Now, read this summation:

            “The candidates seemed to agree on most issues. When asked their views on adopting building and zoning codes they concurred that such regulations are needed, but cautioned some could be too far reaching. It is likely that the new commissioners will adopt building codes for the city this spring. The Pinckneyville Planning Commission made its recommendation as to what to do on this matter last year.”

            If it appears to be a description of Monday’s event, you are mistaken. I wrote this as editor of the defunct Pinckneyville Democrat after a similar forum in February 1999.

            Ahh, progress in Pinckneyville. It chugs along at the pace of a steam machine at the Thresherman’s show.

            By raising the question he Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event, is clearly frustrated that little has been done the past 12 years regarding zoning and codes. After all, it didn’t seem to be a hot topic around the kitchen tables and coffee klatches of Pinckneyville.

            True, Holder and Stone noted that the issue is being addressed in some grand 20 year plan on which the council is toiling, but we have heard that story before, too. The city is being assisted by the Greater Egyptian Planning Commission in developing a similar strategy. That is same organization that was doing the exact same thing for the city in 1998. I’ll just assume the first action step in that document read, “Plan on dragging out this process well into the new millennium. We need job security.” But enough on that.

            The bulk of the forum consisted of 11 public speaking neophytes who, no matter how uncomfortable they were, did their best to answer three of four questions off the cuff. They were given advance time to prepare for the remaining one.

            They included those quoted above as well as August Kellerman and George Culley, mayoral candidates; Sammy Peradotta, commissioner of public property candidate; Jon Weatherford, commissioner of streets and public improvements candidate and Kevin Hicks, commissioner of public health and safety candidate.

            Two candidates Nathan Kellerman (public health and safety) and Leonard Heisner Jr. (finance) were no shows. Kellerman said he was ill. Heisner opted to attend a hospital board meeting on which he sits rather than face the voters. This begs the question: if a conflict between city and hospital business were to arise if he was elected, where would his allegiance lie?

            (Point of disclosure: Heisner is running against Dobrinick with whom I am related by marriage. Chuck would be the first to tell you, however, that if he had done the same thing as Heisner I would have put him through the same wringer.)

            The forum had its interesting moments. As I expected, Culley, the self-proclaimed visionary with a fire and brimstone demeanor, was the most colorful. I lost count on how many times he uttered the word “Pinckneyville”

            When asked to pretend to describe the town’s assets without mentioning who wonderful its people are, Culley couldn’t contain himself and said who great Pinckneyville people every 30 seconds.

            Peradotta’s marquee issue was protecting the utility department from privatization. That is a concept Holder floated earlier in his tenure.

            Lois Heisner wants to focus on procuring grants to offer as incentives to lure in business. She also wants to “get rid of our stinky water.”

            Dobrinick believes positive momentum is growing here with the new high school, two new museums and the grassroots efforts to improve Pyramid State Park. He wants to build on those efforts.

            Shillinger said the police department is “running double figures over budget” and said he can rein in that spending without cutting jobs.

            Hicks sort of flip flopped saying there are too many people using illegal drugs in town, but then stating that crime is low here. He also said Pinckneyville should take advantage of the six highways that intersect here to attract business.

            Holder also talked about Pinckneyville’s location and said the resurgence of coal mining could bring opportunities to attract businesses that service that industry.

            Kellerman wants more transparency in government saying there will be fewer executive sessions held by the council and everything will be out in the public.

            Weatherford said the sidewalks could be improved and would like to continue leaf pick up service.

            Stone said his priority would be to refurbish the sewer and water lines.

            All seemed to agree that Pinckneyville is a safe community with low crime. Ironically, the event was held the same night Luke’s Shade Tree Café and Kellerman’s Feed Store were broken into.

            Unfortunately, the turnout was low— around 65-70 people – and if you subtract those who had to be there like media and chamber members there was sparse representation of the voting public.

            In addition, the questions were controlled by chamber which has its own agenda. That noted, there is still time to query these candidates on issues important to you and the Pinckneyville Post is the venue to do so. If you have a topic you want all or a specific candidate to address, submit it below. I’ll ask your question and post here later.