Dear Editor:

It has been brought to my attention that a stretch of sidewalk (in front of the home of an elderly, long-time Carbondale resident with cancer) was found by city staff to be in need of repair/replacement. However, it is not within the city’s budget to assist this person this fiscal year. Maybe next year or perhaps the following year the city will be able to afford such a luxury.

Hopefully this resident, who has served on various community and university committees and has devoted her life to her community, will be here to see the sidewalk repaired.

In the meantime, it is within the city’s budget to give SIUC $20 million so young men from outside the city, region and state can play a game five times a year in a new stadium. Maybe there’s a group of people that is possibly benefiting from this $20 million who could step forward and make a donation to let this woman know her life’s contribution to society means more than the thrill of a touchdown.

Call 549-5302 and ask for the City Manager’s office. Cash, checks and most major credit cards are welcomed.

Joel Fritzler, Councilman

Carbondale City Council