This is a friendly post to trying to help and only offer critique in hopes of better outcomes for Granite City in the future.

That picture on the front of Granite City Gossip features the dedication of a memorial in front of the Police/Fire stations.

If you notice, the representative of the donor dressed in a manner that honored the occasion.

On behalf of the City of Granite City, upon whose property this memorial is situated, his honor, the Mayor of Granite City, appears to accept this memorial dressed in a manner that can best be described as 'Mega Casual'.

I am sure that Mr. Mayor is a good man though I don't know him and the GC Mayor's race does not appear on my April ballot (I really have no agenda other than wanting what's best.)

Get a pair of shoes, find a sport coat...

I know there were some unseasonably warm days...but for the donor and the veterans, sweat it out for 30 minutes.

JC Penney still has some nice clothing that's affordable. I'm sorry that requires going to another municipality and it's not your fault. It's not necessary to go to Frontenac and pick up Armani.... even a dress shirt...or a sport coat .... anything but an untucked shirt and street shoes.

You may have a good reason, and I don't know the context..... and I consider that there may be things that I DON'T know.... but otherwise... come on man...dress for the occasion.

It's not like the mayor is a part-time village president rushing in from his day job. He's the full-time mayor of a home rule city, likely the largest in Madison County for a short while longer.

Act the part, dress the part.

Sorry, I wasn't going to say anything, but every time I sign on and check the Obituaries before coming to this board to be (Small O) opinionated, I see those photos.