From Gravel to Gavel?

I had the pleasure of walking up the hill from the parking lot behind Woodlawn Cemetery to the Memorial Day ceremonies with Sheila Simon, City Council member and candidate for Mayor. We spoke of the Iowans who visited here last week, and how good it must be to be able to choose where you live -- and choose Carbondale!

Will Carbondale choose Sheila? We did not speak of that -- but many people think so, and many think not. At this point speculation is premature, because our current Mayor has not announced his intentions. Personally, I hope Brad Cole does decide to seek relection, since it would provide this blog with months of material -- as well as an organization principle for the blook I'm working on (election issues like downtown redevelopment) and a symmetrical ending (election results).

Will the fact that I developed and maintain Mayor Cole's website color my view? Probably so. Will it prevent me from "telling it like it is?" Probably not. Will it cost me my job as the Mayor's webmaster? Possibly. Would I care? Probably.

I don't know who created Councilwoman Simon's website. At this point it's mainly home page with photo and statement. The black and white graphic on the banner shows six images: Carbondale City Hall, a group of four women musicians (Sheila's band, Loose Gravel), an image of Sheila and the flag, the SIUC logo, Sheila with banjo, speaking; and Public Library sign. Check it out. Why no photo of Thomas School? (where a music project she supports has flourished).

Reaching the front of Woodlawn Cemetery, we parted company, as I headed for the bugler and the banjo-playing Councilwoman found a seat with friends in the crowd.