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. )