or visit.

          We are saddened to report the passing of Jan Basso.  Jan has had serious health issues for several years and has been a tough fighter.  Our condolences go out to her family and friends as we remember the good things Jan brought to those of us who knew her.  She was a great mother and grandmother and wife to husband Art.  She ran the race as well as anyone I know and was a staunch supporter of her family through many trials and tribulations!