With Roger Agpawa now serving as the mayor of Markham, he faces a big task ahead to meet the expectations of the city’s 12,500 residents.
He’s committed to improving the town in several ways. Markham has issues with boarded-up houses and vacant lots that are overrun with weeds. Residents who care about their neighborhoods expect Agpawa to follow through on a promise he made during his 2017 campaign for mayor.
“My first order of business, working with the building and public works departments and hearing from the block clubs, is to try to clean up the community,” Agpawa told an audience of over 120 people Wednesday night at his first City Council meeting as mayor.
“I have a plan where each one of these homes should look like someone lives there,” he said, earning applause. “Once properties are secure we’ll provide adequate (police) patrols. We will try to give our community a facelift.”
Markham shows clear signs of decline due to high property taxes, a weakened commercial tax base, and other challenges affecting the broader south suburban area. If Markham can improve its situation, it might bring new hope across Southland.
Agpawa also needs to restore Markham’s reputation, which has been marred by allegations of corruption and lack of transparency. Former Mayor David Webb Jr. pleaded guilty in January for his part in an alleged $300,000 bribery scheme involving cash hidden in coffee cups from developers.
For Markham’s success, economic development is essential. The city must attract investment from developers to lighten homeowners’ tax burdens. Agpawa must also show residents that their city operates with honesty and integrity.
On Wednesday night, Agpawa’s supporters expressed their confidence in him when he took the oath of office for the second time in just eight days. It’s unclear why there were two ceremonies. Many attendees wore white T-shirts with red lettering displaying his name alongside “Markham votes matter.” Several individuals publicly showed their support.
“I am hopeful,” said resident Valerie Davis, senior pastor at Greater Works Evangelism Church in Chicago. “I’m looking for change … I’m looking for great things.”
Agpawa has faced significant legal and political obstacles on his path to becoming mayor. He ran despite having a federal felony conviction for fraud dating back to 1999; until recently, convicted felons couldn’t even run for municipal office.
In April 2017, Agpawa received 41 percent of the vote; Perry Browley received 16 percent while write-in candidates Kenneth “Mojo” Muldrow and Errol Powell received 35 percent and 8 percent respectively.
The Cook County state’s attorney’s office filed a lawsuit as soon as Agpawa was declared elected to block him from taking office. An appellate judge backed a lower court ruling stating that state law barred Agpawa from serving as mayor.
Newly sworn Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa, center, welcomes Thornton Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli and Debbie Meyers-Martin, who is running unopposed for 38th District state representative during a Markham City Council meeting Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018.
A presidential pardon or changes in state law seemed necessary solutions at that point. Together with his attorney Burt Odelson, Agpawa actively sought legislative changes. On Nov. 6, 2017, Illinois House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing regarding Senate Bill 225-a proposal allowing some convicted felons like Agpawa access to municipal office.
Evidencing strong local support for this bill were witness slips indicating that thirty-two people testified positively about it-comprising residents from Markham along with union leaders and officials from municipalities such as Country Club Hills and Hazel Crest-while only two spoke against it.
The now-60-year-old Agpawa serves as fire chief in Country Club Hills; he framed his experience as one highlighting redemption and second chances after accepting responsibility for past mistakes two decades ago while striving toward becoming an exemplary citizen.
The committee halted progress on legislation though; thus dimming hopes regarding Agpaw’s dream job-Ernest Blevins temporarily filled position drawing both interim mayor salary ($95k) plus additional income ($20k) serving liquor commissioner while aldermen earned $20k yearly too.
Blevins returned back onto council Wednesday night just before all eyes turned toward newly installed Mayor seated front center stage within dais area at last event!
The solution allowing him entry came via “Restoration Rights Citizenship” signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner Sept.,14th when swearing took place Sept.,25th shortly thereafter.
A Cook County judge lifted previous orders halting access September28th-the spokesperson claiming they found ‘legally sufficient’ means permitting Mr. Agpwa holding position thereafter!
No event comparable had occurred before according Odelson presence noted subsequent ceremony conducted this week!”You’re witnessing history!”
Apart being devoted toward citizens residing within town limits , Mayor Aguapwa poised become leading figure among southern suburban municipal officials alike well-known legislators/politicians/business leaders thanks role fulfilling duties Fire Chief responsibilities witnessed throughout career thus far!!
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