Jarid’s story

I hope everyone read this letter to the editor in Friday’s Boone County Journal.  Jarid did not mention names but if you ask your current or ex-alderman I am sure you can find out.  Jarid was incorrect in one regard, at least two aldermen attempted to go to the meeting which was canceled without notification because of the “firing”.

Editor,
Late last year I wrote you a letter exclaiming my excitement
for returning to my beloved home town of Belvidere.
I have now found residency and my excitement has grown
even more. I have met people with incredible passion for the
city. Their ideas for growth, prosperity and job creation are
amazing. With citizens like this and their forward thinking
vision Belvidere has a VERY bright future.

In my last letter I also expressed some reservation for the
vision (or lack thereof) our current city council and the “old
guard” that controls it has. As I become more involved I’ve
noticed the “old guard” vision is short sighted, dull and looks
only in the review mirror. PEDC, the group city council
hired for revitalization assistance, recently conducted interviews
with the people of Belvidere. All though turnout was
low it did come with a lot of passion from citizens wanting to
move our community forward. However there was one person,
from the “old guard,” that did his best to stop the vision
and passion of those in attendance. After he stormed out with
his arms in the air he evidently complained enough to someone
with the power to make a call. The fine lady conducting
the interviews lost her job the very next morning; she got the
axe before she even made it in to her office. Sad, sad, sad.
What’s even more upsetting is that city council members, the
ones who spent tax dollars hiring PEDC, didn’t even bother
to show up for their scheduled interview. NOT ONE!

In Mayor Brereton’s final “State of the City” speech (and
a great speech it was) he gave some insight and direction for
the future leadership of our great city. He suggested it’s time
to let a new generation, a younger generation, come forward
to lead our community. A generation chalked full of fresh
ideas and limitless passion. A generation that will create jobs,
not one that will complain and have them destroyed.

Together we can turnout the “old guard”. If we want a
more prosperous job creating community we must. Or at best
one that will show up and participate. The community can no
longer afford such a vapid disrespectful city council.

A very thankful member of the community,

Jarid F. Funderburg