Guest Column: An Open Letter to Mayor Morrissey
By Linda LaSalla
Unless I am missing it, the City of Rockford doesn’t have an official Facebook page … if I am wrong, please share the following open letter with Mayor Lawrence J. Morrissey.
Mayor,
I lived in Rockford for 45 years. I left 10 years ago. Most of my family still lives there. Every time I go back, I want to cry.
Under your administration, the northwest and far west side has gone from being a safe, wonderful place to live and raise a family, to people that are terrified to walk out of their door. I could go on and on, but hopefully, you are aware of the decay of most of Rockford.
From what I am hearing from many friends, via social networking, you seem to be so out of touch with most of your residents, it is scary. You don’t seem to be unfamiliar at all with the east side. I saw the Rockford Walk … $7.5 million that could have been put to much better use. I recommend social networking and being more transparent to your residents. You should pay attention to the folks you, sir, are putting in danger. There was never the gang problem that you have now, when I lived there. Rockford folks didn’t want Chicago’s leftovers. There are a great deal of wealthy people in Rockford that work in and near Chicago. I was a Realtor for almost 10 years in the ’80s. We had a great mayor, wonderful alderman… We had Dave Johnson… and Ken Staaf. I know that Dave is turning over in his grave. He was a wealthy man, but you would never know it. He cared about ALL of Rockford.
I worry about my grandchildren that still live there. I don’t worry so much about my other grandchildren that live in Machesney Park. I wonder why that might be? Maybe you should go visit the Loves Park mayor and see what Darryl would do.
I think instead of talking to your cronies that seem to be out in the field rubbing elbows with the people (remember them?, they put you in office), that you go out yourself, let the folks see you, have town hall meetings, and for God’s sake, listen to these people.
You were an OK attorney, I remember. You aren’t a good mayor nor a good leader. Shame on you.
I don’t want to hear rhetoric about why you built this fantastic Rockford Walk to bring people to our town … are you really serious? Now you do know that Rockford isn’t just East State and Alpine, right? Do you honestly want the outside world to see ALL of Rockford? I will send you pictures if you have forgotten what the west side looks like now. Do you even have a homeless shelter in Rockford? Maybe you should open one right by the Rockford Walk.
I wouldn’t get any more comfortable in that big seat of yours if I were you … I doubt if you will be voted in again.
Thank you for your time. No need for a response because there is NOTHING you could say to make it better … action, Mr. Mayor, not talk. Talk is cheap. Romney is like you, he doesn’t have a clue.
Have a good day.
Linda LaSalla is a resident of Corona, Calif.
From the Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2012, issue
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3 Comments
Ma’am, it seems you don’t like the mayor’s social habits or, in your opinion, his lack there of, but that somehow translates to the mayor being a bad leader? If you are going to “shame” him, why didn’t you give examples of things that actually support what horrid things you think he’s doing?
You left 10 years ago and clearly were unaware that then, gangs fully existed in Rockford. It’s not new and wasn’t something that just popped up under Morrissey.
You do realize that the River Walk is on the West side of the river, right? Clearly, it’s not near Alpine. Check your geography.
Yes, we do have homeless seasonal shelters and places for the homeless to eat. (Thanks for actually taking the time to research that one.)
I live on the East side, have lived on the West side, and I have never been terrified to walk out of my door even with children in tow. If someone you know is terrified to leave their home, please help them find a psychiatrist and stop blaming their issues on the mayor.
If you want to bash the mayor, you might want to consider that you bailed on Rockford 10 years ago and apparently, bailed on your family as well. Way to go, Grandma!!
I do agree with one tiny idea, perhaps the Mayor should do the occasional town-hall meeting. It would be nice to clear the air from time-to-time.
“I don’t worry so much about my other grandchildren that live in Machesney Park. I wonder why that might be?”
So, I just did a quick Google News search for Machesney Park. Machesney Park man gets 23 years for murder, problems with puppy mills and animal abuse, a Village President that won’t run again because of the powers/responsibilities being stripped, meth lab, meth lab, mall foreclosure, discovering a swingers club in a machine shop, death-related DUIs.
Does Linda have an idea of what she would do as Mayor to keep problems like she describes from happening? (I’m wondering how she would keep Chicago citizens from moving to Rockford, as she finds this objectionable. Just how far is she willing to squash personal liberties…?)
Response to Permalink’s comment:
Why get upset with LaSalla’s commentary about Morrissey when she’s only pointing out facts. I’m a Rockford native and agree he hasn’t done a good job. I’m all for Rockford’s redevelopment and they can build until the end of time but the north, south, east, and west sections of this entire city have declined under his administration. The Riverwalk construction is not an issue, however, I can see where funds could have been allocated towards some much needed redevelopment whether it’s north, south, east or west. Yes, gang activity has always been in Rockford but not to the degree it is now. Drug activity has increased tremendously and many east siders and others from outlying areas have contributed to that increase. Yes, we do have Chicago’s castoffs because they wanted to eliminate the burden on the city and its resources which is why they tore down many of the projects. Then again, Chicago revitalized those areas for growth that has proven successful in those distressed areas. Since these individuals are not your neighbors Permalink who bailed from the city’s west side (why?) to the east side, you need to dispense with the “personal liberties” nonsense because you are completely oblivious to the decline and distressed state of the city’s west side. I did not grow up on the west side but it was once a beautiful area and home of one of Rockford’s best mayors. You probably wouldn’t know that because more than likely you’re not a Rockford native. Do some factual research and take a ride or better yet a stroll with your eyes open through the city’s west side since you’re so fearless. That’s the problem w/many so-called Rockfordians, always quick to criticize but can’t stand criticism. You’re just as out-of-touch as Morrissey.