In response to Ms. Renner’s column in the Sept. 6 edition of The Northern Star, the main issue before the people of DeKalb is, what type of government do we want? Do we want a closed and secretive government or do we want an open and honest administration?

The John Castle/Gregory Sparrow power clique and their media friends have caused much suffering in this city. Sure, I read the news reports of all the great economic development which is “occurring” in this city. Yet, by simply taking a little walk downtown and counting just how many empty storefronts you can find, you can see the reality of our growth. This Castle/Sparrow power clique has given this city nothing but broken promises and shattered dreams. This clique represents a select few of this city’s citizens. DeKalb government needs to represent each citizen in this community.

DeKalb needs a reform administration to take office in May, 1989. This city’s future is much too important to be left to the status quo. Change is a fact of life and DeKalb needs change. I run for the office of mayor because I believe DeKalb is ready to be a new city. DeKalb needs to be a city of wisdom and sensitivity. We are a city of honest, hardworking citizens who care about our work and our future. This type of community needs to represented by a mayor, not a puppet for the select few.

The Castle/Sparrow power clique and their media friends can try to twist facts and manipulate the media to their advantage. I give the people of DeKalb more credit than believing what they read and hear at face value. When I entered the campaign for mayor, I knew my name and reputation was a target for character assassination. Yet, my campaign remains undaunted by the lies and misinformation which is spread throughout this community.

My campaign is a call to the young of DeKalb. This youth of which I speak is not a time of life but a temper of the will. A willingness to seek change over the status quo. There are many of my fellow citizens who want change and new life in our government. My campaign is simply responding to that need for reform.

My office represents the people of the seventh ward. Many of my fellow citizens of my ward are students at NIU, yet I must note Ms. Renner’s comments of disunity. We must, as a city, heal the divisions of “student” wards and “town” wards. If DeKalb is to be a united city, we must see ourselves as seven wards all consisting of citizens of DeKalb. A poet once wrote, “Against our will comes wisdom through the awful grace of God”. What we need in DeKalb is wisdom and sensitivity toward one another.

Alderman Mark J. Powell

Seventh Ward Organization