Introduction: The Battle for Cahokia Heights
Who I Am and What I Represent
I am Corey Dickerson, a lifelong advocate for truth, accountability, and real leadership in Cahokia Heights, IL. I am a fighter for the people, someone who has spent years working behind the scenes to expose corruption, hold those in power accountable, and uplift my community when leadership has failed. I’ve lived the struggles of this city firsthand, dealing with slumlords, advocating for better schools, standing against unjust policies, and helping residents navigate a broken system that was designed to keep them down.
I represent transparency, justice, and fearless leadership. I refuse to accept the excuses and stagnation that have kept Cahokia Heights from reaching its full potential. I stand for economic revitalization, safer neighborhoods, and a government that serves its people, not the other way around. I believe that leadership is not about maintaining power; it’s about serving the people, taking action, and delivering real results.
I am running for Mayor of Cahokia Heights because I believe in our city, our people, and our future. The time for waiting is over, it’s time to fight for the change we deserve.
Bias isn’t just a problem in political discussions, it’s a deliberate strategy used to manipulate voters, silence opposition, and maintain power. In Cahokia Heights, IL, we have seen firsthand how bias plays out, particularly among McCall’s team and supporters, who use dismissal, intimidation, and misinformation to control the narrative.
But here’s the truth: bias affects everyone, not just me, not just my campaign, but the entire city of Cahokia Heights. It keeps problems unsolved, leadership unaccountable, and people afraid to demand change. Today, we break down the patterns of bias, share real concerns from the people, and most importantly, offer solutions to move forward.
Understanding Bias: How It’s Used Against Change
Bias is not just an opinion—it’s a tool of control. We’ve seen it in several ways:
1. Preemptive Dismissal of My Campaign
Instead of debating policies and ideas, some dismiss my campaign outright. We’ve seen comments like:
- “He’s wasting everyone’s time, he’s not going to win.”
- “Write-ins never work.”
- “McCall is already in control, so why bother?”
This prevents real discussion about what’s wrong in Cahokia Heights and how we fix it. The goal is to discourage people from believing change is possible before they even hear the message.
2. Shifting Blame Away from Leadership
Some argue that Cahokia Heights’ decline is not McCall’s fault, instead blaming residents:
- “Cahokia isn’t trashed because of the mayor, it’s because people don’t take care of their community.”
- “Crime is up, but that’s not on McCall—it’s just how things are.”
This ignores the responsibility of leadership to create policies that reduce crime, improve city services, and invest in the community. Leadership is not just about maintaining power, it’s about delivering results for the people.
3. Undermining My Background
Some attack my credibility instead of addressing my platform:
- “He was a rapper—now he wants to be mayor?”
- “He doesn’t have political experience.”
Yet, no one questions McCall’s background as a school administrator running a city government. The reality is that leadership is not about titles, it’s about action. I have worked for years to expose corruption, help struggling residents, and fight for real solutions, even when no one was watching.
4. Fear and Retaliation Against Supporters
Many people have privately expressed support for me but are afraid to say so publicly because they fear retaliation from McCall’s team:
- Jobs threatened
- Opportunities blocked
- Social intimidation
This is not how democracy is supposed to work. A city that punishes people for supporting a different candidate is a city built on fear, not fairness.
The Concerns of the People: What’s Really at Stake
We have listened to the people of Cahokia Heights, and here are the major concerns that keep coming up:
1. Crime and Safety
- Gun violence and theft have become the norm, when once they were rare.
- People no longer feel safe in their own homes.
- Police resources are stretched thin, and response times are too slow.
Solution:
- Invest in community policing, more officers on patrol, visible presence.
- Strengthen neighborhood watch programs with city support.
- Increase funding for youth programs to give young people alternatives to crime.
2. Infrastructure and City Services
- Sewage problems, potholes, and trash buildup are ignored.
- Roads are crumbling, and residents pay the price in damaged vehicles and unsafe streets.
- City workers drive new trucks home, but neighborhoods remain neglected.
Solution:
- Enforce accountability in city spending, every dollar spent must be justified.
- Fix neglected infrastructure using federal and state grants.
- End favoritism in city contracts, work should go to the best companies, not political friends.
3. Economic Development and Business Support
- Businesses are struggling with high costs, lack of city support, and crime.
- New businesses don’t want to come to Cahokia Heights due to its reputation.
Solution:
- Tax incentives for small businesses that create jobs for residents.
- Increased security in commercial areas to protect businesses from crime.
- Business grants and funding opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Moving Forward: How We Win
We know the bias, the corruption, and the intimidation tactics. But now, it’s time to talk about how we fight back and WIN.
1. Speak Out
- Don’t let bias shut you down. Challenge misinformation.
- Share facts, talk to neighbors, and spread the truth.
2. Educate Voters
- Many people don’t know how to vote for a write-in candidate—we need to teach them.
- Hold voter education events and distribute step-by-step guides.
3. Demand Transparency
- FOIA requests can uncover where the money is really going.
- Publicize city contracts, spending, and policies.
4. Vote, and Bring Others With You
- The April 1, 2025 election is the chance to take back Cahokia Heights.
- Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to cast their vote for real change.
Conclusion: The Fight for Cahokia Heights’ Future
Bias is real. Fear is real. But so is the power of the people.
We have seen how McCall’s administration has used bias, intimidation, and misinformation to control the city. We have listened to the concerns of the people, concerns about crime, corruption, failing infrastructure, and business struggles.
Now, we offer real solutions, solutions that put Cahokia Heights first.
This is our city. This is our fight. And on April 1, 2025, we take it back.
Vote Corey Dickerson for Mayor of Cahokia Heights, IL.