Matthew Stirrup
Fairview Heights
Age: 39
Job: Field service engineer
Phone: 618-726-5720
Web: www.mattstirrup.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Matt4cb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattstirrup
E-mail: matt4cb27@gmail.com
Education: Some college
Previous offices: --
Qualifications: I understand my weaknesses and have humility and respect for the position I seek. I am not a politician but I know through my own experiences that I can represent the people of District 27 with empathy, integrity and honesty. I was a member of the U.S. Air Force for 14 years and have belonged to various organizations such as the Jaycees and VFW throughout. In my current position I am responsible for providing service for approximately $20 million in equipment. I have also been responsible for leading and developing teams to ensure peak performance. I ask for your vote knowing that I will do my best to be the voice of District 27 to ensure a better future for St. Clair County.
Top issues: Reduce taxes and spending. One of the largest expenditures this county has without having anything to show for it is MidAmerica Airport. We spend $8 million a year in operations, yet it brings in very few dollars. St. Clair County needs to cut its losses or find new management and bring new business to the airport. Reform political structure. County Democrats have run St. Clair County for more than 70 years. They need to be held responsible for the state of our county. I implore people to take a look across the Mississippi River and look at downtown St. Louis. Then turn around and look at what used to be the heart of St. Clair County. East St. Louis was once a sprawling community. We must reach out and bring life back into East St. Louis. We have to start by de-funding the East St. Louis Board of Elections and ensure the voices of East St. Louis and surrounding communities are being heard. It's also important we let our state legislators know that Illinois policy stifles growth in our community. Bringing business into St. Clair County will promote jobs and the use of our facilities such as the airport as well as bring more tax dollars into the county. Promote transparency. The county website needs to be made easier to understand. Meeting agendas and minutes must be put online in a timely manner and audio recordings must be made available to residents who cannot make the county board and committee meetings. The county budget must be made available online, too.
