It was about a year ago this time that my wife Ging and I decided that we would heartily campaign, following the urging of many folks to run for mayor. Following holiday celebrations, 2017 was upon us and we went full-bore on doing what we felt was necessary to be successful.
Putting together a campaign team, sending out a solicitation for financial help, ordering election signs, and establishing a calendar that would prove to be busier than we ever thought. We did all these things, and with the help of so many, our campaign came to a smashing finale in April.
Since last May, I have been honored to serve as the City of DeKalb’s mayor. And, I’ve found that the “campaign” is far from over. Even though our community’s form of government officially lists the post of mayor as a part-time position, for me it has proven to be anything but that. I’ll be honest – this has been one of the most time-consuming assignments I’ve had.
Having said that, I feel good about the progress we’ve made. You’ll note I used the word we, since leading a municipal government can only be successful with teamwork. DeKalb’s major policymakers are the seven folks elected as your aldermen, comprising the City Council. We are fortunate to have individuals who are analytical thinkers, not afraid to speak their mind. For those who have attended, or watched, City Council meetings, it’s a rare session when an alderman does not make some contribution to the discussion.
While Council votes have not always been unanimous on a given issue, it’s been clear to me that our aldermen acknowledge the importance of consensus, even though their vote may have been at odds with the majority. This is healthy, and really does benefit the citizens of DeKalb. I could not be more proud of the City Council that we have in place. As a matter of fact, I have asked each and every one of them to cast a report card, of sorts, on my performance as their mayor. While I’m hoping for passing marks, I have pledged to them that I will attempt to act positively on any of their suggestions on how their mayor can be a more effective leader.
If DeKalb is to function at optimum efficiency, we need a City Hall staff to perform its duties in step with Council policy. It’s no secret that this became a point with some contentiousness during the mayoral/council campaigns. As a matter of fact, it was me who publicly stated that the “tail was wagging the dog,” a clear swipe at what many thought was staff’s overzealousness in usurping Council’s policymaking authority.
Over the past several months, this newly-constituted Council – with a new Mayor and two new aldermen – have worked hard with our City Manager in re-establishing the mode upon which the Council-Manager form of government was established. Part of that process was the recent evaluation process of City Manager Anne Marie Gaura. The extension of her contract was approved, but by a narrow vote. As Mayor, I chose to follow the lead of four veteran aldermen who voted to extend the Manager’s contract. I felt it was the appropriate thing to do, even though the 4-3 Council vote did not send a message that I would have liked to see.
During the coming weeks and months, I fully expect our City Council to take a hard look at how the City of DeKalb is structured. This will require, in many respects, different way of looking at things. Council members have indicated they not only want changes, but have pledged to get involved in making that change happen. Most notable is our immediate hands-on involvement with the FY2019 budget, a direct response to what most agreed was too late a start on the FY2018 process.
We are making progress on a number of fronts, including our acknowledgement that public safety is paramount in the minds of most of us living in DeKalb. Our police and fire departments are fully-engaged in that effort, whether that be in criminal crackdowns, parking restrictions, or building inspections.
Working closely with NIU, especially in helping in whatever ways we can in increasing student enrollment, will be a key activity during 2018. There are a myriad of ways we cooperate with the university now, and we fully expect that to continue. Among them is the planned operational merger of the VAC and Huskie Bus lines, and a renewed recognition that we need students to be more engaged in visiting, shopping, and enjoying what DeKalb has to offer.
Folks remind me that during the mayoral campaign, I mentioned that I would be “laser-focused” on economic development. Friends, that has become one of the key activities during my time on the job. Whether it be visiting retail, commercial or industrial establishments…attending grand opening ceremonies…or welcoming prospective businesses to DeKalb, I’m trying to do all I can. Increasing our community’s tax base, and creating a climate where people can make a good living while supporting their families is imperative.
Sycamore’s Mayor Curt Lang and I have become friends during our short time in our respective roles, and we have agreed to work hard in collaborating, and cooperating, on things that make sense and will benefit the citizens of both communities. While our cities are dramatically different in so many ways, we share a common geography and growth potential. And, that thought rings true, also, with the entirety of DeKalb County and our neighbors throughout the region.
These are but a few of the reflections that I have since becoming mayor, and I thank so many of you for volunteering to help in our effort. Happy New Year!
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story
35 Comments
People really dropped the ball I voted for Michael Embrey and when he wasn’t elected I sold my home and left DeKalb sick of the nonsense going on in DeKalb and crime
Wait we have a new mayor??? Lol
Thank you Jerry Smith. The downtown has chance with your optimistic vision.
Jerry Smith is also allowing out police chief to run all over him with his overzealous parking revenue scheme. It’s about the money, not safety when it comes to this parking prohibition.
I think its both safety and revenue with an emphasis on safety. I’ve been a proponent of a citywide vehicle sticker going back to the Sparrow administration. My concept of it is more along the lines of “with a sticker comes privileges” rather than the punitive model but both models allow easy identification of a non-resident car parked on the street overnight. DeKalb is too conveniently located for those passing through with bad intentions. I don’t support any such program limited to a neighborhood because that discriminates. It must be politically incorrect to admit to the revenue side of the equation so they won’t. That’s unfortunate because everyone knows better and that puts them in an indefensible position in the public court of opinion.
Mac McIntyre I am OK with the parking restrictions, so long as the residents are in favor of it. However, the revenue aspect is clouding the whole proposal. The chief has been unwilling to justify, and back up the numbers. I have seen no paperwork, or research that correlates to the numbers he proposed, and fees he is assessing
I proposed to the chief, that residents to be charged zero, however, parking violators would be liable for increased fines. Let the violators pay, not the law abiding residents. Of course, our beloved police chief, would not respond to my suggestion, return my phone calls, or respond to emails. He is a joke as far as I’m concerned
I know we’re a college town and all that but I’d rather our economy was more dependent upon people enjoying spending their money in our city than as a punishment. Students are residents, too, at least some are. Hopefully, they’re also welcome visitors. I don’t agree with the Chief on all of his actions and proposals, like this one, but for different reasons than you. I don’t agree with your assessment of him. I think he’s one of our better administrators because he adjusts when necessary. A previous gutless council gave him almost carte blanche ordinance writing authority and that was a mistake but not his, theirs.
EPI recommended that the city look at parking permits as a revenue source. BUT EPI also said they should get their act together to analyze and track the 375 fines and fees that they already have. Have they done that yet?
If it is done it must be filed in the same cabinet as the recommended formal debt policy. Some of those parking ticket debtors have likely died or moved far away. The newer system works pretty good or sucks depending on perspective. I just paid $100 for two tickets I got during a family illness. Ummm, it’s revenue.
Jerry Smith has repeated this incorrect statement in reference to the senior alderman voting to retain the city manager. Jerry, FALSE! Jerry seems to forget the most senior alderman voted NO. He made this false statement on the radio in late December. Jerry is stating to fall in that trap of forgetting that he is representing citizens, not staff who spoon feeds him information.
Dekalb has mayor’s that don’t do shit for the town let alone the people that live in dekalb
Your just another waterboy for niu sorry but if you want growth run that school out of town and how about acknowledging your gang problem and the fact many of your tax paying citizens are leaving like me for example to other states your town is not a chicago suburb how about addressing the massive price gauging for rent just some thoughts so happy i left
Run a school out of town that is the largest employer in town? Clearly, you know nothing of basic economics …
Its killing the entire area and it employes very few people sir
And basic economic reasoning would show you that the school has killed every type of business in the town name the factory options left or the subdivisions going up all killed by 1 school sir
Jeffery Micheal Siebold Employs over 4,000 people … the university pumps millions of dollars into the regional economy between sales and property taxes, expenditures, and operating expenses of the university. The university had nothing to do with the loss of manufacturing jobs. You sound like one of those anti-education Trumpsters who think that the people who are educated are the enemy.
No mr Brien Martin i just look at the results the school has killed the local area and raised the cost of living to a point that dekalb and sycamore are slums at best no work horrible living conditions lead to people leaving take a look at dekalb and sycamore whos only source of income is bars and the d.u.i they generate
Jeffery Micheal Siebold No, you couldnât be more wrong. The school has nothing to do with the cost of living. It does not control taxes, nor prices. It does not control who lives here, who moves here, who moves away, etc. You really have no idea how the university fits into the local economy. Youâre either woefully uninformed, or just trolling. Either way, weâre done here.
Actually i do have that knowledge sir but its ok keep living in fantasy land how many businesses have been pushed out by niu why is rent 10 times what it is in other small farm towns all this has to fo with a township catering to a slowly dying school but its cool i moved out of that gang infested hell hole soon as niu dies and it will the town should drastically improve good night sir learn facts before you debate just a fyi
And funny but 2 comments ago you praised how niu raised cost of living and sales so im confused at first you praise the fact niu raised cost then when presented with facts you say niu has no control over it funny
Jeffery Micheal Siebold I said no such thing about cost of living. Do try and keep things straight. Again, you donât know what youâre talking about … educate yourself on NIUâs impact on local economies … and then come back.
I have sir it has done nothing but bring crime drugs and temporary residents its ok if you refuse to see the negative impact the school has had on a once beautiful town thats your choice but dont demand we all be ignorant with you
Thank You Mayor Jerry Smith …
For what? Keeping the status quo?
Everyone seems to be a critic …
Michael Embrey I’m with Wally on this. The Status Quo is becoming the norm with Jerry Smith.
Michael Embrey, I have and have never been a critic of Jerry Smith. He seems to be a very nice person. Seen him just two weeks ago and he seems sincere. However, as a mayor, he isn’t. Doing what’s right and the right thing seems to have fallen on deaf ears with him. Maybe if he just didn’t run on the platform of positive change then most of us wouldn’t be disappointed.
People had other choices for Mayor … The people chose Jerry Smith …. local Dekalbites need to support and not cast stones … unless these people are perfect.
Mark … It has only been 8 months. Change does not come fast or easy. We have had 10 years of bad Mayors and questionable leadership from past 2 City Managers.
Michael, he’s falling into that trap that just about every Alderman county board member and mayor fall into. I call this the Gallagher Technique – Phase 1: 0- 6 months in office The elected tries to fulfill campaign promises and votes in the best interest of their constituents. PHASE 2: 6 months to 1 year: Politician starts putting constituent concerns on the back burner as said politician starts getting an earful from Staff and more senior electeds.. PHASE 3: 12 month-end of term politician responds to constituents with lip service, votes against their wishes in accordance to total influence by staff and/veteran members of elected body. *** I have observed this in every elected office of local government (City Council, School board, and County board). only one sitting alderman (aka Public servant) has bucked the Gallagher Technique.
Michael Embrey except that Jerry invited a grading of his performance to date as Mayor. So to your casting stones analogy I guess it’s if you’re the head of a glass house don’t invite the stone throwers 😉 I’m a golden rule sorta guy like Jerry. I don’t want politicians blowing smoke up my ass so I won’t do that to him. An honest evaluation I shall give.
Mac McIntyre … If anyone believed the pre- election promises, then they believe in Santa Claus … you can’t build a new building on a weak foundation. There are few people like YOU that know and care about the ‘right’ way to get things done.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Not just the Mayor but the whole towns government DeKalb is being run by idiots