What wishes do you have for the Galesburg community in 2015?

I’d like to see Galesburg become a model for progressive race-relations for a small city within a rural area, and more cooperation among all of our community groups that can make a real and felt difference for our residents and neighbors.  Groups like: the Galesburg Youth Commission, CSC Minority Outreach, the Boys and Girls Club, the NAACP, church groups and others coming together to work toward common goals would be a great start.  I’m heartened by law enforcement officials, the mayor, church and community leaders and residents recently coming together to provide a venue for wider dialogue and to work toward bridging the gap in understanding and mistrust that still exist between us.  It’s a good start!  We have many fine, caring people who want to implement positive changes in “our town”.  Galesburg was founded by high-minded abolitionists from the East that held to a higher moral standard than the surrounding communities embraced.  We owe it to our town founders to WORK at being the best community we can be in 2015 and ongoing, and to build on their principles.