Letter to the Editor: Quincy has made remarkable progress during Troup’s tenure

We want to express our support for Mayor Mike Troup as he runs for re-election.

When he took office in 2021, our city was facing one of its most uncertain times. The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges, and many businesses, including big-box stores, had closed and were sitting vacant, creating a barren landscape. There was uncertainty about how to move forward.

It was during this time that our community needed a steady hand to guide us. The voters chose Mayor Troup, a businessman with the experience and vision to lead Quincy through these difficult times.

The city has since made remarkable progress. Former Quincy Mayor C. David Nuessen remarked, “There has never been so much progress in Quincy in my lifetime.” Real estate developers like Tory Kaufmann of Marx Commercial Properties have praised Mayor Troup’s ability to create a business-friendly environment, attracting new development to the city. This increased activity has benefitted everyone in Quincy. More visitors, traffic, and economic activity have created new opportunities for local businesses. People now have more choices about where to eat and shop, and they feel so proud to see the growth around town.

What’s even more exciting is that visitors to Quincy are often surprised by how great our community is. Many first-time visitors are eager to return. For example, billiards players have come back for four years, and softball teams love returning too. As reported, the recent billiards tournament is expected to bring in more than $1 million, providing a significant boost to local businesses. This momentum has caught the attention of developers and businesses, who see the potential for investment in Quincy.

None of this happened by chance. It took a healthy environment for growth, and that’s exactly what Mayor Troup created. He played the long game, knowing sustained growth would put Quincy back on the map and create lasting opportunities.

As we approach the election on Tuesday, April 1, it’s important to recognize how far we’ve come. Mayor Troup’s leadership has brought significant progress, leading us out of the pandemic and into a more certain, thriving future, thanks to his collaboration with other community leaders. His business background has allowed him to make decisions that foster economic development and create opportunities for all. We believe the best path forward is to continue this upward trajectory.

Re-electing Mayor Troup will ensure we keep moving forward and build on the success we’ve already achieved.

We hope you will join us in our support for Mike Troup.

Gary and Jo Kirlin
Quincy, Illinois