Du Quoin commissioner Kathy West will not seek re-election to the council
Du Quoin Finance Commissioner, Kathy West, announced today that she will not be a candidate for reelection in 2015.
West will have completed 10 years of service as a city commissioner, including eight years as Street Commissioner and her final two years as Finance Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tern.
West said that the time commitment of city service and what she describes as "that travel bug" both have left her feeling that it is time for her not to seek another term. She has greatly enjoyed her service on the city council.
"During my time on the council we have completed several tasks and the start of several more projects. It was such a pleasure to work with Mayor Rednour and now Mayor Duncan is continuing to help the town make enormous strides. Good government, to me, is about getting things done for the people. I've been proud to be a part of that progress. I would like to thank all of the city employees, past and present, and the citizens for our accomplishments. Things do not happen without a team effort." she said.
Du Quoin Mayor Rex Duncan said he tried to dissuade West from stepping down. "Kathy is such an asset to the council and to the community. I really hoped she would run for another term. When I'm away, I always know the city is in good hands. I trust her implicitly and truly appreciate her hard work," Duncan said.
West is recognized for the energy she brings to the city council. She and Commissioner Donnie Kunkel have been constantly present on Main Street helping to coordinate the sidewalk project, ensuring that any adverse impacts of that work on local businesses was minimized. She was also instrumental in managing city finances during the past two years of significant infrastructure investments.
"We are pretty much right on budget this year, although our early revenues are down a bit because of the impact of the severe winter," West observed. "The city will have to be careful to let cash reserves rebuild after these infrastructure projects. We saved money for a long time to get these projects done, and we'll have to save again for a couple of years to rebuild those reserves. I'll leave with City finances in good shape." Kathy stated.
West said that although she will be leaving the city council, she will be working to support Duncan's mayoral election campaign. "Rex hasn't announced, but I'm sure he'll run," West said, "He's been an excellent, inclusive leader who has helped the city weather some very difficult days the past couple of years. He fully deserves election as mayor and he has my complete support." she stated.
The next municipal election will be held in April 2015.