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Joliet council approves director of cultural affairs and special events after heated debate
Summary
The Joliet City Council voted to create a full-time director of cultural affairs and special events (council memo 359-25) after several hours of debate and numerous public letters supporting the role. Supporters said the position would coordinate downtown and citywide events; critics urged caution about cost and timing.
The Joliet City Council on June 17 approved creation of a full-time director of cultural affairs and special events (council memo 359-25) after more than an hour of discussion and public comment.
Supporters, including Mayor Terry Darcy and business and civic leaders, said the new position is intended to coordinate events across downtown and the city, attract sponsorships and increase downtown economic activity. “We spent $22,000,000 downtown,” Mayor Terry Darcy said during debate, arguing the city needs a staff member to organize and leverage that investment. Several letters read into the record—by Jen Howard of the Regent Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mike Trisna of Chicago Street Pub and others—called the position “long overdue” and pledged partnership on events and sponsorships.
Opponents said the council should delay creation…
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