Message from Mayor Ben Garlich, August 2021

Dear Residents,

I recently read an article comparing southern Illinois to northern Missouri. The article basically took two areas that were geographically identical in climate and attributes, and the only variable was the state line dividing the two regions. The article described southern Illinois as an area in decline and northern Missouri as an area that is thriving. They gave explanation for the difference in the vitality of the two areas northern Missouri had a more favorable tax structure, stronger local government that was business focused and working for the good of the area. Southern Illinois they described as having an unfavorable tax climate, self-serving local government which in addition to misaligned personal agendas had a history of corruption.  I did have the opportunity last weekend to travel from my home to the southernmost area of our state and was amazed and saddened at what I saw.

I had an evening commitment and arrived earlier in the afternoon. My early arrival permitted me time to explore the city. I left my downtown located hotel and went for a walk. The infrastructure, sidewalks and roads were in major disrepair, and I could tell by the buildings, this area at one time was beautiful and vibrant. The downtown area was large and as I walked, I realized 80 percent of the retail store fronts were empty. Not only were they empty, they were in shambles. Traffic was basically nonexistent. The noise of success was absent.  I returned with renewed enthusiasm and heightened awareness of the important role local government plays in the success or failure of a community. We all have a responsibility to ensure our community stays vibrant and successful.

We are still experiencing growth in the community; we are able to continue to improve our infrastructure to ensure our village is maintained. It takes the effort of all to maintain a Village where businesses want to locate, and people want to live.

I appreciate the investment in our community as we are one of the largest areas of employment and a Village with all necessary conveniences. We live in a GREAT community.

Be informed, be involved, exercise your right to vote, shop Middlefield and visit middlefieldohio.com.