Jefferson City mayor asking residents how to make city better

Standing in front of Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin and an oversized poster of the new Boys & Girls Club of the Capital City, several club members dig into the dirt on Nov. 18, 2015, to celebrate the next step in getting their new building completed.
Standing in front of Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin and an oversized poster of the new Boys & Girls Club of the Capital City, several club members dig into the dirt on Nov. 18, 2015, to celebrate the next step in getting their new building completed.

It's been about seven months since Carrie Tergin was sworn in as mayor of Jefferson City.

During her campaign, Tergin often talked about putting together a vision for the community to enable it to move forward. And in the past seven months, Tergin said she's been gathering input, informally, every day.

"What I'm seeing, on a daily basis as I'm out and about with people, is they're happy with the positive leadership that's taking place," Tergin said. "They feel like they know what's going on with the city."

Tergin said making people aware of what's going on already is simply step one of figuring out what people want for Jefferson City. But, she said, many people feel good about the city's direction as officials work with counterparts at the Cole County Commission, the state and Lincoln University on more coordinated efforts to move big projects forward.

"We can be so much stronger together," Tergin said. "Let's build in things in Jefferson City."

Tergin said creating vision involves constantly gathering input and feedback. Apart from what she said she has done informally through private group meetings and one-on-one conversations, Tergin said she hopes to have more formal gatherings in the next year to keep gathering feedback on the city's direction.

"Vision is not a piece of paper. ... It's in our actions," Tergin said. "It's what projects we pursue. ... What's really important is following through on the action."

For Tergin, those actions include trying to move forward on projects that have been talked about for years - projects like developing the old Missouri State Penitentiary property, completing the long-discussed conference center, gaining access to Adrian's Island and revitalizing Capitol Avenue. Tergin said she hopes to see all four of those projects accomplished by the time she leaves office.

"I feel certain that if we as a city put our mind to it, we can make those things happen," Tergin said. "Those four things can be a reality if we continue down the path that we're going today."

If the City Council and community, including the county and state, can work together, she said, there's no reason those projects can't be completed. And Tergin said she's moving forward on that every day by simply talking to people.

"Vision is seeing our community grow in a positive direction," Tergin said. "When I look back at the past seven months, I can feel that every day I've definitely given it all that I have to make it better."