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 [January 16, 2025]
When I first assumed office, I
never could have imagined the challenges that lay ahead. From
navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to rebuilding our community, every
step has shaped my commitment to this city.
Since then, we have faced challenges, but we have also achieved
great success. A prime example is how we have managed our city's $23
million budget. It is our responsibility as elected officials to
protect the city's financial health and ensure every dollar works
for the people. Under my leadership, and through close collaboration
with the council, we have worked tirelessly to prioritize fiscal
responsibility. As a result, our General Fund has grown
significantly, putting us in a strong position for the future. This
growth is not just about numbers—it means we can invest in our
infrastructure, provide vital services, and secure a bright future
for our community. Together, we have built a foundation that will
support us for years to come.
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As elected leaders, our primary responsibility is to
serve you, those who trust us to make decisions that improve our
community and your everyday lives. It is not just about managing
budgets; it is about balancing growth and progress with fiscal
responsibility. Over the past few years, we have made real, lasting
changes. We have dramatically increased our road maintenance budget,
so that we can target more streets for improvement. We have expanded
alley maintenance, ensuring that the areas less traveled are not
forgotten. We have launched a sewer rebate program to help families
recover from devastating sewer problems, and we have completed a $20
million overhaul of our sewer system, which is an investment that
will ensure clean and trustworthy wastewater treatment for decades.
As part of the overhaul, we have been able to establish a healthy
enterprise sewer fund, ensuring that future upgrades and maintenance
will not require an increased expense to taxpayers. And finally,
after 27 years of delays and frustration, I am optimistic that the
5th Street Road project will begin this year. This is more than just
a road; it is a vital connection point for those who live and work
in proximity to the road.
A thriving community is built not just on infrastructure and
economics, but on the everyday experiences that shape our lives—our
parks, our events, and the spaces where we gather. Recently, we have
brought new life to our parks, starting with a brand-new dog park
where families and their furry friends can enjoy the outdoors
together. Every park in our city now features new equipment,
including special needs-friendly spaces, so everyone can play and
connect. We have worked hard to ensure that the spirit of our
community remained strong during the pandemic. The Third Friday
Downtown events are thriving, and we have preserved treasured
traditions like the Railsplitter Festival, Balloons Over 66, and the
Up in Smoke BBQ Competition. These are events that bring us all
together and boost our local economy. Through enhanced collaboration
among local businesses, we have seen our downtown come alive. Due to
various grant opportunities, we have seen improvements to historic
buildings, including much-needed upgrades to our City Hall. These
efforts are not just about preservation; they are about creating a
vibrant space that honors our past while embracing the future.
Together, these efforts have sparked a renewed sense of pride and
community spirit that reflects the heart and soul of our city. It is
a pride we can all share, knowing that our city is not just growing,
but thriving in ways that make a difference.
Nothing matters more to me than the safety and security of our
community. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, on
their street, and in their neighborhood. That is why I have worked
tirelessly with others to establish and strengthen the Downtown
Safety Initiative. We began by installing security cameras in key
locations throughout downtown, and since then, have expanded this
initiative, providing law enforcement with the tools they need to
prevent crime and solve cases more quickly. Next steps include
expansion throughout the city. Thanks to the outstanding
collaboration between our police department and other agencies, we
have also successfully confiscated large quantities of illegal drugs
and firearms, keeping these items off our streets and making our
community safer. While we have made considerable progress, the work
is far from finished. We are seeing an uptick in theft and burglary,
partly due to changes in state crime reform legislation that appear
to have inadvertently made our streets less safe. That is why I am
committed to working with our legislators to address these issues
and advocate for changes to laws that are compromising our safety.
Together, we will ensure that our community remains a place where
residents can live, work, and thrive without fear.
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A thriving community depends on economic growth that
creates new opportunities for our residents, attracts investment,
and provides long-term stability. As your mayor, I have had the
honor of attending dozens of ribbon-cutting ceremonies, celebrating
the grand openings of new small businesses that are vital to our
city’s growth. This year, we will see the opening of a new Illinois
Department of Juvenile Justice facility—creating jobs and providing
critical services to youth from within the region. At the same time,
new housing developments are underway, offering affordable and
quality living spaces for families and individuals. While the city
plays a crucial role in fostering growth, much of our success comes
from strong partnerships with organizations like Lincoln Economic
Advancement and Development (LEAD), the Greater Peoria Economic
Development Council (GPEDC), and Logan County Regional Planning (LCRP).
Economic development is a continuous effort that requires dedication
and collaboration. By collaborating with our partners, we are laying
the foundation for a prosperous future for our community.
Looking ahead, our path to continued success is clear; to build on
the growth we have already achieved and ensure a vibrant future for
our community. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to fiscal
responsibility, ensuring that every decision we make is driven by
what is best for our community and its future. Strengthening our
relationships with the County is also essential. By working hand in
hand with our county partners, we can leverage resources, tackle
shared challenges, and unlock even greater opportunities for our
residents. We must continue to partner with local and regional
economic development organizations to not only support our existing
businesses but also attract new ones that will create jobs, drive
innovation, and strengthen our local economy for generations to
come. One of the most urgent challenges we face is the proposed
closure of the Logan Correctional Center. This is a battle that I am
committed to continue fighting to protect local jobs, economic
stability, and the well-being of our community. Ultimately, our work
must always center on the needs and well-being of our residents. We
will continue striving to improve every facet of our community,
ensuring that the quality of life for all who call this city home
remains a top priority.
I want to close by sincerely thanking everyone who has supported me
throughout my time as Mayor, and those who have shown their
confidence in my re-election campaign. Your encouragement means the
world to me. I am especially honored to have the endorsement of
respected leaders like Senator Sally Turner, Representative Bill
Hauter, and community figures such as Mr. Bill Gossett and Dr.
Robert Kidd, among others. Their support strengthens our collective
vision for the future.
I have worked hard to serve our community, and I am committed to
continuing that work. I feel that I am the best candidate to keep
moving our community forward and humbly ask for your vote on
February 25th.
Thank you!
Mayor Tracy Welch [Text from file received] |
