Salem Mayor Nic Farley said he is really optimistic about the future of Salem which he feels came out of the pandemic stronger.
In his State of the City Message delivered before the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce, Farley noted the city’s new building construction in 2022 was up to $7.2-million including a yet unnamed new manufacturing facility at West Main and Selmaville Road and the new Little Egypt Golf car facilities. He says other businesses are looking at the city as well.
“Our strategic location near major cities such as St Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville…and our proximity to Interstate 57 puts us in a prime position for expansion. Our community is further strengthened by affordable cost of living, low crime, exceptional educational institutions such as Franklin Park, Salem High School and Kaskaskia College you can get a great education here. We have a remarkable park and is a wonderful destination for individuals looking to relocated.”
But Farley says there are challenges.
“We need to communicate better with each other. We also need to promote housing development and continue the promotion of Salem as the great city that it is. I still think there are too many housing insecurities here in Salem. We need to address that. We have work to do to continue to pay down debt. And address new funding initiatives like those included in the Safety Act. We have to look how we structure debt and the different funding mechanisms we use to pay for those mandates that come from Springfield, but we must do it responsibly. And I do think we have been responsible with your tax dollars.”
Farley commended the work of the various city departments and noted there would be some challenges as a result of retirements with Police Chief Sean Reynolds already leaving the police department and City Clerk Bev Quinn and Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Terry Mulvaney soon to retire. However, he is confident in their replacements and is excited about the appointment of a new Economic Development Director that he expects to be announced next week.
Farley also announced a non-profit group has been formed to coordinate a new soccer complex next to the Little League facility on South College and has already raised $50,000. He also noted completion of the Inclusive Playground in Bryan Memorial Park as another plus for the city.
Farley concluded his message with a thank you to all the volunteers.
“This community shines because of countless volunteers who make sure we have a strong community and prop us up when we get down. From the city boards, to the Rotary, to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the Elks, Salem Foundation…you guys are the true heroes that make this town great. And together with you I look forward to making Salem a shining example of what a small town can achieve when we work together.”
The large crowd was on hand to hear the Mayor’s message at the Iron Saddle Restaurant.
