Mayor Rotering delivered these remarks at the virtual City Council meeting on Monday, April 6, 2020. The meeting was livestreamed and the video is available.
I think we can all agree that the past few weeks have been trying, and the weeks and months ahead are filled with uncertainty. Life will be uncomfortable and difficult. We are fighting for our lives while simultaneously experiencing a faltering economy. We are working to adjust to our new normal, the message of staying home is sinking in, and we continue to see stories about how we are stepping up to help each other and lift spirits.
Information and guidance from federal, state and county agencies on the COVID-19 outbreak have been evolving rapidly. The health, safety and well-being of residents and our staff, and the continuation of vital city services are our primary concerns. The City will continue to be a reliable source of information and essential services during this unprecedented time.
Every one of us is critical to protecting one another and achieving victory over this virus, while working to mitigate its consequences. As crisis reveals character, I am again urging each of you to do your part. Each of us under enormous stress. Let’s be kind to ourselves and each other. We need to do this to protect our collective mental health. We encourage you to stay socially connected in a time of social distancing. Please check in with each other and check on your neighbors, especially the most vulnerable, the elderly, and those who are alone.
Thank you to everyone who is staying home and helping to flatten the curve. With that said, I am reminding those who need to hear it again: Social gatherings are in violation of Governor Pritzker’s Order to Stay at Home. It is disappointing yet necessary that residents call the police at 847-432-7730 if you witness people who continue to gather together or visit closed parks and school grounds. Groups gathering illegally or trespassing on closed property will be warned and fined. Their inability to consider the needs of their community over their desires will result in a penalty.
Thank you to the health care workers, first responders, and other essential workers for PUTTING THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE to help strangers. Each one of you is a hero among us. Thank you to my City Council colleagues who have been working with me to make difficult decisions, answer resident questions, and amplify messages. I could not do this work without you. Thank you to our dedicated City Manager Ghida Neukirch and all of our staff for seeking every opportunity to make a difference for residents and businesses and for your flexibility and dedication to our community. Also, thank you to our community partners for your leadership, assistance and dedication.
This historic moment in our lives will forever change us, but we are resilient and compassionate. Together let’s stay healthy, safe and hopeful.
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