2020/11/16 - Mayor's Column: Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving
“AN OPEN DOOR TO O’FALLON”
A WEEKLY NOTE FROM MAYOR HERB ROACH
Our Country, State and City have had several additional challenges this year due to COVID-19 and civil unrest. For me, it is worth taking a few minutes during the week of Thanksgiving to reflect on everything that we enjoy and are thankful for in America, O’Fallon, and with our families.
My wife Nancy and I will enjoy the day helping at the Thanksgiving Community Meal in the morning. But, later that day, we will enjoy spending time with close family.
This year is going to be different; we normally spend time with our extended family and close friends. But, to help celebrate Thanksgiving safely, we have decided to reduce the celebration to just our immediate family.
As far as what I am thankful for, I don’t know where to start and I know I will leave someone or something out, but I just want to say THANKS for:
- My wonderful wife of 51 years, our three children and their families which include nine grandchildren and two great granddaughters. In just four weeks, we will welcome our 10th grandchild into our family (Jackson Randle Roach). A very special Christmas Gift.
- A City Council that knows how to ask questions, express differences, and then get the work done that we need for our City.
- A City staff that TRULY CARES about the people they serve and has stepped up to help our citizens and businesses through this challenging year, while still maintaining all our regular services.
- Our Public Safety Department that has stepped up and performed so extremely well during this trying year of the pandemic and unrest. Many times, placing their own health at risk. And to their families for sharing them with us throughout the year and especially during Thanksgiving and the other holidays.
- Citizens who care about their neighbors and their city and are willing to get involved.
- Schools that help transform our children into working adults and give them the skills to do so.
- Our developers and builders that help develop the type of community that we want and need.
- Our business community that furnishes jobs, cares about the city, and offers us so many services. And, especially to all of them that have been impacted by the restrictions placed on them due to the Virus during this past year.
- Our churches that help keep us on the right path and remind us that we have so much to be thankful for and that we all have a purpose in life.
- Our charitable organizations that reach out to help those less fortunate and in need.
- Our hospitals and other medical facilities and their staff that have served such an important role this year as we battle the COVID Virus.
- Last but not least, for the opportunity to serve as your Mayor in our GREAT CITY and be the beneficiary of so much good assistance.
I hope EVERYONE has a GREAT THANKSGIVING.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open (virtually, at least)!