In a few days, Christmas 2006 will have come and gone. We will have had occasion to share the blessings of the season with our family and friends and will look toward to the new year, with optimism. Generally, a new year brings many challenges, as it will for the folks who were employed at the Maytag factory in Herrin, as well as opportunities. But all of us in Zeigler, Franklin County, and the surrounding area will face a common question, how will we pay our 40 % greater energy bill to Ameren CIPS?
At this point in time, without action by the Illinois General Assembly, the only communities who will escape this impending budget buster are those that have an energy source other than CIPS. Without a doubt, today, most communities desire this alternative plan. But in today’s market, it will be far too expensive for the average southern Illinois town to create their own power system.
While evaluating the immediate, as well as the long range future for the citizens of Zeigler, my mind raced back to action taken by the City Council in January, 1940. At that time, the forward thinking Council adopted a resolution, on a three for, two against, and one absent vote to bring a proposition to the citizens of the city. The question for the ballot was to be, “Shall the City of Zeigler establish a municipal power plant”?
However, before the special election could take place, the city was informed by the State of Illinois that the vote was not proper to pass the resolution. Even though the Ayes had a majority vote on the question, the law at that time required a 2/3 supportive vote, and the mayor could only vote if there was a tie. Thus, the 3 positive votes was one short, and the resolution should have failed.
With the onset of World War II, other major issues, rather than a city power system, came to the forefront. To my knowledge, the question of a city power plant was never taken to the public and the Zeigler electrical structure was never established. But, next month when the power bill arrives, stop and think, what if? ? ?
Composed by: Dr. Allan Patton
December 2006
