Beyond mayoral challenge, three other Belleville city races will be competitive
Four races for Belleville city offices will be competitive in the consolidated election on April 1, 2025.
Mayor Patty Gregory is being challenged by City Clerk Jenny Meyer, who announced her candidacy in late August. In early September, Gregory confirmed her intention to seek a second term.
Elementary school teacher and Ward 5 Alderwoman Shelly Schaefer will compete for the vacated city clerk’s position against newly elected St. Clair County Board of Review member Irma Golliday.
Candidates to replace Schaefer in Ward 5 include Kathy Kaiser, a PR specialist who formerly served as communications director in the Gregory administration; Michael Hagberg, a computer programmer and City Hall watchdog; and Ashley Pollock, a community volunteer and former college educator.
Gigi Dowling-Urban is challenging incumbent Jamie Eros for Ward 2 alderperson. Eros is a voice and piano teacher. Dowling-Urban is a former education administrator who now works as administrative liaison to the mayor.
Incumbents are seeking re-election in all of the other six wards with no opposition, as is City Treasurer Sarah Biermann.
The City Council is made up of 16 members, two from each of the city’s eight wards. They serve staggered, four-year terms. Residents will vote for one from each ward in April.
Here are the candidates:
MAYOR
Patricia A. Gregory (incumbent)
Jennifer “Jenny” Gain Meyer
CITY CLERK
Michelle “Shelly” Schaefer
Irma G. Golliday
CITY TREASURER
Sarah M. Biermann (incumbent)
WARD 1
Bryan W. Whitaker (incumbent)
WARD 2
Georgianna “Gigi” Dowling-Urban
Jamie L. Eros (incumbent)
WARD 3
Kent M. Randle (incumbent)
WARD 4
Johnnie Anthony (incumbent)
WARD 5
Michael Hagberg
Kathleen “Kathy” Kaiser
Ashley R. Pollock
WARD 6
Mary G. Stiehl (incumbent)
WARD 7
Dennis C. Weygandt (incumbent)
WARD 8
Nora L. Sullivan (incumbent)
This story was originally published December 9, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
