A Call to Action for Cahokia Heights. Corey Dickerson for Mayor of Cahokia Heights, IL
A Call to Action for Cahokia Heights
Brothers and sisters, the time has come for Cahokia Heights to rise! I am declaring my candidacy for mayor as a write-in candidate because this city can no longer afford to be shackled by a system with no competition, no accountability, and no vision for the people.
My team and I originally planned to launch this campaign under a new political party, a movement built to truly represent the voices of Cahokia Heights. But organizing a party, one that reflects the complexity and diversity of this city, requires time, resources, and coordination. In just a matter of weeks, we found ourselves short on time to prepare while the need for action became even more urgent.
For years, your voices have been silenced by a uncontested election, a reminder that too often, the powerful prioritize their own comfort over the needs of the community. But I say no more! I stand before you not as a politician, but as a servant of the people, ready to fight for your dreams, your families, and your future.
This campaign is about justice and representation. Every child deserves an education that uplifts, every home deserves protection from crime and neglect, and every citizen deserves leadership that listens and acts. My team and I cannot do this alone. We need you. Your voice, your vote, your support, it is the engine that will drive this movement.
Together, we can tear down the barriers of complacency and build a city where every person has a seat at the table. Write in my name, Corey Van Dickerson Sr., and let us march forward boldly, united by a shared dream of a stronger, more vibrant Cahokia Heights.
The moment is now. The power is with you. Let us rise and reclaim our city for the people!
Together, We Reclaim Cahokia Heights
We stand at a historic crossroads. The challenges we face demand not just leadership but a united people who believe in their collective power. This campaign isn’t just about Corey Dickerson, it’s about all of us reclaiming what’s ours and building a stronger future.
Issues That Matter to the People of Cahokia Heights
Stop the Flooding, Protect Our Homes
Our homes and families deserve protection. Together, we will demand accountability, secure resources, and build resilient infrastructure for Cahokia Heights.
Corey Dickerson Vision to Bring Back Business, Bring Back Community
When storefronts thrive, so do our neighborhoods. With tax incentives and grants, we’ll rebuild the heart of Cahokia Heights’ economy. The decline of local businesses has left its mark on Cahokia Heights, creating empty storefronts, fewer job opportunities, and a lack of essential services. This issue affects more than just the economy. It impacts the heart of our community, where thriving businesses once served as hubs of connection, pride, and progress.
The Current Situation
- Empty Storefronts: Many business districts in Cahokia Heights have become shadows of their former selves, with vacant buildings and declining foot traffic discouraging new investments.
- Lack of Local Services: The closure of essential businesses, from grocery stores to repair shops, has forced residents to travel farther for basic services, adding financial and logistical strain to families.
- Limited Opportunities for Entrepreneurs: Small business owners face hurdles like limited access to capital, lack of mentorship, and bureaucratic roadblocks that make it difficult to start or expand businesses.
- Community Impact: The decline of local businesses has contributed to a loss of identity and diminished opportunities for people to shop, work, and gather locally.
The Vision for Change, From Corey Dickerson in Cahokia Heights
- Tax Incentives for Small Businesses:
- Offer financial incentives for new and existing businesses to invest in Cahokia Heights. These tax breaks will ease the burden on entrepreneurs and attract fresh investment.
- Grants for Entrepreneurs:
- Provide grants to aspiring business owners who want to start or expand their operations in the city. This funding can help cover startup costs, renovations, and operational needs.
- Rebuild Commercial Hubs:
- Focus on revitalizing key business districts by improving infrastructure, beautifying storefronts, and creating vibrant spaces for commerce and culture.
- Community-Centered Commerce:
- Encourage businesses that provide essential services while reflecting the diverse culture of Cahokia Heights. From family-owned restaurants to locally run repair shops, these businesses will not only meet the needs of residents but also foster a sense of pride in the community.
Why It Matters to Corey Dickerson in Cahokia Heights, IL
- Economic Growth: Revitalized businesses will generate jobs and increase local tax revenue, which can be reinvested into public services like schools and infrastructure.
- Convenience for Residents: Bringing essential businesses back to Cahokia Heights will reduce the need for residents to travel elsewhere for basic needs, saving time and money.
- Restoring Community Identity: A thriving business district is more than an economic asset; it’s a reflection of the community’s spirit and a hub where people can connect, celebrate, and grow together.
Jobs for Our Future
Economic opportunity is a right. We’ll open doors for employment, support local businesses, and create a legacy of abundance for our children. We believe in a Cahokia Heights where every resident has access to meaningful work, every child can dream big, and every family can thrive. Together, we will create a thriving local economy that works for all, ensuring that our community not only survives but prospers for generations to come.
Jobs for Our Future: Building Economic Opportunities in Cahokia Heights
Economic Opportunity is a Right
Expanding Employment Opportunities
- Collaborate with local businesses to create new jobs across various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and healthcare.
- Attract companies to establish operations in Cahokia Heights by offering tax incentives and workforce development support.
Supporting Local Businesses as Job Creators
- Provide financial assistance, such as grants and low-interest loans, to small businesses that commit to hiring locally.
- Launch initiatives to connect local entrepreneurs with resources, helping them grow and hire more workers in the community.
Training the Workforce for the Future
- Partner with community colleges and trade schools to offer vocational training and certifications in high-demand fields.
- Establish internship and apprenticeship programs that provide real-world experience and pathways to permanent employment.
Creating a Legacy of Abundance for Our Children
Jobs for Youth Development
- Introduce youth employment programs that focus on skills-building, mentorship, and early job opportunities.
- Collaborate with schools to offer career exploration programs that inspire and prepare young people for their futures.
Promoting Equity in Employment
- Ensure fair hiring practices by encouraging diversity in the workplace and providing equal opportunities for all residents.
- Support underserved communities by prioritizing job creation efforts in areas most affected by unemployment.
Investing in Emerging Industries
- Focus on industries like green energy, technology, and logistics to bring sustainable, future-ready jobs to Cahokia Heights.
- Develop innovation hubs where startups and small businesses can thrive, driving economic growth and job creation.
A Thriving Local Economy for Everyone
Strengthening Community Partnerships
- Work closely with local organizations to understand employment challenges and craft tailored solutions.
- Host job fairs and employment workshops to connect residents with local opportunities.
Measuring Economic Impact
- Track the number of jobs created, businesses supported, and residents employed to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Regularly share progress updates with the community to celebrate wins and keep momentum.
Safety Through Fairness in Cahokia Heights
Addressing Location Disparities in Public Safety
- Corey Dickerson will ensure Cahokia Heights has equal law enforcement coverage across all neighborhoods, ensuring no area is underserved.
- Deploy resources strategically to improve response times in historically overlooked areas.
- Build new sub-stations in key locations to ensure quicker access for residents in every part of the city.
Improving Response Times in Cahokia Heights
- Corey Dickerson’s plan includes investing in technology to streamline emergency dispatch systems for faster police, fire, and medical response.
- Add more patrol units to underserved areas, reducing delays in critical moments.
Fair and Equal Public Safety for All Residents
- Corey Dickerson is committed to ensuring that every neighborhood in Cahokia Heights receives equal treatment, resources, and attention from law enforcement.
- Build a culture of fairness by training law enforcement to address biases and promote equitable practices citywide.
Building Trust Between Communities and Law Enforcement
Empowering Residents Across Cahokia Heights
- Establish citizen advisory boards in each neighborhood of Cahokia Heights to ensure every resident has a voice in public safety decisions.
- Host Corey Dickerson’s Community Listening Sessions regularly to foster open communication and build trust.
Fostering Accountability Through Oversight
- Corey Dickerson will advocate for an independent oversight board to monitor law enforcement activities and ensure fair practices across Cahokia Heights.
- Publish annual public safety reports to promote transparency and keep residents informed.
Strengthening Relationships Through Visibility
- Implement community policing initiatives, where officers actively engage with residents in every part of Cahokia Heights, building trust and familiarity.
- Encourage law enforcement to attend local events, becoming visible partners in the community’s success.
Creating a Safer Cahokia Heights for Everyone
Ensuring Equal Resources Across the City
- Corey Dickerson will balance budgets to make sure all neighborhoods in Cahokia Heights receive equal investments in safety infrastructure like lighting, cameras, and emergency services.
- Launch a “Safer Together” initiative to address unique public safety needs in each area of Cahokia Heights.
Promoting Unity Through Public Safety
- Corey Dickerson will prioritize collaboration between neighborhoods to create a united front against crime and inequality in public safety.
- Introduce programs to encourage cooperation between law enforcement, local businesses, and residents to make Cahokia Heights safer for all.
Corey Dickerson’s Vision for Safety and Trust
“Safety isn’t just a promise, it’s a right for every resident in Cahokia Heights. As your leader, I will ensure faster response times, equal resources across all neighborhoods, and a renewed trust between communities and law enforcement. Together, we will create a safer, fairer Cahokia Heights where every voice is heard and every life is valued.”
Education That Empowers: Corey Dickerson’s Plan for Cahokia Heights
The State of Education in Cahokia Heights
Underfunded Schools in 62206 and 62207
- Schools across Cahokia Heights, including Cahokia High School, Penniman Elementary, and Huffman Elementary, face significant resource shortages, leaving students and teachers struggling.
- Lack of proper funding has led to outdated facilities, inadequate technology, and insufficient learning materials, directly affecting student performance.
Neglect of Core Neighborhoods
- For too long, neighborhoods in Cahokia, IL have been ignored by decision-makers.
Failing to Prepare Students for the Future
- Education is about more than passing grades; it’s about equipping students for life. Schools in Cahokia Heights lack programs for career preparation, leaving students without clear pathways to success.
Corey Dickerson’s Plan to Transform Education in Cahokia Heights
Providing Resources Where They’re Needed Most
- Corey Dickerson will secure state and federal funding to bring updated textbooks, technology, and supplies to every school.
- Prioritize infrastructure improvements, including HVAC upgrades and modernized classrooms, to create safe, comfortable learning environments.
Empowering Teachers and Supporting Students
- Increase teacher salaries and provide professional development opportunities to attract and retain quality educators in Cahokia Heights.
- Introduce mentorship programs that pair students with local leaders, giving them role models and guidance.
Closing Achievement Gaps in Cahokia Heights
- Launch after-school tutoring programs and summer learning initiatives to ensure no student is left behind.
- Focus resources on underserved neighborhoods in Cahokia Heights to ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
Preparing Students for Life Beyond School
Expanding Career Readiness Programs
- Corey Dickerson will partner with local businesses to introduce career exploration, internships, and trade programs in schools.
- Create pathways for students to gain certifications in high-demand fields like healthcare, logistics, and technology.
Fostering Mental Health and Well-Being
- Hire additional school counselors and social workers to address the mental health challenges students face in Cahokia Heights.
- Establish anti-bullying initiatives and peer mentorship programs to create safer, more inclusive school environments.
Building Trust and Accountability in Education
Holding Leaders Accountable to Cahokia Heights Residents
- Corey Dickerson will demand that school boards provide detailed budgets and performance reports, ensuring transparency in all decisions.
- Establish public feedback sessions where parents and community members can share concerns and ideas directly with school leaders.
Strengthening Community Engagement
- Launch a Parent-Teacher Council in each school to ensure residents have a voice in education reform.
- Host regular town halls with Corey Dickerson to discuss progress and address concerns directly with residents.
Corey Dickerson’s Vision for Education in Cahokia Heights
“Every student in **Cahokia Heights deserves an education that prepares them for a bright future. Corey Dickerson will ensure that schools in every neighborhood, will have the resources, support, and leadership to succeed. Together, we can empower our children with opportunities, not just promises.”
Get Involved Today: Join Corey Dickerson’s Movement for Cahokia Heights
Volunteer for Corey Dickerson’s Campaign
Make a Difference in Cahokia Heights
- Help spread Corey Dickerson’s vision by engaging with neighbors, distributing flyers, and hosting community meet-ups.
- Volunteer at Corey Dickerson’s events, ensuring residents understand the importance of revitalizing Cahokia Heights under his leadership.
Share Your Skills and Time
- Join Corey Dickerson’s campaign team to assist with outreach, social media, event planning, or community organization.
- Every skill and contribution matters—whether you’re knocking on doors or helping behind the scenes.
Build Community Connections
- Be part of a movement that empowers the people of Cahokia Heights to demand change and take ownership of their city’s future.
Donate to Support Corey Dickerson’s Campaign
Help Fund Cahokia Heights’ Revival
- Every dollar donated goes directly to efforts that improve outreach, public safety, business revitalization, and education reform in Cahokia Heights.
- Corey Dickerson’s campaign prioritizes transparency, ensuring your contributions are used to build a better future for the city.
Invest in the People of Cahokia Heights
- Your support fuels Corey Dickerson’s ability to bring real solutions to flooding, job creation, and community safety.
- Small donations make a big impact—join the growing list of residents backing Corey Dickerson’s vision.
Become Part of the Change with Corey Dickerson
Together, We Rise
- Volunteer your time, donate to the cause, and share Corey Dickerson’s mission with friends and family.
- Help transform Cahokia Heights into a thriving, connected, and resilient community under Corey Dickerson’s leadership.