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Local leaders address national
politics, DEI, energy and development at Coffee with the Mayor
[September 05, 2025]
Mayor Tracy Welch welcomed
community members to a recent Coffee with the Mayor event, joined by
State Senator Sally Turner, State Representative Bill Hauter, and
Alderwoman Rhonda O’Donoghue. The discussion covered topics ranging
from federal politics and Illinois policy battles to Lincoln’s local
challenges with economic development, energy costs, and community
programs.
One of the first questions raised involved whether President Donald
Trump could legally deploy the National Guard to combat crime in
Chicago. Turner acknowledged the question was outside her legal
expertise, while Hauter cautioned that the president’s authority in
such matters was “dicey” and often requires cooperation with state
governments. He pointed to historical examples, such as federal
intervention during the Civil Rights Movement, and noted that
political divisions between Trump and Governor J.B. Pritzker could
make Illinois a national flashpoint.
“We are going to be a battleground,” Hauter said. “I see four huge
fights that Illinois will face: DEI, transgender and Title IX
interpretations, National Guard call-ups, and healthcare for illegal
immigrants. My biggest concern is the Medicaid expansion. It will be
devastating to our rural hospitals if we lose this funding. If we
lose this government support, I feel so helpless.”
Turner also spoke about her perspective as a farmer, citing low crop
prices and state cutbacks to soil and water programs. “We’re making,
what, $2 corn and $9 beans. That’s distressing,” she said. “Some
things just trickle down to us, however, most of the farmers I talk
to think that it’s cyclical.”
Local equity concerns were also addressed. Welch noted that in 2020
the city created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commission
to give minority residents a stronger voice. The commission, which
once had 12 members, is now down to about four and may soon
dissolve. “They hit the ground running pretty good. They just hit a
brick wall,” Welch said. “Our role in government is to create
opportunities for people to do good things.”
Economic development was another recurring theme. Welch confirmed
that the city council pulled $200,000 in funding from the Logan
County Tourism Bureau, citing limited return on investment, and
instead plans to open a new museum that will also serve as an
economic development incubator. He also highlighted progress on a
Route 66 train exhibit, which will be installed.
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Questions about local finances drew
discussion of the grocery tax. Welch explained that while the state
eliminated the tax, Lincoln reinstated it to prevent a $500,000 gap
in the city’s $25–26 million budget. “We weren’t trying to over tax
anybody by doing that,” he said. “We were simply trying to be
fiscally responsible.”
The future of the LDC was another
focus. The state has designated the site for its Surplus to Success
redevelopment program, and Welch said a task force is working with
consultants to prepare it for new business opportunities. He
suggested dedicating some parcels to veterans’ housing as a quick,
visible success. Turner emphasized the need to move quickly to keep
Lincoln competitive with other communities.
Nearby, the new Monarch youth facility will open on Sept. 4. The
center will house up to 30 youth from Central Illinois, focusing on
rehabilitation and education rather than incarceration. It is
expected to employ about 90 people.
Questions also arose about the shuttered Lincoln College. Welch said
conversations with potential buyers are ongoing and confidential but
confirmed that cleanup work is underway to attract prospects.
Energy prices drew strong reactions from both officials and
residents. Welch noted his own Ameren bill jumped from $317 to $800
between July and August. He warned of broader economic consequences
if utility costs remain high. “You guys are going to bankrupt
businesses,” Welch said. “ In Mason City, someone put on Facebook,
and they showed a copy of the bill. Mason City's IGA bill for August
was $20,000 and I said, that's crazy. You guys are going to bankrupt
businesses.”
Turner added that communities have limited authority over wind and
solar farms, and much of the energy generated locally does not stay
in Logan County.
Despite challenges, Welch stressed that city leaders are committed
to moving forward. “Looking forward and working together will solve
problems,” he said. “We have to be mindful of the challenges, but we
can’t dwell in the past.”
[Sophia Larimore]
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