The Next Four Years

Over the next four years my job will be to build a stronger community by strengthening the entire community. It is time for a change and I am here to provide it.

My Vision

In addition to completing current projects, maintaining our infrastructure and ensuring our city services are working nicely, I have additional plans. As I have publicly stated numerous times, I want to attack our housing crisis.

Housing Crisis

Currently, in Monmouth, we don't have enough housing, whether it be for ownership, or quality rentals. We have an aging housing stock and “zombie houses”, which accompany our lack of adequate housing. We all know people who work in Monmouth, but live out of the city and county. It would be better if they could live here.
We need to keep people from moving away, as our population has shrunken considerably the past few decades. Less population equals less income for the city, schools, other taxing bodies, as well as our local businesses. It also lessens our pool of individuals to fill jobs.
Galesburg recently had a study done regarding their housing crisis, which puts us behind the 8-ball. They have a new, up-to-date, incredibly comprehensive plan to remedy their housing crisis. We need an action plan before we fall further behind, and more people move away.
I want to appoint a task force to focus exclusively on the single issue of our housing crisis. We have people here in Monmouth that can deliver solutions, as we seek grants; work with legislators; lure investment; developers; and locals and outsiders to build, remodel and update housing. Those who can fix this problem are amongst us. A task force will work when done correctly, and it will be done correctly.

We need to keep people from moving away.

Less population equals less income for the city, schools, other taxing bodies, as well as our local businesses.

It also lessens our pool of individuals to fill jobs.

South Side Development

Another priority, we need to make a significant effort to develop the South side of town. Those living there have told me in every way possible, that they feel as if they have been ignored. And some people have told me in words I can't use here. One man gave me a hug and said, “Thank you for thinking about us.” I am thinking about him, and everyone else. My goal isn't to ignore one part of town in favor of another, my goal is to give the greatest effort in all parts of our wonderful town. The South side has so much to offer, and parts are like a blank canvas just waiting to be filled in. It is time to paint that canvas. People have been waiting for far too long.
People should be proud not only of their town, but of their neighborhoods as well.

We need to make a significant effort to develop the South side of town.

The South side has so much to offer, and parts are like a blank canvas just waiting to be filled in.

It is time to paint that canvas.

Business Development

Next, I will work very hard to recruit small business and large business. I will urge large business to expand here – such as Big River Resources. As mayor, I will use every resource at my disposal to bring business to Monmouth.
I heard during an interview that Monmouth is approached frequently by businesses looking to possibly locate here. We only see who has, not who has not. Every prospect will be given my full attention, as I wish to close the sale. Why leave town, when you can get it here? No one person has a monopoly on bringing business here, and I will prove that. And when I do, we will all benefit.

I will work very hard to recruit small business and large business.

I will urge large business to expand here – such as Big River Resources.

As mayor, I will use every resource at my disposal to bring business to Monmouth.

Community Service

Another area of extreme importance to me is to create a culture of community service. I want to encourage the wonderful people of Monmouth to be more involved in their community. When people decide to give of themselves, Monmouth becomes stronger.
Anyone can do something to strengthen our town. It could be something as simple as donating to the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, which is quite important, or it could be organizing a group of people to assist in picking up litter in one of our parks. Perhaps you wish to donate a tree to the park district. FYI, the park district loves it when people donate trees – they can even help you pick one out.
There is no limit to what people can do, when it comes to supporting their community. Some people donate funds, which is outstanding, and some people donate their time, which is just as outstanding.
You may wish to run for office – school board, city council or another position. Don’t be afraid to be active, as you do have the courage to succeed.
We can all contribute in one way or another. I do it all over the place – by choice. You can do it too, by choice. Please do. If you do, I promise, you will feel fantastic as a result, and Monmouth wins!

I want to encourage the wonderful people of Monmouth to be more involved in their community.

When people decide to give of themselves, Monmouth becomes stronger.

There is no limit to what people can do, when it comes to supporting their community.

Transparency

What I intend to do as mayor is not limited by what appears on my website or printed materials. I intend to be a mayor for all the people of Monmouth, which will involve all kinds of things – none of which I fear. I have immense political will, and I intend to use it.
There is another important thing that the mayor does – he sets the tone. I want to be sure to set a tone of the importance of listening and encouraging people to work together.
I want to set a tone for city employees as well as expectations that they will do their best in their work to serve the people that pay their salaries. I also want the city employees to know that am an employee-friendly mayor.
I want a tone of outreach, where hopefully the city can find new ways to partner with the college, or businesses and churches to do even more together.
Tone, I think, is important. Sean Cavanaugh is here for you, so you will not be ignored.
I will be accessible and transparent. I will do what is necessary for all of Monmouth to succeed.

I want to be sure to set a tone of the importance of listening and encouraging people to work together.

I also want the city employees to know that am an employee-friendly mayor.

Thank you, and God bless you, Sean Cavanaugh Signature And remember, Sean Cavanaugh for Monmouth, Sean Cavanaugh for YOU!