Linda Mitacek

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ 1. I, Linda Mitacek, am a lifelong resident of Saline County. I am a retired educator with 33 years of experience. I hold an Associates of Arts degree from SIC and a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Education from SIU-C. I have two adult children: Sarah and Timothy. My husband of 35 years lost his nine-year battle to cancer in 2010.

I keep active in the Harrisburg community by being involved in the following clubs and organizations: Rotary, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, Christian Community Compassion Center and the First United Methodist Church. This allows me to work with many wonderful individuals.

For the past four years, I have had the privilege of being your commissioner for streets and public improvements. The department records from 2007-2010 reveal the following as improvements: Asphalted 4,000 feet of city streets, re-surfaced Sloan Street from Granger to Denison and the south end of Feazel Street, oil-and-chipped over 16 miles of city streets, construction on new bike path section, replaced over 15,000 feet of sidewalks, replaced over 900 feet of 24-inch storm sewer, replaced over 300 feet of 12-inch storm sewer, installed 60 feet of culvert and removed 26 hazardous trees.

From 2008-2010, the street sweeper logged 2,458 hours. The department provides other programs such as: the leaf and limb program and the Christmas tree pickup program.

The accomplishments of the department have all stayed within the street and alley budget.

I believe the experience gained from working these past four years as commissioner have been very valuable. I have enjoyed working with the superintendent and the workforce of the street and alley department.

2. Past councils started addressing both matters, with beginning stages taking many years. These issues are time-consuming and technical endeavors. Property within the interior should be reviewed. In these difficult economic times, it is challenging to bring revenue to the city. The council will need to be creative and innovative.

3. Annexation is only one possibility. If all city services are provided, then annexation should be considered. The cost benefit would have to be considered.

4. Leadership is needed for a city to move forward. I prefer council communicate, cooperate and connect to solve the problems of the city. The future direction of Harrisburg lies within its citizens. The people will choose as they vote, what direction our future holds.