Macomb, IL – A long-time public servant in McDonough County feels people have an obligation to get involved in their community.
Charles Gilbert made sure he was heavily involved for more than two decades. Gilbert was county board chairman for a number of years, he served on the Macomb City Council, and he worked with the 911 center and with other groups.
Gilbert says public participation gave him a better understanding of how things get done. He says people often have a bad impression of politics, but he thinks the political process brings people together to achieve the possible.
Gilbert says people don't have to hold public office to get involved with their community. He says there are many service clubs and other organizations that work to improve things.
Extra information:
*Gilbert made his comments before the May 7 Macomb City Council meeting. It was his final meeting as a Macomb aldermen. Gilbert stepped down because he's moving to Nauvoo.
*Gilbert says during his time as an alderman, voters agreed to make permanent the half-cent sales tax to pay for public works projects and Colchester was connected to Macomb's water system. He wishes the city had accomplished more regarding planning and zoning issues.
*Gilbert's advice to the next city council is to take the broad view of Macomb's needs. He says sometimes a small but vocal group can bring undue pressure on aldermen.