Welcome Letter
Posted by Finance Department
June 2, 2008
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Dear residents and friends: Matteson is a very vibrant community that is proud of its rich heritage, excited about its recent growth and development, and has eagerly anticipated the challenges of this 21st century. From its beginnings as a settlement at the intersection of the Illinois Central and New York Central Railroads in 1855, to the modern day highway intersections of U.S. Route 30, Cicero Avenue, Harlem Avenue, and I-57, our community has been transformed into a center of commercial and residential development, and a hub of the southern suburbs. The community is named after the tenth Governor of Illinois, Joel A. Matteson, who was in office at the time of settlement. The family has always pronounced the name with three syllables, "Matt-e-sun." Modern-day Matteson is an excellent community for a family or business to locate. We are proud of our diversity, and ever mindful of the high quality of life our residents have grown to expect. It is a community which offers a wide range of housing resources, award-winning schools, variety of churches, excellent village services, and is a major retail center for the entire South Suburban region. These and many other attractions have made Matteson an exemplary community of the many opportunities which we are very proud, and our motto indicates, we are truly the crossroads of heritage and progress. I have received a great many inquiries regarding my plans for the April 2009, Village election. After consulting my wife of almost 51 years, I have decided that, once again I will seek re-election as your Village President. I firmly believe that my proven track record, which consistently conveys one of experience, integrity, and success is worthy of your consideration and support. One of the big differences between me and my opponents through the years is the fact that I strongly believe in the team approach, or WE rather than ME. There will be more on this topic as time goes on. Congratulations are in order for two very important individuals within the Village of Matteson family: the retirement of Police Officer James Daly, who has served our community so faithfully and professionally for 30 years in a wide variety of capacities. Thanks for all you have done and our best wishes to you and your family. To Ron Bonneau, Executive Director of Southcom, whose guidance and leadership in our mutual emergency dispatch system has lead him to be elected as President of the National Organization of Dispatch Systems. We are proud to be affiliated with such a professional. You bring honor to yourself and to the four participating communities. May you continue to enjoy great success in your endeavors. I would like to take the time to welcome and wish much success to two new educational leaders within our community: Dr. Ronald Wynn, Superintendent, School District 159 and Mr. Maceo Rainey, Principal, Rich Central High School. I have met both of these gentlemen and was favorably impressed by their commitment to education and the spirit and enthusiasm they bring to their respective positions. My 36 years as a high school teacher and a former District #159 School Board member provided me the insight and ability to understand the challenges that face our educational systems and address educational issues. We are here to assist you in your very responsible positions. On behalf of the Village Board, let me thank Mr. Rainey for the beautiful and thoughtful plaque presented to us at a recent Village Board Meeting. By the time you receive the newsletter the Special Census will have been completed and we will be waiting for the official results. Thank you to all of the Census Takers and residents asked to participate. The Village of Matteson's official Census count in the year 2000 was 12,928; in the Special Census taken in 2005 our population grew to 16,016; the unofficial estimation of growth will likely put us in the 18,000 neighborhood, population wise, with the likelihood that the official Census of 2010 could bring our population numbers within the 20,000 range. As a result of our Administrators efforts and my meeting with the Illinois Sec. of Transportation we have succeeded in getting Route 30 from Central Avenue to Harlem Avenue to be at least partially resurfaced. This area was not originally included in the State plans for this year, but through our efforts, the work has begun. What a difference. I would like to take a moment to address the topic of the Canadian National Railroad's acquisition of the EJ & E Railroad that seems to grow with time. We at the Village Hall have been meeting, writing, attending special presentations and have joined in the chorus of concerns being expressed by many residents, communities and other government groups from Waukegan to Joliet to Lynwood. Our concerns have been expressed verbally and in writing to these other bodies, the National Traffic Safety Board, US Senator Durbin, Congressman Jackson, State Representatives, State Senators, Illinois Sec of Transportation, Milton R. Sees, as well as submitting a synopsis of these concerns to our own Home Owners Groups. My own personal knowledge, experience, and information as a Fireman with the Illinois Central RR have provided me with a strong background on this issue. The following issues, including, but not limited to: have been raised regarding environmental concerns over air, noise, pollution and housing. My concerns over Public Safety and Health come from the fact that I spent a good many years as a Volunteer Matteson Fireman. It is critical that our Police and Fire are able to assist in our neighboring communities, served by Hospitals which are all located North of the EJ & E. Response times are often a matter of life and death. The economic impact on our business community could be harmful; especially as the promised train traffic increases and our shoppers are unable to get to and from our businesses. When these and a number of other concerns were presented to the representatives of the CNRR, we were met with little cooperation. A suggestion of a bridge or viaduct be constructed to alleviate congestion on Cicero Avenue or anywhere else in the region would be solely the responsibility of Illinois or local governments. Yet, the CNRR is looking to be financially improved in receipts, but does not want to make much of an investment in our abilities to maintain our high quality of life. As an active member of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Transportation Committee since 1981, Chairman since 2001, I have encouraged our 42 communities to remain united and steadfast in our concerns over this matter. As a major regional presence we will continue to express our concerns, however the final decision is not in the hands of local or even state governments, but rests at the Federal Level. This sketch is not meant to be total or complete, but only the tip of the iceberg. Your thoughts are always welcome. Remember to shop Matteson! Sincerely,  Mark W. Stricker, Village President Village of Matteson |
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