W. Chicago mayor delivers State of the City Address

West Chicago, Illinois: March 20, 2012 - Mayor Mike Kwasman delivered his annual State of the City Address to the community at the March 19, 2012 City Council meeting. "There's only one thing better than looking back on the close of a successful year, and that's looking ahead at what's planned for the next," he said as he began a year in review that included many notable accomplishments for the City through its customer-centric focus.

"Our residents and businesses remained at the center of all strategy sessions, deliberations and decisions that took place on the committee and commission level, at staff meetings, and here in Council Chambers. With our sleeves rolled up and our pencils sharpened, we explored ways to enhance services, bring value-added benefits, increase communication, elevate image and save you money," he said.

Cited were the substantial savings to the customer through the creative financial strategy that called-in, and paid in full, bonds that were issued in 2002 to fund the construction of the water treatment plant, realizing a savings of over $4.3 million and translating to stable water rates over the mid-term for the customer. Also, highlighted were the details of the negotiated renewal of a City contract with Groot Industries, Inc. as its single waste hauler, an action that will bring great benefit to citizens by providing one of the cheapest waste removal rates in comparison to other municipal competitors, and the best senior rate around by far.

Economic development, citizen communication, public safety and infrastructure advances were also detailed. A complete transcript of the 2012 State of the City Address may be found at www.westchicago.org.