Sheila runs; Dave rides

Out riding my bicycle, posting flyers for Bike 2 Work Day yesterday, I ran into my old friend 'Moneybags' who was curious about my take on Sheila Simon's announcement of her intention to run for mayor (as reported in today's Southern Illinoisan -- but you won't find it in Sheila's blog yet.)

This morning, she explained her reasons (mp3 file) for running to WJPF's Rick Gregg, saying she wants more citizen involvement in the governing process, and that she announced so early so she (and her kids and kid's friends, I'm guessing) will have the summer to go door-to-door. Good plan.

Of course, besides a large network of friends and family, Sheila has the famous family name -- something Cole would have to overcome if he seeks reelection. One way for Brad to do this would be to legally change his name to "Simon" Cole. This has more of an old-time 'Lincolnesque' quality than 'Brad' (suggesting muttonchops and top hat), and also taps into the Simon Cowell phenomenon on Idol. . . . During a debate with his opponent, Brad (I mean 'Simon') could make statements like "If I'm being honest, my opponent's plan for recycling is rubbish."

In an interview with Miller later in the WJPF morning news, Cole told Tom Miller (.mp3 file) that he wasn't running for mayor . . . because he is mayor! And that he still has one year to serve. "Voters get tired of long political campaigns," said Cole. He'll make his announcement this summer.

And so this blog will move on to other topics for the time being.

Tonight, there's a City Council meeting and an official proclamation of Bike 2 Work Day. Will it mean more people ride to work? We'll have to see. I'm gonna take another few days off -- until next weekend-- before next posting to this blog.

Don't forget to get your bicycle out of the garage, Bloggy. This is excellent bicycle riding weather. Even if you don't ride to work -- take a ride around your neighborhod. Maybe you'll see Sheila out campaigning.