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Update - May 20, 2010

Moving Forward

"Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out."
–James Bryant Conant
US chemist, diplomat & educator

A life well lived is one that serves a purpose and serves others. And for whatever window of time we are given, we each have a chance to make a difference, to leave the world a little better because we passed through once.

In doing that we sometimes face criticism and misunderstanding, even from those we love. Sometime we may even have to accept failure, but nothing good ever came from not trying. Dreams, just like progress, require risk.

If you can imagine a city as an entity with the same goal, wanting to serve a purpose and serve others, then you will recognize the mission of your city leaders. Structuring a plan to overcome the loss of $220 million in assessed value when ComEd closed its doors has been a journey of ten lifetimes. Replacing revenues, creating jobs, providing services, devising a foundation that will carry Zion through the next 100 years as graciously as the last is a process that too often has kept its focus on the goal instead of making sure residents knew all the work involved.

For example, acquiring properties so the city would have land sites available for development. Most cities don’t want to take such a risk, but that simple step allowed Zion to transform a few places you might recall….Raper’s Gas Station into a new retail plaza, Ponderosa into Culvers Dan Miller Ford in Country Inn, Horizzon Restaurant to Applebee’s, Frisco Kennels to Super Walmart, Stiles Chemical into Piggly Wiggly, Larsen Car Wash and Harbor Auto into Great Lakes Credit Union and Dunkin Donuts, Athen’s Citgo into Walgreen’s, Crane Motel to Taco Bell, Home Café next to McDonald’s into 7-11, BAT downtown in AutoZone and now Market Square, Northshore Welding and a used car lot into Aldi….and other still to come. Consider the Trumpet Park development that alone has attracted over $50 million in private investment.

At the same time you must invest in the quality of life and level of services for your community. New street programs, sewer and water extensions, new housing developments with open space and planned parks, nuisance abatement, property maintenance, police and fire protection, rescue services, streamlined records and billing, provide reliable information with new technology, support recreation and festivals that celebrate our history and unique community that truly is a great place to ‘bee’.

The stadium project is the next opportunity to attract new revenue sources, create jobs and help Zion be recognized as a place to work, raise a family and enjoy a life of purpose. Sometimes we may question the path, but never the journey as we make our way. Each project involves risk and delay, sometimes even a relocation, but when you’re working on behalf of others and your faith is strong, all things are possible in good time…just consider the turtle.