MRN Top 25 governmental stories: Quincy City Council expresses lack of confidence, frustration with Troup over multiple issues
Local government was rather contentious in 2023. A reflection of the frustration many feel with the polarized politics in today’s world. A lack of consensus or willingness to achieve goals for the common good unfortunately seem to prevail.
Anyway, here are the most read governmental stories of 2023, according to MRN Analytics.
1. A couple and a single woman told aldermen about issues with landlords during the Aug. 28 Quincy City Council meeting. Housing issues were a constant topic at City Council meetings this year.
2. Stacie Sparks complained to aldermen in April when a memorial she created two years ago for her son, who died in a car accident at the northeast corner of 30th and Maine, was removed by city crews. Alderman later approved roadside memorials, but nine conditions must be followed.
3. The Quincy Park District received a letter a week before its annual retreat in August from Brad Burghart, president of the Quinsippi Soccer League, proposing the donation of the 22-acre Paul Dennis Soccer Complex at 4201 State to the Park District. The Park Board eventually accepted the donation at its October meeting, with John Frankenhoff calling it the “most significant land donation” in Park District history.
4. Officer Nick Eddy and Officer Robert Megee, the past and present union presidents of the PB&PA Labor Unit 12, spoke during the July 2 meeting’s public forum about a lack of confidence in Troup’s administration. Alderman Mike Farha called the rest of the City Council “cowards” for failing to address the issue and later walked out.
5. Angel Zerbonia had been on paid administrative leave since November 2022 and under investigation by an independent third party since January. The City Council voted June 8 not to retain her. Issues about Zerbonia were first addressed publicly at the Hannibal City Council meeting on Dec. 20, 2022, when a number of Hannibal residents expressed concern regarding the conduct of Zerbonia.
6. Quincy Mayor Mike Troup heard sharp words from Alderman Mike Farha (R-4) when an invoice from a Chicago law firm for collective bargaining negotiations was discussed at the June 18 Quincy City Council meeting. Alderman Jeff Bergman (R-2) also told Troup the public doesn’t trust him during a discussion about city insurance.
7. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s preferred route calls for an alignment utilizing the York Street Corridor, which will tie in near the Oakley Lindsay Center. An IDOT engineer said the York Street option was chosen because the cost is a little less and has a lesser impact on the property that will need to be acquired.
8. As the debate for passing a city budget continued, Alderman Mike Farha (R-4) asked for Quincy Mayor Mike Troup’s resignation. “I’m telling you they’re fed up,” he said. “They’re not happy about what’s going on. This isn’t working. I’ve never seen a mayor have less support amongst the public.” Troup did not resign and told Muddy River News he would wait until later in 2024 to announce whether he will seek a second term.
9. Larry Schwartz of SafeStart Environmental said June 28 work should cease inside the Adams County Courthouse after the April testing his company conducted. County officials released a recording of a Zoom meeting 12 days earlier during which Schwartz said, “Critical functions take place in this building. I mean, they have to go on.”
10. “We can’t get rid of him, we didn’t hire him, and we can’t fire him,” said Alderman Greg Fletcher (R-1). “But what we can do is shame him with this vote of no confidence to make a statement to the public that, hey, we don’t subscribe to his behavior.” The City Council voted 7-6-1 on July 9 that it no longer had confidence in the administration of Mayor Mike Troup. The action had no real consequences but sent a message that the city’s governing body wasn’t pleased with the first two years of the mayor’s first term.
The rest of the top 25
- 11. City to begin legal action against 10 properties as part of fix-or-flatten program
- 12. August is over, and the answer on Troup’s decision to run for re-election as Quincy’s mayor is …
- 13. QPD officer says mayor lied about why secondary insurance policy was canceled; aldermen to vote on investigation next week
- 14. Aldermen deny permit for operation of nightclub at Sixth and Hampshire
- 15. Ordinance requiring compliance with federal abortion laws attracts huge crowd; 3-plus-hour meeting ends with aldermen voting against it
- 16. ‘This is a public health safety issue’: Quincy attorney, judge want comprehensive tests done on courthouse
- 17. Culbertson out as Vets’ Home administrator
- 18. After debate heats up last Monday, aldermen expected to vote on proposed south-side duplex
- 19. Troup says local investors’ bid on former Newcomb Hotel lot includes plans to build eight three-story townhouses
- 20. Troup provides updates on police contract and Yates investigation, says Farha ‘showed true colors’ last week
- 21. ‘This city needs leadership’: Former alderman Brink becomes first to declare candidacy for Quincy mayor
- 22. Canton mayor resigns; city officials claim Lewis County officials are engaged in ‘hostile takeover’
- 23. Quincy City Council to take ‘no confidence’ vote on Mayor Troup
- 24. Aldermen vote to allow memorials in city right-of-way, but Quincy woman perturbed with new rules
- 25. Summer downtown concert series needs City Council approval; Troup says former Newcomb Hotel lot on verge of being sold
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