Letter to the Editor

As O’Fallon’s first Director of Finance, one of my proudest accomplishments was to help recruit Mary Jeanne Hutchison to come to O’Fallon as our first professional parks director.

We had one park, some unimproved land parcels and a dream. Now, when I drive by the sports park, I always say a silent, “Thanks, Mary Jeanne.”

When I walk Rock Springs Park and see all the improvements such as the log cabin, walking trails and dog park, I say, “Thanks, Mary Jeanne.”

When I drive by the corner of State and Smiley streets and see the beautiful community garden that was once an underdeveloped property, I say, “Thank you, Mary Jeanne.”

And when I go to the farmer’s market on a cool spring Saturday morning, I say, “Thank you, Mary Jeanne.”

And when I see our current parks director reporting $2.6+ million of impact to the city from recent sports tournaments, I say a big, “Thank you, Mary Jeanne!”

And now that she has her own successful consulting business, she wants to continue to give her time and talents to the residents of Ward 2 as their alderman.

Bravo, Mary Jeanne! You have my full support, and I look forward to your continued success in helping improve our great city.

Dean Rich, Director of Finance, Retired, O’Fallon