My name is Jamie Hicks, and I have lived in LaSalle, Illinois, for over 23 years. During that time, I have seen many changes in our city, and sadly, many of them have left me disheartened. The current leadership has allowed this town to fall into a state of neglect, and it’s time for a change. That’s why I’m running for mayor—to bring back the town that we all know and love, and to ensure that the people of LaSalle have a voice that is heard and respected. 

The time for transparency and action is now. Our town is long overdue for meaningful changes, and I will lead the way in making that happen. We need economic development, major infrastructure repair, clean water, clean air, and above all, we need to feel safe in our own community. When emergencies happen, we need to know that the city is prepared and has our best interests at heart. Under my leadership, I will do everything in my power to bring these changes to life and return the city to the people. 

Public safety is a top priority for me. I plan to engage with all manufacturers in our town, especially after the Carus Chemical fire on January 11, 2023. That incident should have been an eye-opener, but instead, it turned into an ongoing nightmare that still hasn’t been properly addressed. I will hold these companies to strict guidelines and enforce all ordinances to ensure that they prioritize the safety of our community. Polluters will be held accountable, and I will work closely with state legislation to enforce safety protocols. 

I will also address the housing crisis, ensuring that our most vulnerable residents, especially those in high-rises, have safe, secure places to live. On infrastructure, I will tackle the failing and undersized water mains and ensure that our water supply is removed from flood zones. We will stop applying short-term fixes to long-term problems, particularly with our streets, which have been neglected for far too long. 

I’m committed to promoting commercial business without sacrificing the needs of LaSalle’s residents. We need to attract businesses in a way that benefits the entire community, and that starts with making sure our infrastructure can support them. 

It’s heartbreaking to see what LaSalle has become over the last two years. The current administration has failed us with lies and deception. The mayor has his own agenda, and it doesn’t include you. I will ensure that we prioritize the needs of all residents, not just a select few. 

I will hold city employees accountable for the proper maintenance of city equipment and ensure that they receive proper training. This will save the city money and improve services like street sweeping and sewer maintenance. Our city infrastructure deserves better care, and I will make sure it happens. 

Finally, I will make sure we follow all state, local, and federal laws when it comes to job bids. We will not cut corners or play favorites. Every contractor will be held to the highest standards to ensure that we don’t lose out on the grants we need to improve our community. 

LaSalle is my home, and I believe it’s time for us to reclaim it together. Let’s work to build a city we can all be proud of—one that’s safe, thriving, and transparent.