First District Councilwoman Denise Moore is running for another four-year term.
At a news conference, Moore touted numerous accomplishments during her tenure, such as forthcoming major reconstruction of Western Avenue, a new resident police officer in the North Valley, the reopening of the long-shuttered Four Points hotel downtown, OSF's new headquarters in the old Block & Kuhl building, upgrades to Folkers Avenue near Trewyn School, and new Warehouse District developments.
"Decades of disinvestment have led many around our community, and even some here in the 1st District, to hold their heads down and have a downward view of the 1st District," Moore said. "Today I want to encourage all of us to hold our heads up, because from the North Valley to the South End, progress continues to be made."
Moore said while change isn't perhaps happening as fast as some like, good things are happening incrementally across the 1st District.
"Progress is happening in the 1st District, because we deserve more," Moore said. "People in this city and around the country are finally beginning to realize we can no longer ignore or neglect our way out of problems. We must invest, and support our communities."
Moore also questioned a tentative deal between the city and firefighter's union to drop a labor complaint in exchange for keeping Station 20 open in North Peoria.
As part of the deal, Station 4 on the city's South Side closed Thursday after 72 years. It will be several months before a new station on Western Avenue is constructed to serve the area. In the meantime, Station 8 on Hurlburt will take over that territory.
"What are the parameters that unfortunately allows one station to stay open and another to close?" she asked. "My preference would have both stations open. So there's more to come, because there's more homework that I'm doing to determine how this deal is being struck."
Moore said the timing of the closure is especially concerning as colder weather approaches. The South Side sees more fires during the winter months, as many people are forced to rely upon their kitchen stoves as a heat source.
"It's a very big concern," she said. "And I pray we get through this winter without some very serious issue or loss of life."
Denise Jackson and Aaron Chess also are running for the 1st District council seat.
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