What can we take from the annual state-of-the-village speech?
In its fifth year, the mayor’s state-of-the-village speech is still disregarded by the silent majority of Mortonites. For many, it is in one ear and out the other. Some people talk about the mayor having his own agenda. But, each year, this 40-minute speech is jam packed with information.
And, rarely has Norm Durflinger not been public about village plans.
For some of us, it is quotable fodder to use in a campaign against a village project. For others, it is simply a brief look into the village’s past, present and future.
The state-of-the-village speech is the village’s perennial crystal ball — a constant source of facts, figures and future plans. It is a serious look into what we often look past in Morton — issues that directly and immediately impact our lives. No longer is this speech an esoteric presentation — it is directed at more than just business members and village representatives. This speech is directed at residents.
There is no majority support of each and every one of the village’s plans. For many issues, residents and business owners are divided. Liquor ordinances, business districts, sales tax increases, fire stations — they are all debatable items. They are also extremely sensitive issues that can impact residents’ moral, financial or social preferences.
When we consume this information, we all react in different ways. Many of us cringe at the thought of higher taxes. Some of us laugh at the thought of $4 million fire stations. Some of us even cry at the thought of expanding wine and beer sales to grocery stores. It is the nature of an electorate that has grown beyond the Morton stereotype — the one that keeps non-Mortonites laughing or criticizing the nature of this community.
Residents are not doomed to the creations of our village leaders and business owners. If this town of nearly 17,000 resident fears that it is at the helm of its own elected officials decisions, then it is not the business and village leaders that are the problem. It would be an indication that the residents are grossly dysfunctional.
And they are not.
When the mayor announced that the village has either began work or completed 69 of the 110 action items listed in the comprehensive plan, he received a rousing applause from members in the audience. This applause came from a crowd that includes some members who have harshly criticized past decisions by village officials.
But, the one thing with which everyone was in agreement is progress. This village has certainly accomplished that goal. And, much of it has been done in the midst of a national recession.
However, it does not end there. The residents have a lot to consider in the future. Whether it be schools, business or infrastructure, the electorate needs to remain a vocal entity of this progress. Residents need to break out of their sedentary shells and become more active in this community.
That is what we can take from the state-of-the-village address.
