I
have had ties to Collinsville since the early 70's and have been a permanent resident
of Collinsville since 1995. My
two daughters, their husbands and four grandsons live within the Collinsville
school district. The school aged children are enrolled in Collinsville High School,
Middle School and Wilson Elementary. I
have been employed with PSO/AEP for more than 32 years, working mostly in Customer
Service and Collections. I
have proudly served the citizens of Collinsville as Ward 3 Commissioner for the
past 6 years with a continuing platform of assisting in the growth and progress
of Collinsville while preserving the character and individuality that makes Collinsville
unique. I have
worked diligently with my fellow Commissioners, the Mayor, City Manager, and City
employees towards a common goal of making Collinsville a safe and desirable place
to live and work, and I wish to continue as an integral catalyst for continued
progress. Having
worked as a professional in many areas during my career, I bring to the commission
fair and solid decision-making skills, as well as a high level of integrity, ethics,
and a pride in our town that transfers into all aspects of my life. Before making
decisions for the City, I seek information, involve others and evaluate all issues
before making any decision and casting a vote. My foremost thought through the
past 6 years is the same now as it has always been; before making any decision
I give full consideration of the consequences and whether that decision will serve
towards the enhancement of the entire community. I
am open to citizens' concerns and investigate all information provided, enabling
me to cast an informative vote. My attendance record of the bi-monthly City meetings,
as well as special meetings, is very strong. My primary goal as a citizen and
as commissioner is to promote Collinsville as an ideal place to rear our children
and to live. A vote for me is a vote for the pride and respect I have for Collinsville.
I am proud that during my tenure, our city has been awarded almost $11 million
in grants for Main Street renovations, firefighter equipment, funding of firefighters
and water plant improvements, just to name a few. I have also been an integral
part of the many projects and improvements in the past 6 years throughout our
City, from the restoration of City Hall to the replacement of the Broadway and
Main Street bridges, as well as the many park improvements. I
am proud to be an integral part of the leadership team that has contributed to
the positive image of Collinsville in local and State media portraying our town
as a safe, progressive and innovative community for rearing our children. Collinsville's
problems are few with our positives far outweighing the negatives. We have some
of the best educational facilities in the State and in the Nation. Our police
and Fire/EMSA departments are continually growing stronger by seizing ongoing
educational opportunities and by networking together. While other cities have
struggled in the recent economic downturn, Collinsville, through careful financial
management has remained financially stable and has continued to move forward with
multiple improvement projects throughout the City. It
is important that we have a City Commission that places the well being of our
entire City's interest above our own personal interests. In order to move forward
and continually make Collinsville a desirable place to live and conduct business,
we must have a commission that understands the importance of maintaining the beauty
of the past while promoting smart growth for our future. Collinsville has a history
to be a proud of and we need to maintain that same pride while forging our future. I
am respectfully asking my constituents for their vote of support on Tuesday, April
6. Melodie Bateman | 
City Commissioner Melodie
Bateman With Governor Henry -- August 2006
