Fowler gets close-up look at new job; still has unfinished business as mayor

Dale Fowler has his work cut out for him. Not only is he tending to the day-to-day operations of the city as Harrisburg mayor, but is now making plans for his new job, that of a state senator.

Fowler spent the last couple of days in Springfield learning more about what his new job will include once he officially takes over the reins from longtime state Sen. Gary Forby on Jan. 11.

"My visit to the capitol was certainly a reality check, yet at the same time provided me with some validity as to why I was there," Fowler said Wednesday. "I was a part of a lot of different meetings Tuesday, including a Senate caucus. I also met with the party leadership and met many new colleagues. I bet I came home with 150 business cards in my pocket."

Fowler said he is an optimistic person by nature and truly believes he can make a difference in Springfield.

"I'm going in with a positive attitude," he said. "There will be some immense challenges and tough decisions ahead, but I think most people understand that. I want to do what I can to help get Illinois back on track."

Fowler said he will return to Springfield on Nov. 27 for a new-member conference.

Before and after that date, however, the Senator-elect said he wants to focus as much time and attention on Harrisburg as possible.

"There are so many things going on with our city," Fowler said. "We have a lighted parade coming up. We have events we're lining up for our new city hall auditorium like a Christmas program on Dec. 16 that will also feature Santa in the courtyard and free hot chocolate courtesy of the Saline County Chamber of Commerce.

"And we are planning an extension of Ron Crank Drive west of town with some commercial development coming down the road. There's a lot to work ahead."

Fowler wouldn't commit to a final day on the job as mayor. He did say that finance commissioner John McPeek is the mayor protem by statute and could be designated as his replacement by the council upon his official resignation. Fowler will preside as mayor at tonight's city council meeting.

The council would seek a replacement commissioner from the city to fill McPeek's position on the council if McPeek is appointed mayor.

The appointed mayor will fill Fowler's seat until the next city election in April of 2019.