I, as a resident of Belleville for more than 50 years, would like to see more people get involved with the voting for mayor. We can all see the mayor that we have now has caused so much debt in this town that most middle class people will no longer be able to continue living here.

You can drive through this town and see empty houses everywhere or houses that need repair but because of the condition the mayor has put us in, I'm sure they are unable to keep them up. A good example: Angler's Club. No sane person would have thought to build a park in that area or pay what we paid to build on it. The water hole that exists there is unfit for animals, so why would anyone want to take his child out there?

It's time we all open our eyes and realize the situation our town is in and vote the present mayor out of office. I attended the first debate. Very interesting. All I received from the mayor was "I, I, I." Phil Elmore, I was not sure what he stood for. Joe Hayden explained exactly what he stood for and you knew exactly what he planned to do with our town. After more than 50 years living in Belleville this is the worst I have seen our town and I do believe it's time for change.

There will be a debate on March 26 at Lindenwood University. Hope I see lots of people attending.

Betty L. McCoy

Belleville