Mayor’s Row……by Ned Mitchell

The most important thing we can talk about today is happening right here in Sesser. Sure we have a huge new sports complex involving the St. Louis Cardinals being built on the east side of town that will allow lots of space for 300 kids to play ball on. And sure we have a new memorial being built in City Park to honor past and present coal miners who have helped make this city so great. We also have a new TIF District that is helping Sesser rid itself of abandoned houses and replacing them with new ones that will attract families to Sesser. One house has been built and sold, three others are under construction, and three more will be built in a few months.

One would think that would be enough to get excited about but, as the famous television salesman says; “but wait, there is more”. The most important news to come out of Sesser this week is the fact that the famous Custard Stand will open for business this Friday! That is a little earlier than usual but a welcome sight and a sure sign that summer is just around the corner. Besides that little Carrigan has been asking when the place was going to open since Christmas! Owner Matthew Lappin and his staff are eager to get back in the ice cream business so make plans now to venture over to Sesser this weekend and treat yourself and your family some great treats!

Sadly, we live in an age today of victims. Everybody seems to think they are a victim of something or other. It also seems there is no accountability or responsibility taken for our actions. It is always someone else’s fault when things go wrong in our lives. We are in a litigious society where suing someone is the first thing we think about when things go wrong. Of course there are many legitimate lawsuits that simply must be filed as a last resort to right a wrong.

While having a discussion last week with a friend who had gotten a speeding ticket (not in Sesser), he explained to me his feelings that he was only going 10 miles over the speed limit and quite upset that he did not get a break. We were having a glass of tea at the Opera House Café and having the discussion.

Taking the opposite point of view, as that is what a true friend should do, I pointed out the waitress on duty. I explained to my friend that the waitress had a job to do. If she did not provide good service my friend might complain to the manager, or he might not leave a tip, or he might not ever come back. He relied on this waitress to do her job and to meet his level of service requirement. I explained to my friend that I too had a job and that I knew what was expected of me in my job performance.

I then asked my friend about his job and what was required of him on a daily basis. After discussing his responsibilities I moved in for the kill. The waitress had a job to do just like I do and just like my friend does. The question came from me as I asked “how do you feel that the police officer that stopped you was just simply doing his job”? I further explained to my friend that I have been stopped several times in my 40 plus years of driving and yes, have been issued some tickets. However, every time I have been stopped it was something I had done to draw the police officers attention in my direction.

There was a time in my life that I too thought the officer making the traffic stop was picking on me. With age we should be assuming a certain level of accountability and responsibility. Sadly, some folks never reach that point in life and no matter what happens to them; it is always someone else’s fault or some huge conspiracy that the world is out to get them.

Police officers, and I know what I am talking about as I have a son who is an Illinois State Trooper, have a difficult job to do. If they do their job, especially those in small towns, they are picking on people. If they don’t do anything the criminal element will sense that and move into a small town and run the streets at will. Police officers have a dangerous job and many are killed every year performing their job.

Isn’t it funny if we have someone breaking into our home we call 911 and a police officer responds immediately? We are pleased that the officer comes to our rescue but on the other hand if that same officer were to do his or her job and write us a traffic tickets, they are picking on us.

The highlight of my conversation with my friend was when he talked about how safe he felt in Sesser saying “I feel good about the fact that if I forget to put up my lawn mower and go to bed, it will still be there the next morning when I wake up.” That my friends tell me that those serving as police officers are doing their job

I am sad to report to you today the passing of my Aunt Marjorie Dame. As you remember I talked about Aunt Margie being in the hospital after she broke her hip three weeks ago. I have so many good memories of time spent on the farm and eating at Aunt Margie’s table. I don’t have enough space to write all of those good times. I’ll just simply say that Aunt Margie could haul hay with any man and whip up a meal on a moment’s notice. She was a strong and independent woman even before women’s rights became prevalent. She lived alone on the farm and took care of herself even though she was 93 years old. She always found something to be laughing about and even though our family will miss Aunt Margie, we know that we are better because of her life. Her funeral was Sunday and she was laid to rest in peace at Maple Hill Cemetery. Friends and family had a dinner at the Opera House Woll Room paid for by the Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church where Margie was a long time member. I’m happy to be able to live in Sesser where friends and family can get together and celebrate every occasion, even the death of a loved one. We especially want to thank Margie’s church and neighbors in the White Oak area that paid their respects to her.

Governor Pat Quinn will be in Sesser on April 25th, a Saturday. He will appear for a town meeting at the historic Sesser Opera House. The public is invited and we hope you make plans to come out and meet my long time friend and the new Governor of Illinois.