Rednour legacy will be a city left fiscally strong

Chicago Bulls fans felt the same way when Michael Jordan retired.

It happened Monday night as John Rednour retired as the town's 24-year mayor. It was a night of appreciation. Longtime friends. And, reflecting on his service to a town fiscally stronger than he found it during the worst economy the state and nation have ever experienced.

"You weigh it all out and 95% of it has been good," Rednour said, stepping over the inconveniences of political life in Du Quoin to create a legacy.

Rednour is coming off of a two-week bout with pneumonia and lost 10 pounds along the way. Grandchildren were pushing a Vitamin C concoction before Monday night's retirement reception attended by more than 200 and the swearing in of finance commissioner Rex Duncan as the town's new mayor. "I trust Rex in every way. He was city clerk, then water commissioner, then finance commissioner and now mayor. He's the only mayor to have done all of that."

"He has the experience and that's what it is all about."

You don't tamper with legacies at the risk of messing one up. Rednour said he will be a phone call away, but added that it is time for the next generation to build on the city's strengths. "I want tonight to be about John," said Duncan. "I am optimistic," he said before taking the oath of office with wife Linda at his side from city administrator Brad Myers.

Rednour presided over a short council agenda, what he called "the real business" of the city and during the roll call he responded "mostly here" with a smile as he continues to recover. As business development director Jeff Ashauer introduced Joe Holden of Belt Tech Inc. Rednour acknowledged that "Jeff has been with me from the beginning," then smiled and asked him "what are we going to do tomorrow?" encouraging him to continue his work. Du Quoin Baseball Inc. was granted a fundraising roadblock on June 15. A list of police auxiliary was approved to help shore up law enforcement efforts during the Street Machine Nationals rally in June.

As the city's business ended, Rednour reflected on the past 24 years. "You know, politics is a tough business," he said. He extended his appreciation to nearly 30 council members he has worked with beginning with his first council: Galen Davis, Bill Daulby, Don Payne and Gerald Miller. He praised city staff members and recounted how he has told each "Doing something stupid is not illegal. But, if you do something illegal I'll sign your arrest warrant." He remembered then Police Chief Ken DeMent telling him at his first meeting, "If they don't have a gun I'll handle it. If they do it's all yours."

One-by-one city attorney Aaron Atkins and council members conveyed their appreciation. "It's been a pleasure to serve you," Atkins said. "You have never not been there."

Treasurer Jacqueline Williams: "Life is short. It is time for you and your family to enjoy it."

Commissioner Kathy West: "I cannot imagine a Du Quoin without you."

Commissioner Yvonne (Morris) Spencer remembered family vacations together.

Administrator Brad Myers, "Thank you, Mayor Rednour, for the honor of allowing me to serve."

Rednour recalled once saying, "I pity anyone who has to follow me", then turned to Rex Duncan and smiled."

For Rednour it turned emotional when Duncan said, "You challenge us" and a second time when the memory of the late city administrator Blaine Bastien crossed his mind.

The whole night was exactly the way it should have been.