Colbert Watch, Day 1

No email today from Stephen Colbert, or from the Colbert Nation webmaster. On his first day back on the job after vacation, he had the liberal editor Katrina VanDersomething of The Nation. Before her, in a pre-interview with someone called No Impact Man -- two liberals whom he treated well, so Sheila really had nothing to fear.

There are still five new shows before the election, so it's possible that Mayor Cole will make the show. Maybe I should go ahead and do an "unauthorized" photoshop of Sheila with Colbert. Something very proper. On a bicycle perhaps.

If you've never seen Colbert's show, check out his Comedy Central site.

Meanwhile Peter the Great questions on Sheila's latest campaign tactic: accusing Cole of traveling (and he doesn't even play basketball!) and I've tried to address the issue in the comments to Travelin' Man. (Conclusion: the charge doesn't deserve the mileage it's getting in the media.)

I've managed to put together a list of things Cole accomplished as a City Councilman, before he was Mayor! No need to compare. Comparisons are odious. But when you add these to his goals and accomplishments so far as Mayor, the list is quite impressive. He didn't wait for someone else to make things happen. If it seemed worth doing, he went for it -- and usually succeeded.

I understand that his opponent disagrees with some of the things he went for (although she may have voted for them at the time). It's all about style. Brad's a decision maker. He gathers information, then he acts. Next, I'll list things he got done as Mayor. And then a list of things he'd like to finish, or get started, including an intermodal transportation center.

Mayor rhymes with Colbert (Col-bear). Colbert begins with "C" . . . Maybe Cole could promise to put forward to City Council a plan to change Carbondale's name to "Colbertdale" . . . That way the "C's" on the baseball hats wouldn't have to be changed.

What else is new?

Easter is my favorite Christian holiday; Xma$ can't hold a candle to it, imo. Instead of ka-ching, it's all about renewal and the things of Spring. As a pre-teen, I'd walk the boardwalk in Atlantic City (before the Casinos) to stroll the pier with peers, wearing a suit from Robert Hall, which surprisingly is still in business, although I won't be wearing a suit to Bald Knob Cross today.

Town Square should have an old-fashioned "Easter Parade" at the Pavilion, closing-off traffic on Jackson and Washington Sts. Maybe not on Easter Sunday, but another suitable Spring day. It would be fun. Maybe the Square could be beautified in the meantime. The Pavilion is so plain. A piece of statuary or artisitic sculpture would be nice.

To help bring these ideas to the public, a small group of Town Square merchants is launching the Town Square Marketing Association, headquarted at 201 E. Main St., Suite 2B. The TSMA will work with the Historic Town Square Coalition and Carbondale Main Street to give the area more identity (like the "Arbor District"). Other ideas will be presented in the On the Square Online blog later this month.

What else is new? Did you know the author of Carbondale After Dark is coming to town later this month? I'll be out of town, unfortunately, but the other local media will be there, with interviews and photos, I hope. His visit is in connection with the republication of his "self-proclaimed cult classic" -- the book that inspired the title for my blook. Somewhere I have a copy of the first edition of the book, and some copies of his magazine Non Sequitur. I knew H.B. years ago. Not well; he didn't like me.

So what else is new? ;-)

The blog portal site has been plagued by RSS feed problems with Blogger. (Won't go into the details here, but will there.) But there is nothing new about encountering problems during a creative process. And often the solutions mean a new opportunity or challenge: one thing leads to the another.

What else is new? I recently met with Ruby Jung about publishing the collected essays of her husband, and my good friend, the late waterman and hill-traveller himself. We hope to have in print before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, I've decided to put all my creative eggs into one multi-media basket: a company called Creative Media, which touts the motto: "We've taken the creativity out of our name, and passed it on to you." ;-) -- with an office in the Bening (Newell House) building.

What will CM offer? Print publishing of books and art; Music and video production, too. Plus advertising, PR, and software consulting. An Open House and Going Away Party for one of the Art Lovers' artists is planned for next Friday night (April 13) from 6-9 p.m.

What else is new? The Jung at Heart Celebration for April 28 is shaping up with some big time performers. It seems ol' Uncle Jim knew some people, who knew some people. Details are being finalized by SIU Marketing maven Terry Clark.

After that, for me, the next big public event for me is Bike 2 Work Day in May, which both Mayor Brad Cole and Mayor-hopeful Sheila Simon have agreed to participate in, handing out trophies to those who ride farthest and the business that has the most riders. "From a bicycling standpoint, if Sheila's mayor, more people will participate, since she's the darling of the Carbondale Bicycle Club, but Brad made the decision to launch the event in the first place," said a steering committee spokes-man.

I love puns and neologisms. What else is new?

Travellin' Man

I wonder how many readers still have not decided who to vote for. Among the Bytelife bloggers, Peter's mind is made up in favor of Mayor Cole, for sure. But Jim Syler seems to be against him for using the flag in advertising. Last I heard, Bob Pauls was also undecided. Some may vote for Sheila because she had tea with them, and makes them feel their voice is heard. Cole isn't much a schmoozer, but does appear to enjoy traveling to distant lands on official business, such as going to Shimla, India to present a quilt and reestablish a dormant Sister City relationship. (Couldn't it have been Fed-Ex'd?) It appears that Cole got on the Sister Cities board as a result of his initiative. He also traveled to another Sister City in Japan, although I can not find an official press release for that trip. It might be interesting to post the entire list that Sheila waved accusingly to the debate audience last week, so readers can decide if Cole's travel itinerary was wasteful, or if the mayor was just doing his job.

I myself will be traveling to Oregon the day after the April 17 election - to investigate possibilities for grown-up bloggers in Corvallis. ;-) , and purchase art at the Portland Art Market for Art Lovers.

Must be back by April 28 to attend the Jung at Heart Celebration at Big Boys Q, organized by Prof. Terry Clark (Cayenne Boyd is flying in from Santa Cruz to perform) to raise $ to help pay for Jim's medical bills.

Mayor seeks 'bump'; Councilwoman passes

Over in his busy 'biz' blog, local hero Peter the Great wonders, does it matter who wins the Mayor's race, but I don't have to wonder, I know what will happen if local heroine Sheila Simon is elected: playing it safe, going on 'worst case scenarios', and stalling progress.

I base my conclusion on her decision to decline the photo-op opportunity extended to her (and all Americans) by the nation's hottest pundit (a photoshop photo-op?). But Simon, whose father was a Democrate U.S. Senator from Illinois, is choosing to go the route recommended by Democrat U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel: stay away from Stephen Colbert.

As she explained by email:

"I think Brad and I would be in the same boat -- and on the edge, if I can mix metaphors! So many of the people and places that are on his show are really ridiculed. I don't think we can guarantee that either candidate or the town would come out ahead."

I pitched the idea to both Mayor Cole and Councilwoman Simon that being on the show would be good for our City, but Sheila doesn't 'get it'.

Everybody's talking about how Oooh, SIU needs more students . . . Oooh, the City needs to get its story out . . . Oooh, spend millions on advertising . . . .Well, what better way to get the word out that Carbondale is "a hip place to be on the square" than by having its two candidates for Mayor appear (via telephone) on America's hippest and smartest new television news program -- one that reaches millions of young and young-at-heart viewers with its trademarked brand of "truthiness."

I sprung the idea on Cole when I saw him at a local business, and to his credit (imo) he played along -- by posing for the quick snapshot you see here. He knew enough about The Colbert Report (Col-bear Rep-OR) to trust that both he and Carbondale would get a "Colbert Bump" by a minute or two with the man American loves to love.

Sheila would have benefited, too, but she passed.

PHOTO CAPTION:
Television News Commentator STEPHEN COLBERT, D.F.A. recently took time out at the end of his Comedy Central show to offer a photo opportunity to the viewing public -- an opportunity seized by Carbondale, Illinois, Mayor BRAD COLE, M.L.S, who thiinks that appearing with the influential pundit could boost his campaign for re-election against his opponent, the daughter of a famous Senator.

Grin and Colbert it

At the conclusion of last Thursday night's debate, Sheila Simon held up a folder containing evidence that Mayor Brad Cole requested $30,000 for travel reimbursement during his term of Mayor. It was no secret that Cole spent City money when he traveled to India and Japan, and probably Washington DC, and other places. I haven't seen Sheila's evidence, but right off I say, so what? What's wrong with the Mayor rekindling contact with the City's Sister Cities? Or traveling to DC to make contacts for money for a state of the art new police station?

Sheila waved the folder as evidence that Brad spends money 'like a teenager'. I wonder which travel expenses Sheila wouldn't allow. Without having all the facts, it seems that money spent traveling to distant lands is good for Carbondale in the 'spread the word' sense, putting it 'on the map'. Like being on Stephen Colbert's Colbert Report.



Mayor Cole agreed to strike a pose for the unusual photo op I told you about. To be fair, I personally contacted Councilman Simon about playing along. I hope to send both hers and Cole's photoshopped photos to Stephen for his consideration, asking him to weigh-in on the election, giving all of Carbondale the "Colbert Bump."

Last I heard, Sheila's thinking it over, probably discussing it with trusted advisers. I hope she isn't influenced by Rep. Rahm Emanuel's warning to freshman Democrats not to appear on Colbert's 'Better Know a District' series, because this situation is entirely different. A one-minute telephone conference call, I imagine with Cole and Simon on separate lines would do the trick. Stephen will play it for laughs, of course. I think the travel or credenza issue would be good topics, or the thrifty mom vs. spendthrift son, but Colbert's research staff would decide how to frame it.

Having Carbondale featured on a show hosted by one of the most influential Americans in the U.S., who reaches millions of young viewers would be a good thing, 'priceless' even. If Sheila passes on the opportunity, I'll send in Cole's by itself. There is a chance that Stephen will ignore it, but I think it's worth a try -- for good ol' Carbondale.

Arthurian legend

I got a call from Arthur Agency CEO Jon Greenstreet yesterday, protesting my claim (or rather 'gathering') that his advertising firm had anything to do with Sheila Simon's campaign site. He says his agency has a strict "no political ads" policy. I told him that (I thought I saw) the AA link was at the bottom of the Sheila new website (with new photos) a few weeks ago, but the name is gone now, and I can't confirm that it was ever there.

I did learn from Sheila's campaign manager that the person who does Sheila's website prefers anonymity, but I have been assured that the Arthurs had nothing to do with it. So there ya go. As the hoopsters say when committing an inadvertent foul, "My bad."

I apologize for any confusion this has caused anyone. I have known the Arthur guys since they first came to town about three year ago, and have watched their growth with wonder and admiration ever since. (No advertising agency has ever made it in this town for very long). But with Dennis Poshard (SIU President's son) buying-in to the business, and the hiring of Jon G., the Arthurs have landed quite a few local high-end accounts, such as the new Southern Illinois Miners baseball team.

Style points

Hey there, friends and foes. Sheila Simon has a new supporter in the blogosphere, which means, of course, a new mud-slinger against Brad Cole. The pro-Democrat Philosophe Forum blog tells its readers that Sheila Simon Campaigns for Mayor, and gives a lengthy pro-Sheila spin on the issues and candidates. Needless to say, I disagree with the author's take on Cole.

In effect, she says the election is a choice between two contrasting styles of leadership. The full-time leader who micromanages and gets things done, or the part-time people person who sends every issue and initiative to a committee, which can result in some ungainly results, as noted already by Simon's harshest critic on the web.

The author of the Philosophe Forum blog sees a conflict between micromanaging and democracy, but I would bet that our greatest Presidents and Governors were "hands-on" in many aspects of government just as Cole is. Heck, Jimmy Carter even required that government regulations be written in "plain English."

The thing about Brad Cole that ticks some people off, is his dedication to perfection and accomplishment.

Here's how he explained his modus operandi, in a speech to the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce in November:

Some people say that I am a perfectionist… okay, maybe. I will freely admit that I prefer perfection, or at least the pursuit of it, over settling for mediocrity. I am the kind of person who makes decisions and then moves on with them. If they don't work or if they were the wrong decisions, then let's change them and keep trying to get the work done. Too many times people are afraid to make decisions or they think we need to take a public opinion poll to gauge what to do. I'm not like that and I think people want leaders to lead; they want people who can highlight a path forward so they can follow. That's what I have tried to do . . . .

Being a perfectionist does not make Brad undemocratic. He's just not as folksy as Sheila, but sometimes that can be a good thing.

Colbert endorses Cole?

At the conclusion of last night's "Colbert Report" fake newsman Stephen Colbert extended a photo opportunity to viewers -- a chance to be in a photo with Colbert (Cole-BEAR) as he posed and smiled as you see here.

Since Stephen is a card-carrying right-winger (in the mold of Bill O'Reilly), I thought it might be a good photo-op for Carbondale's "Right Choice" Brad Cole.

Stephen told viewers to send in their creations. This one was done in a hurry late at night without a mouse, but if I have some spare time later today, I'll do a better one. How about it Simonites? Both candidates could have a bit of fun if some friend of Sheila's would photoshop her into the photo, too. (Let me know if you're interested, and I will send you the image without Cole in it, so you can put Sheila there.) We could send them both to Colbert. It might get on the show, which would be very cool, imo.

Let's see who Colbert endorses. (My guess is that he probably will dance around it... Giving all of Carbondale "the Colbert bump"..... He knows where the town is: Colbert once referred to the "Paducah - Carbondale Corridor" while in a conversation with Randy Newman).

And the winner was . . .

Hey there Bloggees! Did you attend yesterday's old-fashioned neighborhood debate instead of being outdoors? I wonder how many of you "Anonymouses" were in the crowd. I sat next to a Sheila Simon's campaign worker Bill Rose, whom I know from business dealings. He didn't know I wrote this blog. I didn't know he worked for Sheila Simon -- who, by the way, was the first person to shake my hand.

It's hard to say who 'won' the debate. As a teacher, I'd give them both "A's" but I'd like to hear what the rest of the 70-100 people in attendance think. One clear winner was City Clerk Janet Vaught, whom both candidates praised for her efficiency in getting information to the public. (And I can add my praise to theirs. The Carbondale City Clerk has always provided me with needed information quickly and helpfully.)

The debate was organized by The Arbor District, with D. Gorton (editor of the newsletter) and Sandy Litecky running the show. They deserve high marks for allowing so many questions and interaction between the candidates. Will the Arbor District be making an endorsement?

So who do you all think came off more Mayory, Bloggee? Did either candidate impress you one way or the other?

To me, Sheila won hands down -- or rather hand outstretched -- since she asked me what was "new and exciting." Yet Cole scored many points in the debate -- including the fact that he's working at the job full-time, and Sheila wants to do it part-time, and hire someone else to do the salesman job that Brad is already doing very well.

I saw another friend there, the one with the Simon sign in her yard. I wonder what she thinks of Cole now. I should stop by her house again to ask her if now she'd be interested in a "Cole - Our Mayor" sign.

How about you, Bloggees? Would any of you like to a "Cole - Our Mayor" sign or "Simon Mayor" sign for your yard after seeing the debate?

Why should I vote for Sheila?

I hope that everyone who reads this blog has not made up their minds. To be honest, I myself have not decided which names I'll finally check on April 17. I am seeking reasons to vote for any candidate who wants my vote.

As to the mayoral campaign. It appears that Sheila wants to put Brad out of a job because she doesn't like the way he does his job as "Carbondale's #1 Salesman." His methods cause her to doubt his integrity. This is what she says - since the day she announced her candidacy (spoken to WJPF's Rick Gregg). But, so far as I know, no specific claim of unethical wrong-doing has been levelled at the mayor. It's all implied. Sheila believes that if a business donates $1000 to the mayor, that he will do (or has done) something unethical as a result. She indicates that she's a lawyer and a politician - two professions with "suspect reputations," she says. She wants to make a show of being open and "above board." This is a good strategy for her to use, although I'd like for her or some supporter of hers to state exactly what evil deed(s) Cole's done. I'm listening.

Currently I'm compiling of a list of good deeds Cole has done during his 4 years as a City Councilman and subsequent term as mayor. (I will compare it to Sheila's record during a comparable term of office, including her votes on controversial matters.)

I'd also like him to indicate the things Cole tried to do, but failed! That too can be the measure of the man.

But Sheila is a far superior grass roots networker than Brad. There can be no doubt of that. If we were looking for someone to run a summer camp or local lawyer think-tank Sheila would get my vote.

But maybe her supporters can tell us why we should vote for a person with one-term of experience on City Council who accomplished nothing tangible.

My own take is, it's personality. She's so darn friendly. And she comes from a well-loved family. She also votes whatever the prevailing opinion is. As her old blog shows, she's a weather-vaner; so many people feel that she represents their wishes (To extend that metaphor, Brad Cole is like the wind itself -- the way he get things done. People don't always like the wind, but it can be harnessed to do good.).

This weekend I will finish up the list of Brad's accomplishments -- and write a letter to my homegirl Sheila, a fellow bicyclist and idealistic citizen.

If you want to join the discussion here, and help this blog make its mark on the local race
then go ahead an post a civil comment.

Old-Fashioned Debate, New Fangled Blog

Yesterday I paid a visit to a former neighbor who has a Simon sign stuck in her yard. I asked her if she'd like a Cole sign too. "No," she said directly. She didn't know that I supported the Mayor's re-election, and doesn't read this blog, but she was looking forward to the OLD FASHIONED TOWN HALL DEBATE between the two candidates at First Christian Church, at 201 Monroe Street.

My friend helped formulate the questions. She said the candidates will receive them in advance, but she didn't know exactly when. After the pre-written questions have been asked, then audience members will have a turn. Perhaps some minds will be persuaded one way or the other by the candidates' responses.

My friend is a homeowner. She said a question would be asked about the city's portion of the property tax, which Sheila has indicated needs "revisiting" (although she hasn't outright said she would, as Scott Thorne points out in a comment).

Another subject we discussed was her claim that Cole "tore down all those buildings." I pointed out to her that the man who authored the ultimatum to "repair or demolish" the old Bank of Carbondale building is Sheila Simon's campaign manager, not Brad Cole.

Along those lines, the American Tap property acquisition will undoubtedly come up. I am already on record as opposing it, because the price was too high, imo, but it wasn't Cole's idea to tear it down, nor did he set the price; he was carrying out the wishes of Carbondale Main Street to do something about downtown Illinois Avenue's "#1 problem" and the entire City Council (except Sheila approved the deal -- even Maggie Flanagan who changed her mind "at this midnight hour" when put to a public vote).

Well the debate should be interesting and informative.

To a Certain Anonymous

As a university instructor, I would encourage students to contribute their ideas and thoughts about a given topic, which I would would chalk up on the board and group according to theme, to help to keep the discussion more focused.

One Simonite believes I won't persuade others to vote Cole our mayor. S/he cites the likability factor (my term). According to this Simonite, we Cole supporters "rage" against Sheila's supporters, which made me laugh -- I think that I've bent over blogward giving Sheila credit where it's due -- and taking Cole to task where warranted. Perhaps my writing should include more happy faces. ;-)

I have nothing against the Simonites or their standard-bearer. I would vote for Sheila in a heartbeat (from the current crop of City Council members) to be mayor -- if the man they love to hate, Brad Cole, had not done such an outstanding job. I believe in rewarding good work performance. Yet the Simonites want Brad Cole out of office. According to this one, Cole has the benefit of incumbency: the credit for the positive changes in Carbondale should be spread around because everyone in the community is on the same page. S/he gives Sheila credit too, although in some cases she voted against the things Cole tried to do. (Having a one-time expansion of the City's Enterprise Zone capability, for example.) According to this Simonite, as effective as he Cole may be, "his negatives are too high" (which is just a fancy way of saying that s/he's a "Cole-hating Simon lover")

No. Far from "raging" against the Simonites or Sheila's sterling qualities (no irony intended) I have included all the pro-Simon comments I've received, and taken some shots at Cole myself. But some commenters do not think as clearly as others, and they can waste everyone's time -- especially mine. The best way to engage me in dialogue is to be real person, not an anonymous opinion slinger. Peter the Great knows what I mean. I also like his idea for the Anonymouses to take a moment to create a name for yourself.

Nevertheless, I wanted to respond to one particular Anonymous, who writes:

There will be an end to the campaign, and someone will win. After the election, though, will you have helped Cole govern if you have caused so many to take offense? And what do you do if Simon wins?

It is absurd to think this blog could will help or hurt Cole govern in any way. To govern he must work with City Council and staff, and understand the city code and how things work. I think I provide him comic relief more than anything else. I'm not sure why a Simonite would be offended by anything I write, unless it is the term Simonite..... I did consider other alternatives to my original phrase "Cole-hating Simon lovers": Simonians, Sheila-lites, but chose Simonites, because it rhymes with "simonize" and their campaign to unseat Cole was waxing at that time.

As to what I'll do if Sheila is elected mayor. . . . Bike 2 Work Day is rolling 'round in May. I hope the Mayor of Carbondale will support it once again. I better get to work on that.

I should ask Sheila if she will hand out the trophies at the annual lunch in the event that Mayor Cole is unable to perform that duty on that day.

Cole's Record as a City Councilman

A revealing documents available on Brad Cole's web site is his 2003 platform which touches on many of his accomplishments before he was Mayor -- during his four years as a member of City Council. These accomplishments included rehabilitating the old Woodlawn Cemetery; eliminating the city's portion of the property tax; recouping hundreds of thousands of dollars lost to Census error-- and more. I'll try to draw up a comprehensive list, as time permits.

I repeat: he got these things done as a City Councilman! And what has Sheila has done as a first-term member of City Council? What accomplishment is she most proud of during the same period of time? (Perhaps something she voted against? or for? Or something she did outside of City Council chambers, as a member of some other organization? Maybe I should ask her! I wish her well, you know, and hope she gets an important post in President Obama's staff in 2009.)

P.S. Message to Anonymous
Don't give Anonymouses a bad name by being a confusing dufus. Making unfounded accusations against me in anonymous comments does not accomplish your purpose of challenging Brad Cole's supremacy as a candidate for mayor. If there is some clarification that you require just write directly to dave at shawneenet dot net. As far as I can see, all "Anonymous" comments have been posted. If one of yours went missing, you could try resending it.

Words to live by, imo: Expect the best, and you just might get it! Expect the worst, and you're asking for it.

What hath Cole wrought?

The day my best friend died, an "Anonymous" commenter took exception to a claim made in an earlier post of mine: "Cole-alition hopes to Spring forward" that Mayor Brad Cole "gets results."

What are these 'results'? Please be specific. I've asked Peter Gregory about this repeatedly and he either cannot, or will not, respond with specific acts on Brad Cole's part that have led to tangible positive results for Carbondale. I know what Brad Cole says he has accomplished - I want to know what you (or anyone) can cite as direct actions of Cole's that he has accomplished.

So I created a list drawn from Cole's most recent "State of the City" speech: Some things Mayor Brad Cole has accomplished so far and posted it, adding the comment "No one can say that Brad is not a hard worker. There's also a summary of his first 100 days in office on his web site."

So Anonymous replies:

It's his only job. Of course he should get more done when he has no other job. But the question is 'what is he getting done' and 'for whom?'

I asked for your opinion of direct contributions he has made, and you cite keeping City Hall open for an extra hour. That is the best you can come up with?

I've read his site, and so many of the things he claims credit for, are the continued natural functions of city government that occur regardless of who is mayor - resurfacing roads, maintaining sewer lines, etc.

The extended city hall hours was cited merely as one of the first things Cole did -- make City Hall work a little bit more efficiently.

And who is Anonymous? And why the animosity? Why so stingy with credit for Brad? In addition to the so-called "natural functions," Cole has done much more.

One of the more important ones, imo, isn't even listed -- as reported in the Daily Illini -- making possession of small quantities of marijuana punishable by the equivalent of a traffic fine. I think it's saved the county courts some time, and put a few dollars in the city coffers. And what also isn't listed are the number of things he tried to do but failed, like bringing a hotel to help preserve the downtown Varsity Theater facade (forget about a theater ever being there again. We'll all be lucky if the marquee can stay in tact).

Now I agree those who think that Brad could have made some different choices. For instance, after the big City Council meeting when so many people spoke up on the subject of medical insurance, including soon-to-be Green Party candidate for Governor of this state, Rich Whitney, and other knowledgable people. I myself disagreed with the arbitrary cap placed by Cole on the formula for people who are not employed outside the home, such as housewives. I suggested to him that he appoint a "Blue Ribbon" panel of some of the people at the CC meeting (as he did with the Eurma Hayes Child Care Center deal), but perhaps because he knew his Home Rule "Cole Remedy" would not fly. But many other communities followed suit, and who knows? Perhaps it had something to do with the eventual solution.

Anonymous continues

'welcomed' new businesses along Reed Station Road. What does that mean? So many of his 'accomplishments' are vacuous and empty 'political speak' that it is not useful to go from his list.

(The words "Vacuous" and "empty" are synonymous, Anonymous. Can you find nothing at all "useful" in the list? Is every single one of his accomplishments to be dismissed? I don't think so.)

Because my information was culled from a speech Cole delivered to the Chamber, it is not surprising that the list does not include the things he tried to do, but failed. Nor does it take into to account what went on behind the scenes before Cole "welcomed" the new hotel to Reed Station Road, and all the other things that seem to Anonymous to be "natural functions." There wouldn't be enough time in the speech. (Anonymous seems to think Cole just sat back and everything got done).

Three things that I can personally testify to, where Cole took the initiative: One is Bike 2 Work Day. Another is the statuary at Friendship Plaza. A third is the medical malpractice ordinance. In all three, I personally saw how Brad Cole operates. And they probably would never have been done, if they were left to a committee. Oh maybe eventually, after a year or two or three (look at the history of "Stars on Main"). But as I said, Cole gets things done.

But wait, there's more from Anonymous. You see, I deleted his comment, so my answer wouldn't be buried beneath several others, and I could give it more attention -- after attending a funeral for my best friend -- and dealing with the grief. Then I get another one:

So you posted my comment regarding what you think Cole has accomplished and then you delete it?

Now, why would you do such a thing, unless of course it pointed out the weaknesses in your posts.

If you are going to host a blog, maybe you should think about having the intellectual honesty to post the comments that take you to task.

Anonymous can be such a twit! He just found out another possible the reason why! But he takes a negative opinion of my intentions, just as he does for Cole. (For the record, I am not "hosting" a blog, but occasionally post messages to this one and some other blogs. And I could turn the comments off, and it wouldn't matter to me. It would be less work. I allow them, though, because sometimes the comments add information to the discussion.)

Now here's a challenge to the Simonites, or hostile commenters like "Anonymous."

If you aren't satisfied with all the things Brad Cole has done so far, what should have he done instead? Let's hear some practical suggestions.

What is the best thing Sheila Simon did while a member of City Council. What is anything she did?

Let's hear it!

In Memoriam

This is my saddest blog post ever, because yesterday a friend and mentor passed away: Jim Jung, (pron: Young) -- the man behind the Waterman and Hill-Traveler's Companion, and one of the smartest and most generous people I have ever known.

It surprises me that more people don't know Jim, but he followed Thoreau's principle of having 'one chair for solitude and two for company', when he wasn't out-and-about, tromping in the woods, or selling ads for the almanac, or watching CSPAN or quirky tv show like Firefly (on DVD).

Jim always had time for kids and friends in need. He helped me out many times, with a loaned tool, or pick-up truck and other occasional necessities of life. Many evenings he would entertain me, or other friends, in one of the free chairs in his living room. (If there was a crowd of three a footstool could be cleared off).

To other family friends, he was "Uncle" Jim, who enjoyed taking young folk on nature hikes, in search of sirens or morrels and other woodsy wonders. In his younger days he used to cave, keep bees, make beer and wine and meed. He was widely read, and always had some scientific monograph or book of natural history book in progress.

The sad thing is that Jim's career as a natural historian was just starting to take off. His book Weird Egypt was just published, and his almanac was gaining more readers and advertisers yearly, and he had started writing a monthly column for the Carbondale Times. and there was a very nice profile of him in The Southern Illinoisan about a year ago. [link]

Visitation for Jim will be tomorrow at Huffman-Harker Funeral Home at 210 W. Oak St. between 5-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

His wife Ruby gives more details on the Waterman and Hill-Travelers web site.

And there will also be a memorial service for another Carbondale fixture who recently passed away: Lynn Raben, who ran the Tropicana Vintage Clothing Store. Another case of fond memories for me, of hanging out with her on the porch in summertime, brainstorming for ideas about all kinds of things. Lynn was a seeker, who had 'a thing' for Ralph Waldo Emerson, the great American philospher (her license plate was EMRSN).

There will be a memorial service for Lynn in the Backroom of The Branch, where Tropicana was located originally, befor it moved into the building back behind the Longbranch Coffehouse.

I only broke down crying once while writing this.

Is his face(book) read?

When I last spoke with Brad Cole, a few weeks ago, he showed me the Facebook page a student supporter set up for his campaign. And now its in the news, as Eden Schulz reported Monday:

"A website that appeals to college kids is encouraging SIU students to vote for Brad Cole in the Carbondale mayor's race.

His opponent Sheila Simon says the site is misleading. The site, on facebook.com, claims Simon plans to raise the age for a person to enter a bar in Carbondale from 19 to 21, if she's elected. Simon says she's never talked about changing the age policy in bars, and just wants voters to be accurately informed."

There are more than 500 members on the site, including Brad Cole.

"I don't mind someone voting against me because they think they should be able to smoke at bars and restaurants in Carbondale. That's a fair decision. But I'm just not planning on raising the bar entry age," said Simon.

Mayor Cole did not want to comment on camera, but tells News 3 he only joined the website to police it.

Brad told me the same thing in February, too, but it sounds like he didn't police it well enough (due to a very busy schedule, I imagine). Unfortunately, in order to view the page you have to be a member, but the crowd's too young for me. (If any reader has actually seen the site, a screenshot would be nice to add to this post.

"Gadfly" believes this story could hurt Cole's chances with his old-guard supporters, but I doubt it. Rather, I think they will demand to know why Sheila Simon opposes raising the legal age of bar entry to 21, as God intended. (That's a joke, gadflies).

Cole-alition hopes to 'spring forward'

In a previous post, I had some critical things to say about Mayor Brad Cole, and offered supporters of his opponent the opportunity to do the same for their own candidate. After a few days, it appears that either Sheila Simon can do no wrong, or Simonites don't read this blog, or they need more time to think about it. (They'll be given another chance at the end of this post).

I'm calling supporters of Senator Paul Simon's talented daughter "Simonites" and supporters of banker Neil Cole's accomplished son the "Cole-alition."

For Simonites, besides the family loyalty, it's all about how Sheila voted on hot-button issues that came before the Council -- such as the Smoke-Free Carbondale initiative and the American Tap property purchase, and other controversial subjects, such as the mayoral credenza. (mp3 audio)

Perhaps it is unnecessary to assess Sheila's shortcomings as a candidate, since Peter the Great has done yeoman's work on this topic in a series of well-commented posts:

• Sheila starts up her Mayor campaign
• Brad Cole for Mayor.
• Sheila Simon's two worlds.
• Integrity, Responsibility and Opportunity
• Sheila's plans - I'm going to analyze them.
• Integrity and accusing your opponent of illegal or unethical acts.
• The American Tap - Leadership or a payout? The mayor's race in a nutshell.
• Interesting comment method has started on the blog.
• Where does Sheila's support come from?
• Stupid Campaign Sign Tricks
• Is there a perfect candidate?
• Brad Cole is so lucky.

For me, Sheila has two main strikes against her candidacy: 1) Brad Cole has done an excellent job, and many improvements for the City have resulted through his creativity and effort. 2) As competent as she may be, Sheila already has a full-time job, and a family, and pet projects, so she can't possibly spend as much time on the job that Brad can as "Carbondale's #1 Salesman." And she admits as much by arguing that the Mayor's job should only be part-time, so she'd create a new staff position to do what Cole has been doing (apparently). Maybe "take another look" at reinstituting the City's share of Property Tax (that Cole had abated while he was still a City Councilman) to pay for Cole's replacement. Now that would be irony for ya.

Like him or not, Brad Cole has redefined the way the job of mayor is done in Carbondale: he's worked hard, accomplished much, and deserves re-election. At around $10,000 per year, he's a bargain.

(Wait, I've got an idea! If Sheila is elected, the City Council could hire Cole to be the City's super salesman, if I am not available.)

But back to Sheila. Like most of us, she enjoys the university town way of life -- with a prestigious academic job, an important civic position, a professor husband, and two school age daughters to be proud of. She rides her bike to work, plays banjo in a band, and probably brings her lunch. She walks the talk when it comes to low-tech energy solution. Whereas Cole sponsors "Bike 2 Work Day," Sheila actually does ride a bicycling to work. Plus, she's the daughter of Paul and Jeanne Simon, two savvy politicians in their own right. And that's a huge plus in this Southern Illinois community. Former Senator Paul Simon has been elevated to saint-like status, even having a federal "cathedral" named after him three years ago.

So she's a shoo-in right?

Not according to the "Cole-alition" that supports the Mayor's re-election. Unofficial Cole-alition spokesman Peter Gregory thinks Brad Cole is the best mayor Carbondale has had for decades -- in part because he's worked so hard, as a hands-on player from the get-go, announcing he was withdrawing support for the CDBC and Carbondale Main Street. And the TIF District, etc. He ran on a promise to be the #1 salesman for Carbondale, and he has been. Traveling the globe, selling "the Capital of Southern Illinois." (his phrase), while tending to the matters of the City that matter most. To quote "Great Marmaduke's Ghost"

"It is the job of city government to foster economic development, provide for the public safety, build and maintain infrastructure and to pick up garbage. Every thing else is secondary -- and Cole tops Simon on all of these basics."

Let's face it, folkies, Councilwoman Simon wouldn't have a moonbeam's chance in daylight of taking Mayor Cole's job from him -- or getting State Democratic Party support -- if she weren't a Senator's daughter. She knows that. Everyone knows that.

Because of Brad's support for business, environment and the arts, the pro-business, pro-environment, and pro-art supporters of Brad Cole urge voters to not to turn back the clock, and return to the days of the part-time Mayor . . . but to Spring forward with a full-time Mayor whose #1 job is making Carbondale a better place to live and work.

Now, here are some questions for each group:

• What is the best thing your candidate did? -- Peter G suggests answer.
• What is the best thing your candidate's opponent did? -- (I'm thinking. I'm thinking. Someone tell me.)
  
• What is the worst thing your candidate did? -- I've made some suggestions a few days ago.
  
• What is the worst thing your candidate's opponent did? -- voted against the Mayoral credenza.
  

'Shout outs' and prayers for friends

Say 'hi' to Scott, everyone, a recent transplant to Southern Illinois, who has been trying unsuccessfully to reach out to folks around here. He came to my attention through comments to this blog, which spilled over to his own blog post about 'bias'. Another local blogger. Cool. He's a good writer and thinker.

And speaking of good writers and thinkers, some not-so-cool news about Jim Jung, the man behind the Waterman & Hill Travelers Companion (a Southern Illinois Almanac). Jim is not only a good friend, he also knows more about local flora and fauna than anyone in the world. But since the new year, he's gotten very sick, very fast. So if you know Jim in person (or though his Almanac or Carbondale Times column), and if you're the card-sending, or prayer-saying type, you know what to do.

Meeting the Grand Illusioner

I met Southern Illinoisan publisher Dennis DeRossett yesterday. He's looking forward to new editor Gary Metro taking over the editorial reins. He said the job for the new Carbondale beat reporter is open again, since Kristen Cates has moved on. He spoke of Karen and Steve Binder returning to fold (which I knew already) , and the fact that The Southern is getting an expensive expansion, and he has a couple of hard hats to wear at work now. He said Gary Metro will be blogging as his predecessor, the suddenly vanished Bennett Surfless, had done. He said there'll be a "meet the new editor" shindig when Gary arrives, and I'm invited. I suggested he invite all the local bloggers as he was going out the door. I think I heard him say he would.

Ladies and gentlemen, it could be the dawn of a new age for local media. First, Great Marmaduke's Ghost appears on the blog portal -- and she never heard of a blog before; then Peter the Great writes about me in a recent Gregorian Rant (topic for a future post); and later the same day I meet the Southern's top guy and we snap a photo. I'm in blog heaven.

He came into my favorite local art gallery to speak with the owner about something for a wall in one of the rooms in his house. Because I was there, we talked.

Dennis thinks the new editor with the colorful name can get the job done. But can he get it done before the April 17 general election? Look more deeply into the campaigns and candidates as local bloggers Peter , Bob and I have done?

I didn't ask Dennis for a job.

Biased my *sterisk

Last week there were some comments like hey, dave, you're on the mayor's payroll, now be honest, you are biased, which is unfair. I've been upfront about maintaining the Mayor's site - at least as far back as May 2006, but I added a statement of that fact to my profile for this blog, so that should cover it -- along with the following explanation: I've been uploading Carbondale Communique mayoral messages, and photos to Cole's website since 2003. So what am I supposed to do? Quit? Not comment on the race? Or simply continue blogging, and anyone who doesn't like it -- the mayor or anyone else -- can kiss my *sterisk, or post a comment. Yeah, that's the ticket.

Like the "Marry the Mayor" site . . . . Some think that it was sort of plan. No way! That gem was conceived by me and developed with three other Town Square Marketing Association businesses. Cole was told about it after the idea was developed. We asked if he would play along, and to his credit (imo) he agreed. (I like that Brad's decisive, and get things done. Sheila would have put the decision up to a committee and it never would have happened.) You may not like tongue-in-cheek contests with a post-modern view on love and business, but CNN and other news media did (and still may depending on what happens after Brad's first date). As things stand, the mayor is scheduled for a date with a young lady from Nashville, Tennessee, whose video essay deserves YouTube posting [link], as mentioned in the Feb. 14 press release. And in a new twist, the Marry the Mayor Committee is discussing with the other eligible bachelor City Council member Lance Jack, off the record, if he wants to double-date with Brad in April or May with one of the other women, before the new council members are sworn in. Brad has promised to have his date, win or lose the election.

Now Sheila, who is married, with a professor husband and two teen-ettes at home, and a full time job also promises to get things done, and she's practically neighbor, and I really should sit down and speak to her (again) as a courtesy to her. (You know, we're all busy, Bloggy.) But until I do, I promise to present a fair and balanced, if somewhat askew view of both candidates.

To prove it, here's some things I think Cole got wrong. I agree with SS that BC (and the rest of City Council at the time) should not have supported the American Tap property purchase from Henry Fisher. The reason I did not support the American Tap purchase at the time -- was not because he was a felonious sex offender and a property scofflaw, but that the price was too high -- but Cole and the majority of City Council were trying to improve the face of downtown Carbondale, per input to Mayor Cole from representatives of Carbondale Main Street that the eyesore building was "the strip's" biggest problem. So Cole swung into action, and the Council followed -- for reasons explained in this weeks Carbondale Times.

(The discussion of this purchase at the time prompted my first appearance before City Council, to inquire "what was the assessed value of the property" -- and no one knew! -- it's still fun to see City Manager Doherty shuffle through his papers in search of that information. However, as someone I trust pointed out to me afterwards that I should have asked the appraised value. See the thing is, First Southern Bank paid only $450,000 for the property the bank is on and all the land surrounding, including where the Auto Parts place is. And that little patch of land on Illinois Ave. cost the city $150,000. I once worked out the difference in price per square foot, but I'm too busy now to look for it or do it over.... be patient and I will, unless you beat me to it in a comment.)

Another thing the Simonites oppose in retrospect is Cole's Cleanup program, which Peter the Great has puzzled over. I have to disagree with Peter and Cole on this one. I think $250,000 might have been better spent on technical training, rather than picking up trash, but I am biased toward the digital and technical, and people say the program did some good. But $250,000 worth of good? Cole says 'yes'. In fact, he reaffirmed his pride in the program in interview with Tom "Cap" Miller this morning on WJPF, and I was able to record the part where Cole explains the difference between him and Sheila (7 mg mp3).

And while I'm on Cole's case, I think he and the rest of City Council (including Sheila Simon) dropped the ball on the Varsity Theater. I don't know what anyone could do. It was going to cost of lot money to renovate since Kerasotes Theaters, bless their greedy little hearts, prevented the building from being used to show movies. I wonder what the City of Carbondale business development team has done about that building since! In 2003, a group of citizens headed by Bob Streit ("the Laurence Olivier of Southern Illinois") tried to make something happen, but too much money was required. Yet, the longer it sits, the worse it will get.

Speaking of actors, the Jackson County Stage Company will be holding a Silent Auction and Dinner Theater THIS WEEKEND, featuring a play Harlequinade -- and get this! The silent auction will include many items including a sand painting of the now-demolished old bank building that housed the Stage Company for 25 years, created from (pulverized) brick from the actual building. Replicas will probably be sold online. [link]

Next I'm going to write about the way the race is shaking out, from what my friends and contacts say: many are undecided. They hadn't seen the ad that ran in the Carbondale Times, listing the things Brad Cole has accomplished in four years.

Now I'd like to hear The Simonites (supporters of former Sen. Simon's daughter) say something bad about their standard-bearer. (Perhaps fault her for being stingey about the Mayor's credenza?)

Holy Saluki Roll!

Following yesterday's thrilling Saluki victory over the Bradley Braves, I joined a small group of friends for dinner at the new Japanese restaurant on Main Street: Sachi (where Bistro 51 used to be) -- and it was even more delicious than Matt Shaw's last-seconds put-back to advance SIUC to today's MVC championship game in St. Louis.

I had flounder, rice and mixed vegetables for 7.95, but 12.95 got a young alumnus a "Saluki Roll": Fried lobster, w/avacado and cucumber. Not sure what's "Saluki" about the ingredients, but it tasted great. I liked the food so much, I scanned the menu and posted it for future reference.

Perhaps I'll order something after the Salukis roll over the Creighton Bluejays this afternoon. Sachi will be open at 5 p.m. today (Sunday). The Saluki game will be televised on CBS beginning at 1:05 p.m.

Cole's Rope-a-dope

Following his second-place showing in the recent primary election, is Mayor Brad Cole in a stronger position than his (855 votes) 38% of the vote might suggest?

Did he use political rope-a-dope to absorb the 1,214 blows from the motivated opposition (the "Cole-hating Simon-lovers") out in force at the polls on Tuesday? More than 1000 registered voters did not vote in the primary, so the Mayor should have a legitimate shot at their votes -- if the voters consider the records of the two candidates. (Next week, I add a link for Cole and one for Simon, if someone can direct me to the list of her accomplishments while in City Council.)

In the meantime, I'm still waiting for a Simon supporter to answer Peter Gregory's questions about her plan "beyond a Dilbert award" for small business. Surprisingly, no one has pointed out the obvious: SHOP AT THOSE PLACES! I wonder if if either candidate would show their checkbook or credit card receipts for purchases made at local businesses over the past year. Since Sheila shops at yard sales (57 second .mp3), and rides a bicycle, she may not have many receipts. But Cole is single (but for how long?) and dines modestly, whereas Simon belongs to a two-income household, with two children to feed and clothe. But as thrifty as she claims to be, she may not be supporting local business much. It would be interesting to see which candidate gives more support to local business with their pocketbooks.

St. David's Day

St. David, the patron saint of Wales, died in 589, a century after St. Patrick. Traditionally, Welsh folk wear leeks or daffodils on their hats or lapels on St. David's Day (March 1), but in the 1990's people started drinking red or amber colored beer in hoppy homage to "St. Dave" two weeks before the big green-fest for that other Celtic saint -- the one with Budweiser and Miller endorsement deals.

I plan to drink a pint of amber ale tonight at Pinch Penny Pub with another blogger, in honor of St. David -- trying to bring more color to the monochromatic beer drinking holiday scene.

How's this for a slogan:

Why wait until March 17 to drink green beer for a Celtic saint, when you can drink amber ale on March 1!

Or this:

I didn't know whether to wear a leek -- or take a leak -- on St. Dave's Day.

Leek soup is actually pretty good, and I may try to order a bowl of it at Harbaugh's today for lunch. Surely some restaurant will be serving leek soup for take-out.

Honk if you're Welsh!

1,214 Voters Can't Be Wrong . . . Can They?

I'm only mildly surprised by the results of yesterday's election. Carbondale's coalition of community-minded democrats and greens nearly won the election four years ago, when Cole squeaked through by a narrow margin of 17 votes. And now they're galvanized around a stronger candidate, with a famous name, friends in higher places, and a friendly face.

Now I don't mean to demean her demeanor, since Sheila Simon has always been cordial and helpful to me -- unlike the man she wants to replace as Mayor, Brad Cole, who has been nothing but attentive and cooperative.

You're thinking . . . "cordial and helpful" . . . "Attentive and cooperative" -- What's the diff? It's this: Not being otherwise employed -- and very well-organized -- Brad Cole had time to follow-up on many long-neglected aspects of Carbondale government and community. Conversations in casual meetings became full-fledged projects. He'd take my thoughts of promoting art in the community and -- working with Carbondale Community Arts -- made them a reality. The Bike 2 Work Day event is another example. The City Malpractice Solution.... The list goes on and on.... I should compile the full list of Cole's achievements in four years and things that are "in the works."

When I ran for City Council four years ago, I gave a lot of thought to what I could actually DO while in office, besides vote "yes" or "no" on zoning and financial issues, to make my contribution worthwhile. I wanted to be PROACTIVE, to take steps that would make a definite step in the right direction, "making Carbondale a better place to live and work." I made a list of ten goals: things I would work toward. Some seem rather jejune, based on what I know now, but still . . . .

I don't know why Sheila didn't do anything proactive while she sat at City Council for four years. Perhaps because she felt Brad would not cooperate with her, or maybe, between teaching law, regular council duties, and being an active, bike-riding mother of two, she didn't have time to come up with anything, or if she did, felt Cole would shoot it down.

Sheila and I have had good interactions and she made three suggestions to me since I've known her: 1) that I could fill a vacancy on the Energy Advisory Commission (not realizing I don't do committees, as a rule, with one exception. Nonetheless this was a good, proactive suggestion by Sheila, although directed at the wrong person. 2) she recommended that I speak to a certain woman who worked at a certain church about a certain project and this woman was unsuitable for collaboration, for several reasons, so I wasted time. 3) she made a good suggestion for Bike 2 Work Day (one that I had already done, but still -- I hope if she is elected Mayor that she will still support that project.)

My experience with Cole goes back to 2002, when he was a City Council member whom I selected at random to inquire about the possiblity of a public outdoor swimming pool (because I didn't know any of them, except Maggie Flanagan.) Cole was prompt and professional in his email response, which impressed me.

Brad has continued to impress, and occasionally surprise. But does he have what it takes to take the election? Have Simon supporters given it their best shot? With 1,214 votes, she got 359 more than Cole. On April 17 will our Mayor find an additional 360 voters -- or more -- who think he deserves reelection? (And how about that other date?)

Their Word, My Word

Holy Salukiville! The DE is endorsing Holder and Simon for Mayor! I jokingly made the same wacky endorsement in a comment a few days ago. (This does not Bode well for Cole. I wonder what the DE's track record is for endorsing the actual winner.) Besides his shock of white hair, another reason to vote for Pepper Holder is he needs the job. It would make things VERY interesting with a Mayor Pepper - he could grow into the job, like Obama. But we all know Pepper's not going to win tomorrow: it will be Cole and Simon facing off in April. So why would the DE make such a fatuous endorsement? (Are they sticking it to 'the man'? Remember "You owe us Mayor Cole, now be honest?")

It was clear from the outset, who the DE favors in the race (even though Cole received the student newspaper's endorsement in 2003, and has fulfilled all of his promises and much more.) I think the upstate Democrat politics may have come into play in student reporter Andrea Zimmerman's time for questioning:

Mayor Brad Cole looks to continue his leadership in the city. Carbondale has done fairly well under his reign and he can only look to better his game against worthy contenders. Like any leader, Cole has made his enemies. Will they surface to unseat the 35-year-old mayor?

Carbondale councilwoman and SIU School of Law professor Shelia Simon brings a wealth of political passion to the table. The daughter of the late and legendary Sen. Paul Simon is no stranger to elections, but does she have what it takes to run what many consider the "capital of southern Illinois"? (Boldface for added emphasis)

Despite mis-spelling Sheila's name, these paragraphs show a clear bias against Cole and a disingenuous view of Simon's capabilities. "Does she have what it takes," indeed.

Bob Pauls gives readers some facts and figures about the candidates in his Carbondale Mayoral Primary Primer, concluding:

"The election is shaping up to be the all too familiar downstate spitting contest between the ‘Fat Cat’, conservative, right wing, Chamber of Commerce, landlord/developer against the left/moderate-wing Democrat, academic, neighborhood oriented, home owning soccer moms and dads. – only without the spit – unless you count the drool from one local blogger. At least so far. Let us hope it stays that way."

Indeed, some of the spit is far flung.

My too choices for Mayor: Cole and Simon. . . . Pepper may be the salt of the earth, but no condiments for Mayor, please, just meat and vegetables.

And for Council members, in tomorrow's primary, I will vote for a man who wants to continue to move Carbondale forward Lance Jack, because I know him, he's a good guy, pro-business, and up-front honest. (He may not be the most articulate member of council, but he's experienced, and the fact that he likes to party is a bonus). Mary Pohlmann, I don't know, but I see her signs at friends' houses, and Peter the Great gives her the nod.

I have to disagree with PG's dismissal of the sole student candidate Joe Moore as a "lightweight." Joe shows mighty good use of media of any of City Council candidate, imo. He may be only 20 years old, but he is doing what it takes to win. A cursory read of his blog shows he gets it. He also has a great campaign slogan! Exactly like mine in 2005, except for the extra "O" and no clear explanation of "more what."

Looking forward to tomorrow's vote.

Boutique beats bus

The guy who operates the local Greyhound Bus office has offered me the opportunity to take over the station, since I used to work there when it was located next to the Bike Surgeon. It's tempting, but the situation now requires customers to purchase tickets on North Washington St. where the Big Muddy Independent Media Center is located. But the BMIC will be moving out, which means the rent will go up -- and the bus still stops in front of Amtrak!

I wanted to rent this long-vacant building on the corner of Elm and Illinois Ave. to be the new location for the ticket office, but a high fashion dress venture, called 2 Two Boutique, beat me to it. It's not open yet, but will be soon.

I still think the Greyhound ticket office would be good there, since it's across from the Amtrak station. The space might be available in a year or two (the way new business goes in this town), although I hear that the owner of "2" is the son of one of the local Sufis -- which means that he and his partner will have a steady stream of business from that growing community of American Muslims, most of whom are women and good dressers. ;-) Not to mention all the people who go to Booby's, The Bike Surgeon and Amtrak.

A better location for the Greyhound ticket office is still needed. But where?

Who is Steve Beck and why is he saying those things for $20,000?

First heard of Steve Beck in Peter the Great's glowing preview of this motivational speaker from the Capitol City Speakers Bureau. Yesterday's DE has an account of Steve Beck's Motivational Speeches on campus:

Network security officer Curt Wilson said the information wasn't exactly new to him, but was a good refresher. He said he thinks being present in all interactions - one of the things Beck emphasized - brings a quality of life that can't be found elsewhere.

As a matter of fact, I encountered Curt at Schnuck's last night, and seemed to be very "present" in our interaction. In the same article (not at Schnucks), Ha-Yee Teska, a Procedures and Systems Analyst, said "More people should come." Office Systems Specialist Marcia Gerstenschlager agreed. "They should be turning people away."

Which suggests there's room for curious alumni.

The Monday afternoon session was only one of 10 sessions Beck offered this week. The final speeches will be given today and Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Student Center Auditorium.

See you there?

Civil Civics

Bob Pauls is wondering about the ethics ... of Peter Gregory's rants against the second-best candidate for mayor in all of Carbondale. Hey, if he doesn't like it, he doesn't have to read it, right? So cross him off the list of Peter's readers, he says, after delivering an old-fashioned anti-rant, complete with photograph of old-time typewriter.

Before I weigh-in with a way-out comment on what is shaping up to be a battle of two ethical giants, let me to remind you that being civic-minded takes time. It takes time read a candidate's platform and comment intelligently on the points it makes.

I hope the same kind of analysis can be done with Cole's platform, as well, perhaps by one of his opponents' supporters - using Google Docs - continuing this experiment in citizenship.

Don't have a Gmail account yet? What're ya waiting for, Bloggee? If you'd like to contribute to the analysis of either candidates plans, have your people contact our people.

With aplomb

Although videotaping was not permitted, last night's forum of mayoral candidates was memorable for the civility of the participants and the audience, which refrained from applauding (except for sporadic smatterings) until the end.

The candidates were articulate and informed to varying degrees about the topics posed by moderator Darcy Prosser of the League of Women Voters. There were about eight questions, and candidates took turns at having first crack at one. (Where the questions came from wasn't stated. I didn't write down the questions, either, but I'll try to get and post them to the Bytelife blog, along with audio clips of the answers.)

Pictured left to right, Mayor Brad Cole, City Councilwoman Sheila Simon, local social activist Pepper Holder and servant to the community, Jessica Davis, whom I met for the first time after the debate. The other candidates I've known for years, and each held "true to form" in their answers to the questions posed, meaning: Cole = All Business, Simon = Folksy Concern, Holder = Hoary-headed. The new kid on the block, Ms. Davis, is smart and service-oriented. If I were to describe her in one word, it would be . . . "Ringer" because she takes votes from Simon's Law School and the female constituency, and also from Pepper's African-American constituency. She stands for the same issues as they do, and she articulates them more effectively (which is saying something, because Sheila is no slouch in the speech department).

The two leading candidates, Cole and Simon each took a jab at the other: Simon said something about not spending $150,000 "on every building you want" (referring to her disapproval of a controversial purchase by The City), while in another context Cole said something about needing to pay a D.C. lobbyist to help the City acquire federal funds for a new police station, because he didn't "grow up in the halls of Congress." But then Sheila rejoined that now that Democrats are running things in the U.S. Congress, the need for Republican lobbyist has passed.

Overall, I'd give the evening to Brad, but everyone acquitted themselves with aplomb (unlike the old Jimmy Durante joke reprised by local artist Vic DeGraff (7 second .avi).)

The forum will be rebroadcast on WSIU-TV. Not sure when. It's not mentioned on either League of Women Voters or WSIU-TV websites. (links)

Date Candidates Update & Candidates Debate Date

Things have heated up on both the love and the campaign fronts since my last post. According to the official press release I wrote, a woman from Nashville, Tennessee, was given the nod by the Marry the Mayor Committee, although Mayor Cole is being coy about his own choice until after next week's primary election. He says “I don’t want my personal life to become a distraction. I'd prefer to let my record as Mayor be the issue for the next 9 weeks, not my record on the dating scene.”

On the campaign scene things are heating up, as well, thanks to Peter Gregory's blog. His analysis of married mayoral candidate Sheila Simon's platform issues has been devasting, if you accept Peter's capitalistic 'take' on her ideas. Not much coming from Simon's supporters. The best they can do is (anonymously) demean Cole by calling him "marry-the-mayor Brad" or "mayor hot pants." Or downplay the progress the city has made in the past four years.

Wanting more systematic analysis of Simon's plans, I invited some other bloggers to contribute their own thoughts on her issues, which I'm publishing a preview of today, before this evening's candidate debate. It's far from complete, so if you want to contribute to the document yourself, let me know.

Tonight's debate at the Civic Center should be interesting. It's on Cable-16, but I don't have MediaCom, so I'll attend in person -- and try to videotape some highlights.

UPDATE: -- No video recording was permitted at the debate.

Happy V Day

One of my favorite poems is "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell, the concluding lines of which state:

The grave's a fine and private place,
But none, I think, do there embrace.

Guess Marvell was wrong.

In Italy, archaeologists vow to keep these two lovers intertwined when they are moved from the dig "in a Valentine's Day gift to the country."

And today, in Carbondale, Illinois, the Marry the Mayor Committee will give the results of its first attempt to find a suitable love interest for hizzoner Brad Cole, with candidates from several States who expressed interest. An "official" press release was prepared by the Committee. Let's see if it makes 'the press'.

And coming up in March the other V-Day (against violence and sexual exploitation of women) there will be local performances of The Vagina Monologues on March 2-4.

On the box and off the record

Things have changed greatly for former Chancellor Walter V. Wendler since our last meeting a few months ago in his Anthony Hall office. His new standard-issue desk is located in an obscure corner of Quigley Hall, in a small office, where SIU's newest professor of architecture sports a new look. Wearing a maroon turtleneck shirt and a clean-shaven face(!), the former most powerful man on campus offered me an unpacked box to sit on, as he shared some thoughts about the sudden changes in his life.

He is philosophical about his fate, seeing recent events as a spiritual challenge -- and opportunity. He's thrown his hat into the ring for a few jobs, but he's looking forward to teaching architecture again, his first love, although his new appointment does not require teaching until next Fall.

So what's he doing in the meantime? Will he have lunch with his nemesis, Peter the Great? I didn't have time to ask before my ride arrived.

My old friend Vic DeGraff, the sand painter was meeting me on campus, at the University Museum, where our friend Larry Bernstein's work is on display as part of the 'Cranbrook 5' exhibit.

I love the SIU campus. I should visit it more often. It feels good to be around all those young people -- not the students, the faculty! ;-)

Obamarama in pajamas

It's great that Barack Obama is running for President. And I am extremely pleased I didn't drive to Springfield this morning to hear his announcement at the historic capitol building -- where the temperature is only 8 degrees!

I stayed home because last night I learned the speech would be delivered earlier than I thought. If I had left this morning at 6:30, I'd still be on the road, instead of writing this post, listening to CSPAN African-American Conference broadcast live, where the relevancy of Obama's candidacy to "black America" was considered the panel. My conclusion: Al Sharpton is a demagogue. And switching to MSNBC, where Pat Buchanan, Chris Matthews are punditing about the challenges Obama faces, following today's announcement.

Sure, it would have been great to be there in person. ABC News reports:

the Springfield airport Friday afternoon was packed with reporters and Democratic activists. A documentary film crew, shooting Obama since May, arrived. Friday night in downtown Springfield, rumors abounded that Hollywood stars George Clooney and Matt Damon, both of whom have endorsed Obama, had come to the state capital.

And Abraham Lincoln will be there:

Standing . . . just steps away from where Abraham Lincoln used to practice law, another lanky Illinoisan will stand and declare his candidacy for president of the United States this morning.

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., 45, spent eight years here, representing the fabled South Side of Chicago. In addition to the invocations of Lincoln's legacy of trying to unite a bifurcated nation, Obama's allies are reminding voters that Lincoln's eight years in the state legislature and one term in the U.S. House of Representative compare rather precisely with Obama's legislative experience. (boldface added)

Barack Hussein Obama's Lincolnesque "Give Hope a Chance" speech will be viewable to all who stayed warm this morning via live webcast at BarackObama.com beginning at 10:50 EST. . . . 20 minutes from now.

Time to brew another espresso, with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. My 'esprilla' drink could become the official beverage of the Obama campaign. There are a lot of coffee drinkers and ice cream eaters who would be swayed by that. (He already has the trying to quit smoking vote. )