THE LAST HURRAH By WILLIAM WALDMEIER

Over 400 years ago, Machiavelli professed that expediency, deceit, and cunning were justifiable to attain and retain a necessary power over the masses.

Empires of this and previous millenia have exercised power to maintain a social system. Unfortunately, the residual benefits and affluency enjoyed by the select were often derived through slavery and human misery. More recently, Hitler, Mussolini, and others who established, by hook or crook, a sociopolitical institution governed by immoral and inhumane practices fell victim to the inherent human frailties of the abuse of power, super egotism, and sometimes acute paranoia. Historically, humanity has not tolerated such persons or institutions.

Power is acceptable in our democratic system within limitations. The politician is confronted with the divergent opinions and philosophies of political colleagues and those of coalitions and representative organizations. Labor, business, professions, local government, ethnic groups and a myriad of others have organized to promote and protect their personal interests in the public and private sectors alike.

Political power is often sanctified as the means to implement the philosophy which, in the judgment of the purveyor, is the only one that is good for the people. Both Republicans and Democrats wish there were fewer of each other. Mayors hopefully wish for a rubber-stamp council. A more fanatical quest for power is exemplified in the reapportionment process. Every politician, deep down, is convinced that with more power more things could be accomplished through the implementation of the philosophy in which he or she believes.

The want of affluency is a strong motivating force in the human society. The nail was hit on the head when the American labor leader, George Meany, was asked what labor wanted. His reply was simply, "More!" Labor is not alone in this desire, for every living person is striving or at least wishing for more. All levels of government are besieged to fund projects, programs, and services upon the premise that they provide for the general good and welfare of the public. In reality, underneath it all lies the force of personal interests. Ironically, the politicians are blamed for a situation for which the electorate is responsible. The old adage "It isn't what you did for me yesterday — what did you do for me today" is still apparent in politics.

Every elected official believes, in variable degrees of conviction, that his or her election was the best possible thing that could have happened for the constituency. Politicians are prone to believe that their performance is superior to their predecessor and, if defeated, was certainly superior to their successor. The public will accept self-confidence and pride as an attribute to be measured by productivity and results but it will not accept egotism.

My first endeavor in politics was in 1959 when I was elected to a seat on the county board with the whopping majority of five votes. If I had lost, would I have run again? I doubt it. However, I consider it fortunate to have been elected five consecutive terms to public office in three different capacities.

In 1979, the horn blew, the walls came tumbling down and, in my bid for a fourth term as mayor, I took a good shellacking. I tried again in 1983 and again was soundly defeated.

Senator Everett Dirksen once told me that you don't win an election — your opponent loses it! That being the case, I have only myself to blame. If the perception of my personality led to my defeat, that was my fault, no one else's. If it were my political convictions or

December 1989 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 5

administrative decisions that were the deciding factors and defeat was the price to be paid without the relinquishment or alteration of principle, then so be it!

All was not lost. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs for the last 10 years, providing management assistance to local governments throughout the State. Additionally, I have been able to retain a revered and working relationship with the Illinois Municipal League, mayors and councilmen, legislators, lobbyists, state officials, and the representative organizations of both the public and private sectors.

In retrospect, do I have any regrets for having spent most of my productive life in the public sector? Absolutely not! Would I have done anything differently if I had it to do over again? Probably not, though there are those who believe that I should have.

My opinions are no longer of any consequence. However, I do have the suspicion that political oratory may be a major contributor to the greenhouse effect.

Once infected by the political virus, the only cure for the affliction is a last meeting with the undertaker. I still become disgusted with the actions of the congress, the legislature and the city council. I believe I could be influential in bringing about needed changes. I reflect and remember feeling the pride of accomplishment.

Unquestionably, I would like to serve in elected public office again. But, I am realistic. The odds against me winning an election are greater than the odds against me winning the Illinois lottery.

So, now that I am going to retire, is this "The Last Hurrah"? It could be.

Can I graciously receive late-night phone calls? Can I weather derogatory remarks, harsh criticism, intimidation and perhaps even threats? Can I join this, that, and the other and appear here, there, and everywhere to be the jolly-good public servant? Can I survive a confrontation with the Coalition For the Abolishment of the Abolition of Dandruff? Of course I can, but why should I?

I would rather stay home, draw pension and social security, and enjoy the company of my wife, family and grandchildren. I have things to do around the house. I want to read, write, relax, travel, fish, hunt, and make a few extra bucks. Anyway, I have always wanted to be able to play golf like Jack Nicklaus.

Yet, on the other hand. Yogi Berra said that the ball game ain't over 'til it's over! Maybe — just maybe — sometime — I ought to run again.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Bill Waldmeier was born in Pekin, Illinois and graduated from the Pekin public schools. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Arts Degree at Bradley University.

In 1959, he was elected to the Tazewell County Board. In 1963, he was elected Finance Commissioner of the City of Pekin. He became Mayor in 1966 and was elected Mayor of Pekin in 1967,1971 and 1975. He was appointed to the Illinois Law Enforcement Commission and the Local Records Commission by Governor Ogilvie. Governor Walker appointed him to the Advisory Council of the Department of Local Government Affairs. Governor James R. Thompson appointed him to the Select Commission to Implement the 1977 Federal Clean Air Amendments and to the President's White House Conference on Economic Development and Balanced Growth.

Bill served as president of the Central Illinois Mayors Association, on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Municipal League and chairman of its Pollution Control Committee. In 1973, he was elected President of the Illinois Municipal League. In 1976, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities.

He joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in 1979 as an economic development coordinator in the Comprehensive Employment and Training Program. In 1981, he was promoted to the newly formed Office of Mandates and Special Programs. He was promoted to the Office of Local Government Management Services in 1984 and was manager of the general government section in that Office.

Page 6 / Illinois Municipal Review / December 1989