In Granite City, IL, a hardworking small business owner and my sister invested her life savings, her time, her effort, and her heart to uplift our dying city. She tirelessly worked to earn the trust of the 62040 community, bringing vitality back to our neighborhood through her business. Given her commitment, it is deeply distressing that Alderwoman Kim Pierson has publicly slandered her reputation and defamed her character during a live podcast on Facebook.

The actions of Alderwoman Pierson are unbecoming of an elected official and harm the fabric of our community. Unfortunately, such actions are not held accountable by our city. On the back of this incident, we, the residents of 62040, are calling for her removal from elected position.

Slander and defamation can cause irreversible harm to a person's private and professional life and have severe implications. Considering the hard work put into building and promoting a local business that serves to better the members of our community, it is unconscionable to allow such transgressions to go unchecked.

Therefore, it is time for our community to stand together, to defend our small business owners, our neighbors, our family members. It is time that we call for the removal of Alderwoman Kim Pierson from her elected position. We demand that our elected officials represent the best of us and lead by example, and when they fail to do so, they should be held accountable.

We urge all residents of 62040 to join us in this call to action. Stand by your local businesses. Stand by fairness and justice. Sign the petition.