Sal Garza

Illinois Election Results - Cities/Villages

Jason Parrott — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:29:01 +0000

The results of city/village races from throughout west-central Illinois during the April 9, 2013 election.

Galesburg to Rethink Budget Process

Rich Egger — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:57:26 +0000

It’s not always easy to implement change when things have been done a certain way for many years. But Galesburg will give it a try with its budgeting process.

Mayor Sal Garza does not anticipate the city will generate more revenue through change. He said the immediate goal is to smooth out the process.

“So toward the end of the year we’re not wrestling with some of these issues that should have really been decided upon much earlier,” Garza said.

Plans Continue for Galesburg Land Swap

Rich Egger — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:27:05 +0000

The City of Galesburg and the library are preparing to exchange some parcels of land.

The library would receive two city-owned lots that are next to the land where a new library will be built on West Main Street. A hotel once stood on the site but it closed years ago and has since been demolished.

The city would receive one library-owned lot next to the former OT Johnson site. The department store building burned down several years ago.

Mayor Sal Garza said both the city and the library would benefit.

Galesburg Trade Delegation to Indonesia

Rich Egger — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:00:45 +0000

Mayor Sal Garza, Global Strategies Director Gary Camarano, and representatives from 10-12 of the region’s companies will take part in a trade mission to Indonesia.

Most of them will begin the trip on Monday, December 3. Garza will join them a day later after overseeing the December 3 city council meeting. Aldermen will be asked that night to approve the city’s 2013 budget.

Garza has a couple goals for the trip.

Galesburg Rezoning Decision Forthcoming

Rich Egger — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:47:49 +0000

Aldermen have a couple weeks to decide whether to allow a proposed hotel development to proceed on North Seminary Street at Highway 34.

Mayor Sal Garza said there is a great deal for aldermen to consider. He said development of the four-story hotel would create jobs, generate revenue for local governments, and it could spur further economic development in that part of town.

Galesburg Mayor to Veto Marijuana Law

Rich Egger — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 22:58:56 +0000

The recently approved marijuana ordinance in Galesburg has gone up in smoke.

The law would have allowed police to issue a ticket to those caught possessing up to 2.5 grams of pot. Offenders could pay a fine instead of going to court.

But Mayor Sal Garza will veto the measure and is recommending changes he feels will improve it.

The mayor wants to start an education program for those under age 18 who are caught with small amounts of marijuana. He also wants to increase the fine to cover the cost of implementing the program.

Galesburg Bridge Project Moves Forward

James Lenz — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Galesburg has acquired land adjacent to the current Soangetaha overpass. The move will allow the current bridge to remain open while its replacement is built.

The BNSF railroad owns the current bridge on East Main Street. It's between Galesburg and East Galesburg.

Mayor Sal Garza says it is at the end of its service. life.

He says, “That has gotten to a state where it's just limited in terms of the capacity of weight that is safe."

Galesburg Panel to Tackle Pensions

Rich Egger — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:54:20 +0000

Galesburg Mayor Sal Garza is forming a 14-member task force to develop funding options for the city's pension funds.

“If it goes unchecked and unaddressed, we may find ourselves in the same kind of condition that the state of Illinois' overall pension system is in,” Garza said.

City leaders said the funding ratio has dropped over the past decade for the three pension funds in which the city participates. Garza said Galesburg will need to dip into its general revenues to pay pension obligations if something is not done.

Honoring Women From Galesburg's History

Rich Egger — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:05:32 +0000

Galesburg city council members approved a resolution in support of naming facilities, parks and streets in honor of notable women.

More than 50 women are listed in a document provided to aldermen. They are community organizers, athletes, artists, educators, and more from throughout Galesburg's 175 year history.

The document will be used when the city considers naming and renaming things.

Mayor Sal Garza said too few women have been recognized by the city.

CAT Turns Back on Illinois

Rich Egger — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:04:50 +0000

Caterpillar has ruled Illinois out of plans to relocate a factory and 1,400 jobs from Japan.

The Peoria-based heavy-equipment maker cited both logistical problems and ongoing concerns about the state's business climate.

Caterpillar laid out its decision in an e-mail to leaders in Galesburg and in Peoria County. Those were among fewer than a dozen Illinois locations trying to win the new plant.