Springfield Mayor Ken McClure delivered his annual State of the City address Tuesday morning, declaring the state of the city to be “strong” as it exits the COVID-19 restrictions and moves into a new season.
McClure’s speech focused significantly on the COVID pandemic and its economic, social, and medical impact on the city.
“These times have revealed what truly matters,” Mayor McClure said. “The health and well-being of our loved ones, the resilience of our communities and the importance of the sacrifices made by our essential workers who give their whole selves to serving others.”
In addition to the focus on pandemic related issues, the mayor also addressed other challenges the city faced in the previous 14 months including its response to racial incidents around the nation and economic development issues in the city.
The Mayor became emotional at the end of his speech, choking up on the final lines of his speech.
“Reflecting upon the past 14 months brings me both comfort and grief,” the Mayor said. “Never in my lifetime did I expect to see such impressive displays of service and valiant sacrifices. To those who have lost loved ones forever due to this pandemic, I share your grief. We will never be able to replace those we have lost. But we certainly can continue to take measures to make sure that their deaths were not in vain. I can see clearly now the rain has gone. I can see all obstacles in our way. Gone are the dark clouds that had us blind. It’s gonna be a bright sunshiny day. Thank you for your kind attention. And may God Bless You. And may God Bless the city of Springfield.”
Here is the text of the Mayor’s speech: