Mayor Chris Brown announces re-election – Shaw Local

Morris Mayor Chris Brown announced his intention to run for re-election this weekend at a campaign fundraiser at Keg Grove Brewing Company, 222 Wauponsee Street.

Brown was introduced by Morris City Treasurer Terri Kief.

“I am thrilled to make it official and announce my intention to run for re-election as your mayor,” Brown said. “The last three years have been the most exciting years of my life. I ask for your continued support so we can continue to move our great city forward.”

Brown reported on the highlights of his first term as mayor.

“We have seen profound changes throughout our city in the last few years,” Brown said. “We have a new water tower on Lisbon Road, a newly renovated Goodwill Park, and we recently began construction on our new public works project.”

He also spoke about the renovations at West Side Park and the city’s quest for funding.

“West Side Park is in the midst of renovations and this was made possible by the first OSLAD grant to the City of Morris in over 40 years,” Brown said. “In fact, we have received over $23 million in grants since our administration took office just over three years ago.”

Brown said the city is financially healthy and recently passed a surplus budget for the first time in 13 years. The city of Morris has about $29.7 million in all funds and about $7 million in the general fund.

Brown graduated from Morris Community High School in 1995 and from Illinois State University in 1999. He serves on the boards of the Grundy County Economic Development Council, the Illinois Municipal League, the JJC Foundation, and the Energy and Environment Committee of the National League of Cities.