Mayor Alongi begins to put new administration in place

"We've got one chance to get this right," said a reflective Mayor-elect Guy Alongi as his work continues to piece together his new administration.

And, he believes that work is going well.

"I want the people of Du Quoin to know there is no instant gratification," he said. It will be a six-month, forward-thinking transition that focuses on bringing the best elements of the community together.

At the outset, commissioners-elect have met and decided on their assignments with the advice and consent of the new mayor.

One-time council member and retired public works director Dale Spencer will serve as finance commissioner.

Career law enforcement officer and retired Chief of Police Michael Ward will serve as police and fire commissioner.

Du Quoin businessman and retired Emergency Services director and Illinois Emergency Management president Charles Genesio will serve as street commissioner.

Career law enforcement officer Gerald Whitley, who in recent years has transitioned to energy and mining, will serve as water commissioner.

Alongi said Du Quoin Chief of Police Jamie Ellermeyer will continue in that appointment and Fire Chief Bob Shaw will continue in that appointment.

"When you dismantle many of the financial aspects of how the city does business, you need the people who are very good at their jobs to continue their work," he said. "The City of Du Quoin will not miss a beat."

Alongi has previously announced that city attorney Aaron Atkins has agreed to remain as the city's general counsel. He said Carbondale attorney Rhett Barke will replace a metro east labor attorney when labor issues arise. Barke is a member of the law firm of Gilbert, Huffman, Prosser, Hewson & Barke, Ltd.

Stephanie Cravens will serve as city treasurer.

Alongi previously announced that Jeff Ashauer will remain as Du Quoin economic development director, whose ongoing economic and small business development initiatives will blend into the work of a three-person budget and economic committee, yet to be named. Alongi has identified those members and is expected to announce their names when he and the new council are seated on Monday, May 11.

"They are substantial and have backgrounds in banking, finance, investing and construction," he said.

During his campaign he stated he would dissolve the position of city administrator.

"(Attorney) Aaron Atkins has met with city administrator Brad Myers and he understands that May 11 will be his last day," Alongi said.

He and the new council are also dissolving the position of public works director, which has been vacant since the retirement of Doug Bishop last year. Some of these changes will require new ordinances.

"We are going to change the whole dynamic of how we do business," Alongi said.

Alongi and a search committee have begun their work to identify a new City of Du Quoin Director of Finance. He said three candidates have already been identified and the city will advertising for the position in the Du Quoin Evening Call on Tuesday, May 12, the day after the council meeting.

Generally, the city is looking for a director responsible for "overseeing all of the financial activity and resources of the City of Du Quoin. It is expected that the Director of Finance will be responsible for the sources and uses of all funds including the budget development processes, budget oversight, budget analysis, short and long range forecasting and capital planning, for the day-to-day management of the city's financial functions and activities including the supervision and professional development of city staff."

"The position requires a minimum of a BS/BA degree from an accredited institution with major course work in accounting, financial management, economics, business administration and related fields. Advanced graduate study, a CPA, or equivalent work experience are preferred."

"Experience in municipal financial management and organization is beneficial."

Alongi said he has identified a temporary Director of Finance who will very capably work in the interim.

"I want to look forward two or three years--as well as back--and know what the projections are," he said. "One thing we will be looking at is discretionary funding and spending. I know we will be very conservative for the next year or two," Alongi said.

Alongi said he has met with many of the program and committee heads. He recently met with tourism director Judy Smid and said he supports her work at every turn with an eye toward reaching out to volunteers for manpower-intensive projects like the annual Holiday Lights Fair.

He said his will be a non-partisan administration.

"It won't be one where you are 'for us or against us,' " he said.

He said the contributors of ideas, good public policy and manpower will cut across the entire community.

With these things said and these changes coming, "I cannot say enough about Mayor Rex Duncan. I want to thank Rex and this council. They have done their job well. His revitalization of downtown Du Quoin and business development were his strong suit."