No kidding Opie --- a town of 60,000 people would make it the principal city south of Springfield.
I really think a merger in these days could still be beneficial.
Everyone criticizes me when I say Madison and Venice too....becuase of 'you know who' living there.
However, there is land that can be rehabbed -- and a little town with a big arch is so close to all these areas. With location close to roads, rails, and rivers.... a theoretical 'Southwest City' occupying said corner of the County would have economic influence and again, be the largest city south of Springfield.
However --- Local yokel politics and a nice dose of racism will hold it all back....
But that yoga gym in Edwardsville Schools will be mighty nice.***
*** I know of no plans for said gym, it was insert as an object of sarcasm and exaggeration.