By Corey Dickerson (Cahokia Heights, IL 62206)
When Cahokia Heights was formed in May 2021, merging Alorton, Centreville, and Cahokia, it was pitched as a fresh start—a chance to rebuild the community and address decades of neglect. Instead, under Mayor Curtis McCall Sr.’s leadership, it has become another chapter in a long history of political betrayal. From unfulfilled promises to ongoing corruption, Cahokia Heights is on the brink of collapse, and the people are paying the price.
Broken Promises and Misplaced Priorities
The merger promised a better future, but what we’ve seen is more of the same. Mayor McCall’s administration has been riddled with nepotism and inflated salaries. While residents struggle with a per capita income of less than $20,000, city officials enjoy high-paying positions, with McCall himself making $85,000 annually and ensuring his son receives $67,450 in the water department. These salaries, along with the appointment of convicted felons like JoAnn Reed and LaMar Johnson to cushy roles, have made it clear that this administration serves its own interests, not the people.
The Water Crisis: Ignoring EPA Orders
Clean drinking water should be a basic human right, but in Cahokia Heights, it remains a dream for many. Decades of neglect have left the city’s water infrastructure in shambles. Boil orders, water shutoffs, and untreated sewage overflowing into neighborhoods have become routine. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued orders demanding action, but progress has been slow and insufficient. Residents deserve more than temporary fixes—they deserve a sustainable solution to ensure safe, reliable water.
Flooding: A Crisis Left Unchecked
Flooding has long been a critical issue in Cahokia Heights. The drainage systems are outdated and incapable of handling heavy rains, leaving neighborhoods submerged. Entire subdivisions, including areas near Parklane and Fonda Hills, have been devastated. While a new school is being built nearby, many students face the daily reality of navigating flood-damaged streets just to get to class. For residents, the frustration is compounded by the administration’s failure to prioritize this crisis despite repeated promises to address it.
Education: A Bright Spot Overshadowed by Neglect
One of the few positives in Cahokia Heights is the construction of a new school, which offers hope for better educational opportunities. However, the administration’s mismanagement overshadows this progress. Schools in Cahokia Heights have long been underfunded and overlooked, with teachers and students struggling to meet basic educational needs. Without consistent investment in resources and infrastructure, a new building alone cannot solve the systemic issues plaguing the education system.
Nepotism and Greed Over Good Governance
McCall’s administration continues to prioritize connections over competence. His family and allies enjoy comfortable salaries while essential city services crumble. Nepotism undermines trust and creates inefficiencies, leaving the city without the leadership it desperately needs to solve its most pressing problems.
The People Pay the Price
For a city struggling with poverty, these betrayals hit even harder. Cahokia Heights residents are not just dealing with poor governance—they are enduring the daily consequences of it. From unsafe drinking water to unlivable neighborhoods, the administration’s failures are directly impacting lives. It’s not just a failure of leadership; it’s an insult to every person who believed in the promise of a better future.
A Call for Change
Cahokia Heights is at a crossroads. With EPA orders demanding action on the water crisis, flooding destroying homes, and the misuse of public funds, it’s clear that the current administration is not equipped to lead. The people of Cahokia Heights deserve leaders who prioritize transparency, accountability, and progress.
The time has come for voters to demand more. We need leadership that puts people first—leaders who will fix the water system, address flooding, and ensure schools receive the resources they need to educate the next generation.
Cahokia Heights Deserves Better
Despite the challenges, Cahokia Heights has the potential to thrive. The community is resilient, and its residents are ready to take back control of their city. But for that to happen, we need bold leadership and a unified effort to hold the administration accountable. The future of Cahokia Heights is still unwritten. It’s up to us to ensure it’s one of progress, not betrayal.
The time for change is now. It’s time to end the Cahokia Heist and build a city that works for everyone.