Joel Fritzler, Mayor 

Former Mayors

As we all start my third year as Mayor, we will continue to see fresh changes in Carbondale; here in the present and also in the future. The construction of the new fire station is on schedule, the construction of the bicycle/pedestrian path through the downtown along the east side of the railroad tracks will begin this summer, and the plans for a major redevelopment of Downtown Carbondale are already underway. IDOT will be working on new sidewalks and a much needed crosswalk across IL-13 by the University Mall. The “pink” caboose behind the historic train station will be getting a fresh coat of red paint, and Ameren has been brightening up Carbondale with replacement lights, and they will be painting their metal light poles around town.

On April 9th, you the electorate, voted in two new faces for your city council. On May 7th, Carolin Harvey and Jessica Bradshaw will replace Councilwoman Corene McDaniel and Councilman Chris Wissmann. Corene has served Carbondale on the City Council for 12 years and Chris has served Carbondale on the City Council for 10 years. Although, during my eight years on the council, we haven’t always agreed, we have always accepted each other’s difference of opinion and then moved onto the next issue. That is how democracy should work whether it is here in Carbondale, or in Springfield, IL or Washington, DC. During the last two years, I have relied upon their advice and, both Corene and Chris can be assured that I will be calling them for advice as long as I’m on the City Council.

Although Carolin and Jessica will be new on the City Council, they have both been serving the community for many years with various organizations. Most recently, Carolin has served as the Chairperson for the City’s Planning Commission and Jessica has served as the Chairperson for the City’s Human Relations Commission. During the week prior to the election, I felt that it was very appropriate for me to give them my endorsement as I believe that they are both individuals that will work with the other City Council members as a team for the betterment of Carbondale. I have expressed to both of them that we probably won’t agree on all issues but that I know they will do their homework and ask questions rather than jumping to conclusions.

Can you smell them? Me neither. It has been almost a y ear since we issued permits for residential chicken coops. And, except for a few loose chickens during the snow storm on Christmas Night, we haven’t had any of the problems that the coop opponents predicted. I hope that more responsible residents can enjoy “city” fresh eggs in the future.

If you are planning on staying in our fine city for the fast approaching summer months, let me remind you that it can be a quiet and relaxing time but, with the Southern IL Music Festival, the McLeod Summer Playhouse, Brown Bag Concerts, and Sunset Concerts, there is always something going on. So, I invite you to join me at the various events around town, and to be part of the fresh and positive changes taking place in Carbondale. If you ever have any questions about the city, feel free to contact me at  jfritzler@ci.carbondale.il.us  or 457- 3229.

Have a great spring and summer,

Joel Fritzler, Mayor