Harvey mayor misses council's 1st meeting in months as debt crisis continues, frustrating residents

HARVEY, Ill. (WLS) -- The Harvey City Council met on Monday night for the first time in the better part of three months.

And despite the south suburban city being in financial crisis, the mayor did not show up, leaving some residents feeling disrespected.

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The broader council meeting was preceded by a finance committee meeting at which auditors suggested the city is making some progress, but has a long way to go in digging itself out of a more than $150 million debt.

Late last year, the town laid off almost half of the fire department and a third of the police force. The council previously declared financial distress, which could bring state oversight and help.

Still, during public comment, many residents expressed frustration.

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"We, meaning the residents, are not being taken care of," said Harvey resident Glynis James-Watson. "We are not being given the due notices and the due respect we deserve."

"I would like to see more collaboration and the ability to move forward in a positive manner," said Alicia Nicole, another Harvey resident.

Harvey's mayor pro tem, Dominique Randle El, told residents that they are working on things.

"Harvey is much better than it has been in the past. We are going to continue to try to prove that as well and that's why you see me trying to manage things," she said.