I remember, as a child, being struck by the Greek mythological fable of Persephone, daughter of the goddess Demetra, who was abducted by Hades and brought into the underworld. Demetra, whose task was to bring fertility to the land, became so depressed she renounced her divine duties, […]
Last month at movie night, we commemorated the Battle of Britain which took place 75 years ago. Old City Hall was so packed people were turned away because of lack of room. Following an interview with Clifford Wilton who survived that battle, we ran the film Spitfire, […]
“Where Liberty dwells, there is my country.” Words spoken by Ben Franklin. But today? We are willing to forsake Liberty for comfort or safety. Certainly this was untrue in Franklin’s day. So conditioned to some government bureaucrat telling us how to behave, it no longer concerns us […]
The idea crossed my mind the other day that many who read this column haven’t met many of the dedicated people responsible for making our City work as well as it does. And dedicated is the word. I realize this sentiment runs counter to much of what […]
A while ago I wrote a column in which I rhapsodized over the construction of the historic Courthouse soon to become Jacksonville’s City Hall. Built in 1883, it is an example of superb hand-craftsmanship. Using only natural materials of the day, it was built […]
Well… it seems as if your Mayor has finally done it. I broke a rule every Boy Scout was taught since the first one earned that title in 1910. Even my grade school teachers did their best to make me understand… in any endeavor, in any undertaking, […]
At the risk of sounding like a disgruntled stage actor upset with his Wednesday afternoon matinee audience, I feel the need to share my thoughts about citizen attendance at our City Council meetings. Where, oh where are most of you? My one desire is to see more […]
A Few Minutes with the Mayor – April 2015
As you know, this column seldom devotes attention to affairs outside of Jacksonville; numerous other news and opinion outlets exist for such information. However, reports on the national level about Hillary Clinton’s emails prompted me to join in the conversation, so please bear […]
Are you troubled by the political discord today? I am! Not that it is anything new. It is as old as the art of politics. History bears that out. I remember the hatred directed at President Harry Truman. It was intense, personal, and vicious… especially after he […]
Before beginning this first column of the year, I wish to thank the editor/ publisher of this newspaper who approached me four years ago with the offer to write my own column, promising to allow me total freedom to write whatever I felt like. Now I ask you, […]
‘Tis the season of Christmas! (Yes, we can still call it that despite all who would have it otherwise.) Christmas is upon us, as well as the end of another year, and it’s been a very busy year for this mayor!
As I wanted to do something special […]
The following scenario has not happened, but with all things possible is certainly worth contemplating…
It took months, but the sale of the old courthouse to the We Operate Efficiently Corporation finally went through. WOE had worked at obtaining the building even before the citizens of Jacksonville became […]
Now there’s a word that can strike fear into the hearts and minds of otherwise stout-hearted men and women. How many times have we all heard someone say, “I wish they’d stop changing things all the time,” or “Why do we need to change… I like things […]
How many of you remember one of the most common commands in the English language appearing in the business community following the end of World War 2? The command was short… one word… and it seemed to be posted wherever one worked, especially in the tabulating department… […]
This June marked the 70th anniversary of “D Day,” when a brave and mighty fleet of soldiers landed on Normandy’s beach, where virtually the entire first wave of Americans, 10,000 in all, was annihilated by enemy fire—one of the most difficult missions ever carried-out by our soldiers […]
We may live in an historic town, but I’ll wager that when studying history in school, you hated it. Was your history class like mine, consisting of nothing more than memorizing important dates of people and bigger-than-life events? King George may have been a bad king… at least from the American colonists’ point of view, but what were we taught about the man himself? Very little!
In today’s world the question arises… what is the definition of ethics, for often it seems to be lacking in at least some of our public officials. At least the daily headlines keep telling us that...
An incident occurred on my recent vacation that some might call coincidence… but I know better. My wife and I were strolling around a crowded street fair in Palm Springs when, quite unexpectedly, we heard a voice behind us cry out, “There’s the mayor of Jacksonville.” Sure enough, it turned out to be a couple who were also vacationing from Jacksonville.
New Year’s Eve 2013 marked the end of my third year as mayor, an occupation which seemed most improbable to me when growing up—it was a different world back then. This thought crossed my mind while recently watching an old Hopalong Cassidy film...
It was almost a century ago, 1916 to be exact, when a young man, only 18, was put on a boat by his six older brothers and shipped off to America before the Turkish army could conscript him...
This month brings us Thansgiving—A time to reflect on our reasons to be thankful—I would like to take this opportunity to...
I was recently criticized as someone who lived in the “Wild West” and unable to move into the 21st century...
Lately, we have been hearing from a small number of citizens about their concerns over what they’ve heard...
That was quite a picnic on July Fourth! Five hundred hot dogs purchased, five hundred hot dogs served...
This month, I ask your indulgence to wander a bit from my usual reflections over City happenings to devote some thought to…
It seems appropriate to lead off this month’s column by mentioning the successful conclusion to the MRA land swap...
Our courthouse has had its own checkered history...
It’s time to resolve the Community Center issue...
"Drums Along the Mohawk" is February's Free Movie - February 15
I will seek to form something new… a Mayor’s Advisory Committee
I believe the first duty of a Mayor is to meet the needs of the citizens...
Politics, trust, respect, duty...and Will Mayor Becker run again for Mayor?
The Declaration of Independence: What a document!
Plan to share in a fun, new Jacksonville community event...
I recall hearing a phrase that “Life is like a horse race."
The quiet efforts of volunteers make Jacksonville the town we all want to live in.
The importance of our heritage as a historic treasure makes HARC significant...
Looking at the scene in City Hall...I pictured a railroad terminal and switching yard...
I have finally come to the conclusion that in the eyes of some citizens, I must be… I hate to admit it… politically incorrect...
Age does not necessarily bring wisdom...
The topic of the MRA land swap proposal was once again introduced to the City Council...
Our task is to hold on the elements of space, design and use...
Driving Through Town…
ON CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Last month I wrote of the many citizen volunteers who devote their time, their resources, and their energy, to our city. Naturally, not every one has the time to devote to commissions or committees, or for that matter […]
The other day, Turner Classic Movies ran a 1930’s film titled COME AND GET IT. The film starred Edward Arnold and Joel McCrea. I knew Joel, and had even had him and his beautiful wife, Frances Dee, to dinner once. So, I decided to watch the film. A major fiction writer of the day, Edna […]
This October 19th, Jacksonville celebrates its official 150th birthday. The Sesquicentennial Jubilee held September 17-25th was a prelude to Jacksonville’s actual date of incorporation...