The voters failed to re-elect our city's most dedicated and hard working advocate. Brenda Whitaker has been a passionate voice representing Granite City with a loud and clear message that all things are possible. She has worked tirelessly as a driving force to not only revitalize the down town area, but to push forward for continued growth for the entire city.
Many residents, not just from her ward, but from all parts of the city looked to Brenda to address their concerns and desires because of her reputation for taking a firm stance for what she believes is right for Granite City and it's residents.
Brenda stepped up and breathed new life into the downtown area, against all odds with lack of support by many by laying the ground work to provide the residents a new Theater. This investment has paved a path for several new businesses to move into the area, just as she predicted.
Granite City had sat dormant far to long, all while we watched other cities grow. While our town's people ventured outside of the city for entertainment, Brenda again stepped up to the plate and created several events for the city.
One event is The Melting Pot Market that features local art and crafts and an assortment of collector's items, locally grown fresh produce and kid's activities, and family friendly activities.
The Blue Collar Blues and BBQ Festival is one more example. She hosts an annual Spooktacular Halloween event where all families and all children are welcome. These events are not funded by nor affiliated with the city. These are provided from Brenda for the entire city to enjoy.
Most recently, Brenda turned a local historical church into a multi-cultural art center. This beautiful old building now showcases well known musicians and local bands and choirs and musicals and plays. The art center is home to the Crow Art Gallery and Club Twenty One.
Sadly, most people have no idea who their Alderman is while many people of Granite City know who Brenda Whitaker is and how she took her title as Alderman/woman seriously and with pride and it reflected in her service to the community. Only four votes separated the outcome of this seat and many of her supporters would like to see a re-count of the ballots.
But, most of all, and more importantly many would like to see Brenda serving the entire city, border to border with the same drive and passion as she served her ward and the downtown area.
on April 8, 2015, 6:37 pm