Merle LeSage

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Merle LeSage
In office
2000 – 2005
Succeeded by Patrick Eberhardt
Born 1936
Died 2005

Merle LeSage (18?? - January 2005) was a mayor best known for his mayoral tenure in Geneseo, IL lasting approximately five years. Though living a long and active life, LeSage will be best remembered posthumously. After LeSage's death but before the Mark Foley scandal, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert stated:

Geneseo has lost a tremendous leader in the passing of its Mayor, Merle LeSage. Anyone who knew Merle knew of his deep commitment to the Geneseo community. From leading efforts to improve resident services to glowing over the latest Geneseo football victory, he loved the community and never stopped envisioning what was possible.[1]

Before dying, LeSage founded the University of Illinois Alumni Association in 1956. He was also the CEO of Chicago Order Buyers Inc.[2] During his career, he purchased more than 1 million head of hogs[3], which even animal rights activists have ultimately agreed is impressive.

In 2002, LeSage caused a small amount of controversy by stating that September 11th had hurt Geneseo's chances of obtaining a rail depot.[4] Luckily, most citizens in town were more concerned with American flag decals, which LeSage unabashedly supported. Later, in reference to the prevalence of "Support the Troops" stickers in the town during the early stages of the Iraq war, LeSage mused "The entire community should be proud of what has been done over the past year and excited about what is to come." He then immediately declared his candidacy by stating "And I'm not just saying that because I will once again be throwing my hat into the ring for re-election."[5]

Merle LeSage was succeeded as mayor by Patrick Eberhardt by the former's death and a vote of city council members in January 2005.

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