Posted by Stephen Adler on January 2, 2020, 10:03 pm
I would like to thank all the residents of MESD for their support of the district, the employees at MESD for their hard work, and the MESD Board and Chairman Prenzler for the opportunity to contribute to a truly amazing levee district that we all made better together. The employees especially, are flat out...talented people.
In the end, I simply did not want to move into the district for a number of reasons; the biggest? My skills are needed elsewhere. This is no longer the troubled place it once was. A good thing. Solvency helps. The pump stations are almost fully automated, and soon their performance will be displayed on the internet. Extra help will be put where needed most, maintaining our levees which on the balance are minimally acceptable for the first time ever.
Andy Economy has the leadership skills to continue to improve the district; the MESD Board will give him the green light to continue innovating. Andy is all the management MESD needs at present; fair to employees and taxpayers. What we need most? Taller levees and shorter politicians.
I'm a believer in the American Bottoms in general, and Granite City in particular; a unique culture and proud stock, the lot of you. The industrial revolution and the post war boom is over; however, your geographical and transportation advantages are worth more if we can keep them drained, and can never be taken away.
I'm no longer authorized to speak on behalf of MESD, but I will still be around to comment generally. I will remain at MESD for a short time transitionally. I wanted to express my gratitude to all of you for the most recent stop on what has been arguably the best work of my life. Thank You to GCG for what is an uncommon dialogue and a credit to the community. Free speech at its finest.
Thank You, and may God bless and keep each and every one of you. Steve
on January 2, 2020, 10:03 pm