Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
May 17, 2007
One of the benefits of the city management profession is the variety of issues and activities on a daily basis. A case in point is my participation today in the “Dorm Olympics” at Scott Air Force Base. The base recently built new dorms for their enlisted airmen, and instead of assigning numbers to the buildings they decided to name the dorms after the surrounding communities. Thus, there is now a Belleville Hall, Mascoutah Hall, and O’Fallon Hall.
To commemorate the new names, the base invited community leaders from the three cities to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony, cookout, and “olympics” of various yard games. The O’Fallon contingent was co-sponsored by the City and Chamber of Commerce, and we provided T-shirts for the O’Fallon Hall residents.
It may sound corny, but it events like this are meaningful symbols of a greater objective. It is significant that the communities support the base. That is not the case around the country.
It is significant that the base recognizes the importance of its neighbors in the civilian world. The base could hide behind its gates and pretend they don’t have a role in the development of the region.
It is significant that the surrounding communities work together to support the base. The cities of Belleville, Mascoutah, and O’Fallon may disagree on other regional issues dealing with politics, economic development, or whatever, but when it comes to Scott Air Force Base we are united.
Scott Air Force Base is the economic engine for our region. They are the largest employer (around 13,000) and have a profound impact on the composition of the surrounding cities. They live in our neighborhoods, eat at our restaurants, and shop in our stores.
It is gratifying that the base thought to include us in their new dorm project. As a symbol of our support for the people at Scott AFB, we will again host our “Scott Appreciation Day” on June 9 at Community Park. Food and games will be provided for all O’Fallon residents (military and non-military) to thank the air force personnel for everything they do. I hope to see you there!
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