Mayor’s Row……by Ned Mitchell

          The last time I saw Bill Crocker was two days after the election, April 9th to be exact.  I dreaded the trip to Helia Health Care because I knew what shape Bill was in.  I had seen him a few weeks earlier at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon and then a couple of weeks prior to my last visit when he had been moved to Benton.  From the time I had seen him in Mt. Vernon to when he was moved to Benton the cancer in his body had ravaged him both mentally and physically.

          I’m not a strong person when it comes to nursing home visits paid to family and friends, yet I know my visit is done not for my benefit.  Visits like this to me are done out of a feeble attempt to show respect, genuine friendship, and love for the patient.

          Walking into Bill’s room I found him slumped in a wheel chair.  He looked up as I said “Bill we both got reelected!”  He smiled at me and tried to talk but could not put the words together.  He became frustrated because he could not say what he wanted to.  My visit was not a long one as I knew what was coming and did not want to cause Bill any more problems.  I spoke briefly to a grandson of his and left the room.  I had no sooner stepped into the hall when a wave of emotion swept over me and I cried before facing the reality of the fact that Bill Crocker would not have approved of me crying over his condition.  I quickly gathered myself and headed for the exit.

          Once in my car I spent time reflecting on Bill’s life.  You see we hear and see all kinds of politicians talking about public service.   Very few of them, in my opinion are public servants beyond their campaign material telling us that.  A public servant is an individual who labors hard to help people that cannot help themselves.  Not one who assigns some staff person to do their bidding, but one who is actually in the trench of the war of life. 

          Bill Crocker helped people on a daily basis, seven days a week, most of whom we don’t even know about.  Perhaps they could not pay their utility bill, or they needed clothes or food, or they just needed a small loan out of Bill’s pocket.  No matter what the need he either helped them himself or in his vast knowledge of governmental agencies sent them in the right direction.  The only question I ever heard him ask of a person in need is “are you registered to vote?”

          You see Bill knew that this government that he defended by wearing the uniform of the United States of America, hinged on the right of people to vote.  Bill was a loyal American and a Democrat in that order.  I never heard him question how a person voted when asking if they were registered to vote.  It was important to Bill that the individual simply be registered.

          After every election Bill would days later look over the list of folks who had taken the trouble to come in and vote.  For some it was trouble, for some it was a privilege, and for yet others it was because Bill had taken the time to help them when they needed it.

          Bill has been laid to rest now at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser along with other members of the Crocker and McBride family.  We often hear folks say when someone passes to the other side that they are better off or are in a better place.  I’ve never been one to say that too much as I believe it is not up to us to settle circumstances like that.  But after visiting Bill for the last time and seeing his condition, I have to agree Bill is in a better place. 

          I don’t know if Heaven has a Township form of government but if they do, Bill will be the Supervisor.  I am a better Mayor because of Bill Crocker and I am also a better person because of him.  We talked many times about “public service” and I can only hope to be the “public servant” that Bill Crocker was to me and all who knew him.  Rest in Peace, Bill your “public service” will always be remembered!

          Normally I would not mention the child of an elected official as I am a firm believer in leaving the kids out of politics.  Exceptions; however abound to every rule.  Audrey Gulley, the daughter of Franklin County Treasurer John Gulley and his wife bears mentioning today though.

          Little Audrey turned six a few days ago and instead of wanting lots of gifts for herself, she had a thought that some people did not have food to eat.  First of all that is enlightening to those of us older folks who should be concerned about that but more importantly she thought of the need and in her own way decided to do something about it.  Audrey began telling her family she wanted to collect food for others instead of a birthday gift.  The word spread to her church and they donated to the cause.  I was duly impressed when I looked at the food gathered and taken to the Sesser Ministerial Alliance Lifeline food pantry at city hall.

          Because of the efforts of six year old Audrey folks in need will have food to eat.  Don’t ever tell yourself that one person, even a child, cannot make a difference.  If we were all as serious as Audrey, this community, this county, this state, this country, and this world would be a better place.  Audrey has given a lesson in “public service” and we need to take notice!  Thanks Audrey, thanks to her parents who are obviously teaching her right, and thanks to her family and church who are helping fill a need!

          Make plans to attend the town meeting this Saturday at the historic Sesser Opera House and welcome Governor Pat Quinn.  Gov. Quinn will speak at 2:30 or so and the public is encouraged to attend.  It is not every day that a Governor visits us and we are excited and proud that Governor Quinn has chosen Sesser to make his first Franklin County visit.  If you need more information please call 625-5322 or email nedmitchell@verizon.net