Ginger Rye Sanders Responses

 Responses to my questions from city council candidate Ginger Rye Sanders

1. Why are you running for city council?

I first ran for City Council in 2020, and my decision was deeply influenced by the pandemic. During that time, I had the opportunity to reflect on my life—what I was accomplishing, what I wasn’t, and what more I could do for my community.

One moment stands out to me: I was sitting in my car at Walmart, parked next to another vehicle. As I prepared to leave, the car beside me started to back up. For a brief moment, I felt as if I was moving too, even though I wasn’t. That realization struck me—it’s possible to think you’re moving forward when, in reality, you’re standing still. That epiphany made me ask myself: Am I truly moving forward in serving my community, or am I just feeling the motion of others around me?

That was my push. I knew I needed to take real action, not just feel like I was. I was frustrated with the lack of support for Carbondale’s poor and marginalized communities, and as a woman of faith, I take to heart what the Bible says about caring for the poor. Proverbs teaches us that when we give to the poor, we give to God, and it reminds us that the poor will always be among us—meaning there will always be work to do.

I ran for City Council to be a voice for those who often go unheard, to advocate for the marginalized, and to fight for real change. And while some may feel I don’t belong at the table, I firmly believe that if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. My commitment to serving Carbondale is unwavering, and even as a write-in candidate, I remain dedicated to standing up for those who need it most.

2. What do you hope to accomplish during your term on council?

I am seeking election for a second term second term.   I hope to accomplish 

Strategic Initiatives for Carbondale’s Growth

Create an Industry Task Force

Establish a dedicated team to address challenges and drive growth in Carbondale’s industrial and economic sectors, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Restructure the Hospitality Tax

Implement a twofold financial restructuring that benefits both the city and local businesses, supporting hotels, bars, and restaurants to enhance economic stability.

Implement an Aldermanic System

Transition to an Aldermanic system of governance to foster equitable resource distribution, ensuring fair representation and stronger community engagement.

Initiate Neighborhood Enhancement Projects

Launch targeted neighborhood revitalization initiatives aimed at improving living conditions, infrastructure, and overall quality of life in Carbondale.

Expand Youth Programs

Increase investments in youth engagement and development, providing more opportunities for education, recreation, and career pathways.

Sustain Assurance for Equity

Maintain a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by fostering an inclusive environment where all residents have access to resources and opportunities.

These initiatives are designed to create a thriving, inclusive, and economically vibrant Carbondale, ensuring long-term success for businesses, residents, and students alike.




3. The city has embarked on some major projects during the last several years. (multimodal transit station, demolition of blighted properties, entertainment plaza, upgraded downtown lighting, upgraded downtown sidewalks). Is there a project you would like to see the city undertake 

My Project Includes:

A unified Carbondale —where people work together regardless of neighborhood, background, or status. The division must end because a house divided against itself cannot stand.

I want to see Carbondale free from racism, indifference, and stagnation. I want us to truly support the poor, the homeless, and those in marginalized communities. An economic growth program that benefits everyone, not just those who are already well-off.

A Carbondale where the only employment options are NOT low-wage fast-food jobs. I want to see industries come to Carbondale that provide sustainable, long-term employment, helping lift people out of poverty and reducing crime.

A Carbondale with strong infrastructure—well-maintained streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. I want to see blighted areas repurposed or transformed into parks and green spaces where people can gather and enjoy their city.

A Carbondale where everyone—no matter where they live—feels valued, heard, and included must be built on real, tangible progress.

Projects like the multimodal transit station, blighted property demolition, entertainment plaza, and upgraded downtown lighting are important, but we must prioritize practical, impactful initiatives that will truly shape the city’s future.

Strong community involvement and ethics in city government are essential. We cannot afford to engage in “go-along to get-along” politics while Carbondale continues to decline. It’s time for leadership that is committed to real solutions and lasting change.

4. Given how much the health of Carbondale and SIUC intertwine, how can you see the city and university working together for the benefit of each?

Strengthening SIU’s Role in Carbondale’s Growth

As a cornerstone institution, SIU plays a vital role in Carbondale’s economy and community. While its tax-exempt status under the State of Illinois Property Control Act exempts it from property taxes, there are meaningful ways SIU can contribute to the city’s growth and sustainability through strategic partnerships:

• Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Programs – Establish voluntary contributions of funds or services to offset the impact of lost property tax revenue. A Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program by SIU could play a crucial role in strengthening downtown Carbondale, transforming it into a student-friendly and economically sustainable community. By reinvesting in infrastructure, public services, and local development, SIU can help create a more vibrant, safe, and engaging environment—one that enhances the student experience while also benefiting the broader Carbondale community.

• Joint Grant Applications – Partner on state and federal grants for projects that benefit both SIU and the broader community.

• Community Development Initiatives – Leverage SIU’s expertise and resources to support local development, benefiting students and residents alike.

• Utilizing Abandoned Properties – SIU owns vacant buildings, such as Southern Hills and other former student accommodations, which could be repurposed for residential housing, small business incubators, and revitalizing downtown spaces. This would strengthen the local marketplace, creating a vibrant environment where students can live, shop, and engage with the community while earning their education.

By fostering stronger collaboration between SIU and the city, we can ensure that Carbondale thrives—creating a dynamic, student-friendly, and economically sustainable community for all.

5. What additional steps (if any) should the city take regarding rental properties?

Rental Property Incentives for Quality Housing

• Develop a Landlord Improvement Grant program, rewarding property owners who maintain high-quality, affordable rentals.

• Implement a tiered property tax system, offering small incentives for landlords who provide long-term, affordable housing.

• Strengthen rental property inspections to ensure safe and well-maintained homes for tenants.

6. In the 90s, downtown Carbondale was a shopping district. Today, most visitors to downtown Carbondale visit one place and leave. Is there anything the city could/should do to change this or is this a natural progression of behavior?  

Yes this a concern.  Somebody stuck a needle in Carbondale Illinois and we must have strategies and plans to fix the holes. 

A strong Urban Economic Director is a must and then we must 

Streamline the Process for Small and Minority businesses to thrive in Downtown Carbondale.  Business space and no business in it  is a problem that we must fix.

Learning from Marion, IL:

   Benchmarking against successful models like Marion, IL, is a valuable strategy. Investigating their specific policies and incentives could reveal best practices that Carbondale could adopt.

   This could involve examining Marion’s tax incentives, grant programs, and business support services.

7. How do you visualize Carbondale and what steps can the city take to achieve your vision? 

First, we must adhere to Vision 2030. I was part of the committee that established and updated these goals, and they provide a strong foundation for Carbondale’s future. However, goals on paper mean nothing without action. We must move from words to purpose—ensuring that we do what we say, say what we do, and follow through with real, measurable progress.