Alton Alderman John Meehan Provides 5th Ward Updates, Reflects on City's Growth

Our Daily Show! With CJ Nasello Ft. Alderman Meehan, Trustee Lombardi, and More!

ALTON - John Meehan, alderman for Alton’s 5th ward, noted that he feels “generally pretty good” about the city’s direction and all the people he has met.

Meehan finished the final two years of former Alderman Charles Brake’s term before being elected to his own term in the position. He recently stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk through the city’s growth and current interests. He emphasized his focus on supporting Alton residents and the city.

“I really do care. I would have to say that, even though sometimes we as alderpersons disagree, every one of them wants what they view as best for the city of Alton,” Meehan said. “I like my ward. I like the people. Since becoming alderman, I have met so many wonderful people.”

Meehan moved to Alton in 1990, partly because he loves the city’s history. He has developed deep roots in the community and will even give Alton students an abolition-themed tour in the coming days.

As part of his love for history, Meehan is interested in the Alton Museum of History and Art, which is located in his ward. He explained that the city does not own the property and the museum has its own board. He believes community members are focused on reopening the museum.

“It is a completely private institution,” he said. “Most people want to get it opened up again. But again, the city has no control over it. There are people involved — I know many of them personally — who are not on that board but are trying to work on forming a new board or something.”

Meehan also thanked the Upper Alton Association, a group that does a lot in his ward to beautify the Upper Alton area. He noted that the Rockin’ With Robert concert series will return this summer at the Robert Wadlow statue, and he looks forward to enjoying those evenings with his neighbors.

“The Alton Upper Association is trying to do their darndest to work on the Upper Alton business district,” he said. “We have the concerts that are coming up in the summer. They’re excellent concerts. They’re free of charge. There’s a lot to be done still, but I think it’s very significant. If people knew the history of Upper Alton, they would be astounded as to what it has.”

Meehan added that the city is working to finalize its budget. He shared that the alderpeople recently met with Mayor David Goins and every city head to talk through the budget.

Meehan expressed his appreciation for these city employees. He believes Alton benefits from their work and their dedication to the city. He shared that he has personally benefited as both an alderman and a resident.

“We as alderpersons have already met with the mayor about the budget and all the department heads,” he explained. “When I had the floor, I said, ‘I want to thank you all because there’s not a single person sitting at this table that I have not called at some time or another. You have personally called back, and I feel a real connection with you and you are really responsive and I thank you as an alderperson and as a citizen, which I am first.’”

Ultimately, as the year continues and the city gears up to celebrate Juneteenth, Fourth of July, and other exciting summer events, Meehan encourages residents to show up and be good neighbors. He believes that attendance is how you get to know the people around you, and this is a valuable asset. He feels grateful that he has been able to meet so many people through his time as an alderman and an Alton resident.

“I’ve voiced the importance of neighbors being neighbors,” he added.

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