Macomb, IL – An alderman who served for a quarter-century on the Macomb City Council shared some advice before he left the panel this week.
John Maguire said it's easy to accept praise, but added it's also important for aldermen to listen to critics. He said even if just one or two people are saying something, aldermen can be sure many others are thinking it as well.
Maguire said the city has accomplished a great deal over the years but added challenges remain. One concern he mentioned is the tendency by some police officers to be over-aggressive toward students.
Maguire also said it's been a team effort to keep the city on the right path over the years. He praised city employees for their work.
You can listen to Maguire's complete remarks by clicking on the audio button.
Extra information:
*Among the city achievements listed by Maguire were increased development, implementation of the rental inspection program, and the relocation of the police department from an old hardware store to a combined 911 center. He also cited the reconstructed city hall.
*Maguire joked that the city council rewrote the liquor ordinance so many times that he lost track.
*Maguire was defeated in his bid for another term by Mike Inman, who was sworn in as the new fourth ward alderman on Monday night (May 7).
*Maguire's fulltime job is with WIU, where he is the assistant vice president for university relations.