Country Club Hills Alderman Sees Bright Future For City
Country Club Hills Alderman Sees Bright Future For City
By Tia Carol Jones
Country Club Hills Fourth Ward Alderman Ricardo Spivey was recently sworn in for his third term. During his last two terms, Spivey worked with Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin and United States Congresswoman Robin Kelly on economic development programs and public safety legislation.
Working with Meyers-Martin resulted in federal grant funding for the city. They were able to use that funding for the city’s infrastructure, as well as purchasing emergency service vehicles.
“I don’t think that as an Alderman, you can just handle the finances and ordinances and think that will be sufficient. There are a lot of other things that go into being an Alderman, including getting the funds you need to make your city prosperous,” he said.
Since Spivey was first elected to office in 2013, Country Club Hills has seen an increase in small businesses coming into the city. He said he would like to see more economic development in the way of big box stores coming into the city. He said more big box stores could help grow the city’s tax base and would relieve some of the burden on residents.
Spivey said he was happy with the constituents’ turnout for the election. He had two challengers and received 67% of the vote. He said his constituents appreciate that he is accessible, approachable and hands-on.
“It’s like we’re all family. Whatever it is that they need, I’m there to respond, expeditiously,” he said.
Spivey said in order to bring more economic development and big box stores into Country Club Hills, it would take working with state-wide elected officials and lobbyist to see what kinds of opportunities are available, as far as what kinds of businesses want to move into Country Club Hills.
He said there is land located at 167th Street, that can be the site of a big box store or other businesses. Spivey said that collaborating with neighboring municipalities could be important in strengthening the Southland.
Spivey said part of his vision for Country Club Hills would be to turn the Amphitheater, located at 4150 183rd St., into a performing arts theater for the entire Southland to use. He said it could be an opportunity to partner with neighboring municipalities and encourage local young people to engage with the arts.
“We have a 2,300-seater and I think it would be great if we could use it to showcase our talented kids in our community,” he said. He added that it could be used for theater performances and jazz ensembles.
Spivey said he is looking forward to having a great run for this third term and to bringing the City Council together. He said it is his goal to see the City Council work hand-in-hand, collectively and together to support each other’s visions, which would also support the community’s vision.
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