We completed financial audits for 2002-2006, filed the 2007 audit on time, and are now completing the 2008 audit, which will also be filed on time.  Even with the economy struggling and our revenues slipping, we reduced a chronic annual budget deficit of over $3 million to less than $400,000 in 2008—all while adding 14 new police officers to help keep our city safe.  We also successfully raised our bond rating from BB to A-, reorganized our debt in order to balance our books, and were able to borrow additional funds to build the much-needed new Firehouse on 16th Street and the long-awaited Depot District Parking Garage.

 

During our term we helped transform the Berwyn Development Corporation from a small  chamber-of-commerce-like organization into an economic powerhouse that helped infuse over $60 million dollars in construction and development to contribute to Berwyn's future growth.  To date, we also have commitments from government agencies for over $14 million in new grant funds, including over $3 million in federal stimulus funds. 

 

And let’s not forget how we celebrated the City of Berwyn’s 100th Birthday in grand style! 

 

These highlights of the last four years are joined by some personal successes—with two of my sons getting married and one graduating college—and also by some life experiences, including the passing of my mother-in-law, Marilyn Hasler, my father-in-law, Joe Hasler, and, only two weeks ago, my mother, Violet.

 

My family and I were, of course, disappointed by the results of the election; but as they say, “When one door closes, another opens.”  I am very much looking forward to taking some much-needed time off while I search for the next opportunity. 

 

I know that our administration was successful in Moving Berwyn Forward.  I would like to wish Mayor Lovero and the next City Council good luck, and also encourage them to Keep  Berwyn Moving Forward.

 

Again, thank you—it has been a pleasure and a privilege managing the city and serving as your mayor these past four years—and I’ll see you soon.