Former chief of police says he’ll run for mayor of O’Fallon

O’Fallon Alderman and former Chief of Police Eric Van Hook said he is planning to run for mayor and is currently circulating a nominating petition to get on the April 1, 2025 ballot.

Herb Roach, who has been mayor of O’Fallon for two terms, has said he will not seek re-election.

Van Hook spent 30 years in law enforcement before retiring 2021. He was appointed to the Ward 7 council seat after the death of Alderman Dan Witt in 2022. He was elected in 2023.

The deadline for filing a petition is the week of Oct. 21-28. No other candidates have picked up a packet, which are available in the city clerk’s office during business hours, through St. Clair County or the Illinois State Board of Elections, said Deputy City Clerk Misty McDonald.

Van Hook said he has “great enthusiasm” about O’Fallon and serving the community.

“Over a lifetime of public service, I have been reminded time and again how fortunate I have been to be involved in this great community. I am passionate about giving back to the place that has given me and my family so much,” he said.

He said he talked with his family, friends and colleagues before he declared his candidacy.

“My interest in running for mayor is rooted in my love for the city of O’Fallon,” he said. “During my 30 years of serving the O’Fallon community, I have built strong relationships with our citizens, businesses, school leaders and faith-based organizations.

“As O’Fallon continues to grow residentially and commercially, I want to ensure we are making sound decisions that align with O’Fallon’s Strategic Plan and prioritize what is best for all residents of O’Fallon.”

Van Hook has lived in O’Fallon, with his wife Laura, since 1999. They have four grown children and three grandchildren.

He began a career in law enforcement in the city, eventually becoming director of public safety and chief of police in 2013 until his retirement eight years later.

“After retirement, I believed that I still had more to give. I once again returned to my calling in public service. Shortly after retiring, I began to serve as the Director of Security at O’Fallon Township High School District 203,” he said, noting his service as alderman since 2022.

Other Races

In the next municipal election, O’Fallon will not only elect a mayor, but also a city clerk and treasurer for four-year terms. Current city clerk Jerry Mouser and treasurer David Hursey plan to run for re-election. They were not challenged in 2021.

Mouser served previously on the city council and is seeking his third term as clerk. Hursey is seeking his fifth term as treasurer.

Ron Zelms, who retired from the U.S. Air Force and taught for 17 years, has confirmed he is circulating a petition to run for treasurer. For years, he has been engaged in civic affairs and has attended municipal meetings, often commenting during the public segment.

“I am sincerely interested in what goes on in this city,” he said.

Several possible candidates have picked up petitions, McDonald said.

City Council Seats

One seat in each of the city’s seven wards will be up for grabs on April 1. There are 14 in total. Aldermen whose terms are up include Ross Rosenberg in Ward 1, Jerry Albrecht in Ward 2, Roy Carney in Ward 3, Stephanie Smallheer in Ward 4, Jim Blackburn in Ward 5, Jim Campbell in Ward 6, and Van Hook in Ward 7.

Rosenberg and Blackburn confirmed they are running to represent their wards. Rosenberg is seeking his third term and did not face opposition in 2021. Blackburn was appointed to the Ward 5 seat earlier this year to fill the vacancy created when Christopher Monroe moved to a different ward.

The minimum age for a candidate interested in running for office is any qualified elector/registered voter, at least 18 years old. The candidate must have resided in the ward in which they are a candidate for alderman or have one-year residency in the municipality preceding the consolidated election when running for the office of mayor, city clerk or treasurer.

For more information on election processes, go to the State Elections site.

Write-In Candidates can declare their intent by filing a notarized form no later than 61 days prior to the election.

Roach on Serving the City

Prior to being elected mayor in 2017, Roach served six years representing Ward 4 on the city council.

In a previous interview, Roach reflected on serving the city.

“O’Fallon has always been fortunate to have many good individuals interested in serving the community, either as elected officials, or as volunteers on various city-wide committees or organizations,” he said.

“You’ve got to do it for the right reasons. You’ve got to do it because you care about this community, you care that it continues to be the hometown where families want to come, where businesses want to come. We don’t want to lose that.”

Roach said an alderman must be prepared for the time commitment that involves attending two city council meetings a month, committee meetings every Monday, involvement with people in their individual wards, and studying proposals.

“The time commitment is important,” Roach said.

Aldermen also must be ready for people to be upset with them, he said.

“In your ward, some people will want it done this way, and other people will want it done that way. Your role is to represent all the people in your ward,” he said.

Roach said aldermen must study – read things at home. Sometimes, you can get a document that’s up to 100 pages.

“Be prepared to listen to the other side. The only way we come to the best result is to listen to both sides,” he said. “Be prepared to speak your mind.”

He also urges candidates and current public officials to stay on topic and not attack those who take an opposing view.

“Don’t make it personal,” he said. “It’s good to have different voices. The more input we get, the better off we are.

“Whatever you do, and however you do it, is a reflection of everybody else that serves on the council.”