Danville mayor Rickey Williams, Jr said he’s glad the new residency policy for non-union workers was passed by City Council vote Tuesday night. City employees will be allowed to live within 45 miles of Danville, and will not have to pay a non-residency fee. Now, it’s a matter of negotiating with union employees, and the mayor says it’s all about having a good pool of people available.
AUDIO: Department and division heads will still be required to live within five miles, but I think this just regularly expands our pool of potential applicants. And I hope that we will continue to get people who are committed to serving the people of Danville well.
Meanwhile, Mayor Williams recalled one time asking General Colin Powell, before he became Secretary of State, if he would run for president. Paraphrasing what the mayor said, the general told him, “No, young man, I won’t consider it. I don’t want to put my family through that.” But Mayor Williams recalled the exchange in a moment of reflection, after Powell’s passing this week.
AUDIO: You know, I looked up to General Powell so much, being an African American. He was a lot of firsts, and I’ve had to be a lot of firsts in my life. To see someone like that have so much character and integrity in public service, he’s a person that I inspire and model myself after.
Mayor Williams says the moment happened at Millikin University back in 1999, when he was a student there.
