THE CANDIDATES' VOICES: Frank Mekeel – ‘Greatly enjoyed working for citizens’

Sauk Valley Media presents a series of guest columns by candidates in key contested races in the April 4 election. Candidates were invited to write up to 400 words about why voters should support them.

I have a combined total of 12 years experience serving the citizens of Amboy. I served 6 years as an alderman, in addition to the 6 years I served as the mayor of Amboy.

During those years, I maintained an excellent relationship with all of the city employees. It was an absolute necessity that I communicate daily with the Amboy city clerk.

As a business owner of 27 years, I have assisted in the management of our finances, purchasing, and sales. Controlling expenses plays a major role in my position in the partnership of the business, not to mention it plays a major role in the leadership position as mayor.

My biggest concern is that of the sewer pond. I would like to find a solution to this issue, rather than a temporary fix. There is a possibility that the city needs a new treatment plant that will fix the smell that is plaguing the community. I would like to get to the heart of this matter.

Another issue that I’d like to address would be that concerning the city roads. Several of the streets do need to be repaired. I do not believe that the methods currently being used are fixing the roads 100 percent, but rather just patching them. This practice is actually just costing the city more money in the long run.

The last issue that I’d like to address would be that of the local landfill. The city has brought in millions of dollars from the landfill. Those funds have been used to pay for the majority of the water plant that was completed 10 years ago, as well as for street updates, city vehicles, and city equipment.

My fear is that when these funds eventually run out, the city will be in debt without a plan.

In my previous years as mayor, I worked with state Sen. Tim Bivins to help secure a grant for the city that would allow for the building of a new city maintenance shop. I’m proud to say that the shop was recently built.

My hope is for city hall to work closely with our town merchants to help them thrive and profit for years to come in our small community. I greatly enjoyed working for the citizens of Amboy in the past.

It would be my privilege to have the opportunity to proudly serve our community again as mayor. I would greatly appreciate your vote on April 4.

DETAILS

Age: 63

Education: Dixon High School

Occupation: Co-owner of Dixon Builder's Supply for 27 years in Dixon

Experience: Former mayor of Amboy, 6 years; former Amboy alderman, 6 years