Mayor: Things are looking up

ST. JOSEPH, MO. -- It seems that few people give speeches these days. The standard fare seems to be to make opening remarks, show a video or PowerPoint presentation, then make closing remarks.

Mayor John Josendale followed that format during his State of the City address Wednesday at the InspireU Children's Discovery Center in Downtown. Minus a small technical issue at the start, the presentation was highly effective.

Our city does have its fair share of problems and challenges. But when the city's accomplishments are presented in a condensed format like the mayor's speech, citizens begin to understand the many and varied improvements happening throughout the city.

Here's a short list:

• Some of the most popular projects on the horizon include a new animal shelter on South Belt Highway and an indoor community aquatic center.
• Beginning in June, the City will begin a huge renovation project at Krug Park with a price tag of $12 million.
• The City will build a new fire station to serve the South Side at 303 East Hyde Park Ave. In addition, the department will receive new equipment, including a 100-foot aerial truck to serve the east side of town, as well as a new "Next Gen 9-1-1" communication system.
• Key renovations continue at City Hall, Civic Arena, Missouri Theater, and the fire department's headquarters. The arena and theater projects have been progressing for several years. Arena renovations have provided the St. Joseph, MO Sports Commission with a venue that allows the commission to attract premiere sporting events, entertainment, and tradeshows, bringing a host of visitors to our city.
• In a quest to ensure the 139th Airlift Wing remains relevant, the city is continuing widespread investments to Rosecrans Memorial Airport. B&B Runway Cafe recently completed its move to the new state-of-the-art new terminal building and work continues on a new air traffic control tower.
• University of Missouri-Kansas City has added two important initiatives: a new medical school on Faraon Street adjacent to Mosaic Life Care and a new dental program on the campus of Missouri Western State University.
• In the private sector, Daily's Meats announced a $95 million expansion that will add 100 jobs. When completed, St. Joseph will produce 5% of the bacon consumed in the United States.
• Perhaps one of the key developments this past year is what didn't happen. Our landfill has not reached capacity or closed. Instead, it's expanding with collaboration from city officials, a private contractor and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. A serious problem one month was significantly reduced the next,
• The city also allocated funds to reduce blight, including demolition of 40 dilapidated houses.

All this and more gave the mayor plenty to highlight during his presentation. When grouped together, the list proves our city does indeed have a considerable number of positive things going for it. It's almost enough to make even the most dedicated critic of our town admit that things are looking up.

Convincing a person like that of course is a tall task. But a mayor can dream, can't he?