BND 2025 Voter Guide: Belleville candidates running for mayor, city clerk, school board
Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the mayoral, city clerk, city council and school board races in the April 1 election in Belleville.
The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested seats and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.
While this article has information about candidates in municipal and school board races in Belleville, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running for local and school board positions across the metro-east.
2025 BND VOTER GUIDE: Research candidates running in city, school & township elections
Below are the responses from the Belleville candidates who have replied. (They’re listed alphabetically.)
Belleville Mayor
NAME: PATRICIA “PATTY” GREGORY
Age as of April 1, 2025: 71
Campaign website or social media page: Mayor Patty Gregory on Facebook
Office seeking: Belleville mayor
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, elected mayor of Belleville in 2021.
Occupation: I taught school for 34 years. Eighteen of those years were spent teaching children with special needs. I also taught second grade for 14 years before I retired.
Education: Bachelor of science in special education (K-12) and elementary education (K-8)
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have been a volunteer in the Belleville community for more than 45 years. I served on many nonprofit boards and committees to raise funds for other organizations all over the county. I am 71 years old, and over the past 24 years, my volunteer service has been devoted to the city of Belleville. As the founder and executive director of Art on the Square from 2001 to 2021, my goal was to make Belleville known across the country as a city that appreciates quality-of-life issues.
As the original founder of the West Belleville Promotional Committee, I worked to promote the west end of Belleville. I served on the founding committee of the West End Redevelopment Corporation. This organization continues, and it just completed more than $1 million in rehab projects in west Belleville. I also took a leadership role in creating the Oppose the Move group to keep St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville.
I also had a leadership role in creating the Oppose the Move group to keep St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in our community.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Robert Gregory, Jan Gitcho and Otto and Dana Roberts
Why are you running? I am running so we can continue to build on the successes of our current administration. We need to continue the growth of the former Lindenwood campus. Under my leadership, it is now the Southwestern Illinois Justice and Workforce Development Campus. Its tenants are Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission, Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School, SIU Edwardsville Forensic Sciences and Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy. More than $20 million has been invested by these entities, and more programming is being added every day. The city of Belleville now collects more than $484,000 yearly for the campus account.
The city will strive to continue providing interest and development on Illinois 15 and work tirelessly for our citizens by continuing transparency to gain the public’s trust. No more going back to no-bid contracts!
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? We are a town that is more than 200 years old, and we have issues that need to be addressed. My top priorities are very similar to the ones I had in the 2021 race: Economic development, housing, infrastructure and public safety. In the past four years, we have been able to address these issues, but there is still more to do.
Economic development has been going on all over the city. More than 375 commercial occupancy permits were issued in the past four years. Highlights of economic development include the transformation of the former Lindenwood campus into the new Southwestern Illinois Justice and Workforce Development Campus; Velocity Manufacturing Company, new businesses in Green Mount Commons and Belleville Crossing and the expansion and renovations of existing businesses. In 2023, Belleville was the recipient of an economic development award from the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois for expansion and retention. In 2024 alone, St. Clair County invested more than $33 million in the city with the renovations of BelleClair Fairgrounds and the Animal Services Center.
Housing development continues in the city, with new construction and renovations taking place with our older housing stock and the new vacant lot infill project. That project has made it possible to build in neighborhoods that have not seen new development in more than 50 years. The new homes, built by a qualified contractor, are attracting new young families to our community. These families are needed for continued growth.
For development in cities, infrastructure improvements are constantly needed. In the past four years, through grants and American Rescue Plan Act funding, the city of Belleville has invested more than $24.5 million in infrastructure improvements. Improvements have been in roads, sewer and water. Public safety is always a top priority. We’ll continue to hire the budgeted number of police officers and firemen.
Why should people vote for you? I am a self-starter, hard worker and team player. These are skills that were brought by me to Belleville City Hall back in 2021, when I became mayor. I have a creative mind and like to think “outside the box” to figure out solutions to problems. Since an early age, my community service has always led me to leadership positions. We must remember that “a true visionary leader leads with passion, not position!”
NAME: JENNIFER “JENNY” GAIN MEYER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 49
Campaign website or social media page: www.jennyforbelleville.com or Facebook.com/JennyForBelleville
Office seeking: Belleville mayor
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Elected city clerk of Belleville in 2017 and 2021.
Occupation: Before being elected city clerk, I served as director of environmental programs at St. Clair County Health Department. I also previously worked for the city of Belleville as director of health, housing, building, zoning and cemetery operations.
Education: I hold a bachelor’s degree in biology from McKendree University and a master’s degree in health administration from Lindenwood University.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have been deeply involved in the Belleville community. My volunteer work began in 1996 with AmeriCorps, and I have continued my involvement by serving on numerous boards. I currently sit on boards for Belleville Cultural Enrichment Organization, Christkindlmarkt, Belleville Sister Cities, St. Clair Associated Vocational Enterprises (SAVE), Belleville District 118 Foundation and Art on the Square Grounds & Logistics.
I was also a member of the executive committee for Belleville’s 200th Anniversary in 2014. Because of my commitment to serving others, I have been recognized by the BASIC Citizens of Character, Racial Harmony ELITE and Illinois Environmental Health Association.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? My largest financial supporters are friends and family, local business owners and organized labor.
Why are you running? I believe in the strength of our community and the potential we have to grow while preserving the character that makes our city unique. With my experience in city government, I understand the challenges we face and have the leadership skills to address them. My goal is to create a more efficient, transparent and responsive local government that prioritizes neighborhood revitalization, economic growth and public safety.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? One of the most pressing issues is revitalizing our neighborhoods while maintaining affordability and historic integrity. I will prioritize rehabilitation over demolition by implementing community outreach programs that partner with local organizations, businesses and volunteers to assist residents in need in maintaining and improving their homes. Additionally, I will work to attract responsible development and investment that enhances our city’s livability and economic stability.
Why should people vote for you? I have a proven track record of leadership, collaboration and problem-solving in Belleville. My experience as city clerk, combined with my background in public service at the city and county levels, equip me to lead effectively. I am dedicated to fostering a safe, thriving and connected community where residents and businesses can succeed. With my commitment to transparency, efficiency and inclusive decision-making, I will ensure that Belleville moves forward with a vision that benefits everyone.
NAME: RYAN MUSICK (write-in)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 41
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Belleville mayor
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, ran for Belleville alderman, St. Clair County chairman and Illinois state representative.
Occupation: Self-employed
Education: High school and college
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’m an avid volunteer for various organizations, including the YMCA, The Restore Network and several church organizations.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Me, myself and I
Why are you running? I believe it’s my God-given responsibility to do something in my community and serve the people in it. Jesus said the greatest of all will be the greatest servant of all.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My personal opinion is that we should focus on foundational items such as roads and sewers.
Why should people vote for you? I love God, my family and my community. My family and I would like to say thank you to everyone who puts forth their best effort everyday. It’s not easy out there, so keep up the good work. We love you.
Belleville City Clerk
NAME: MICHELLE “SHELLY” SCHAEFER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 55
Campaign website or social media page: Michelle “Shelly” Schaefer for City Clerk on Facebook and Schaeferforclerk on Instagram
Office seeking: Belleville city clerk
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Yes. Belleville Township High School District 201 School Board Member from 2009-2017 and Belleville Ward 5 alderperson from May 2017 to present.
Occupation: Belleville School District 118 teacher for 34 years, including three years at Westhaven school and 31 years at Roosevelt.
Education: Graduated from Belleville East High School in 1987; and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1991 and a master’s in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in leadership and mentoring from SIU Carbondale in 2008.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Ward 5 alderperson from May 2017 to present, serving on the finance, economic development, police and fire, ordinance and legal review and personnel committees
District 201 school board member for eight years, serving on the personnel, curriculum and finance committees
Chairperson for Art on the Square Artist Hospitality
Member of Belleville Sister Cities, traveling this past summer to Paderborn to represent our city
Volunteer for Belleville citywide cleanup, Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt
Director for STEM Camp at Roosevelt School for seven years
Who are your top three campaign contributors? United Association of Journeymen Steamfitters Local 439 PAC, Ironworkers Local 392 PAC and Teamsters Local Union 50.
Why are you running? I have loved serving our city as an alderperson, but now I would like to serve our community in another way. Citizens can rely on me, as city clerk, to act with integrity and accountability. I will ensure that government records and information are easily accessible to the public to promote trust. I would like to be here to help our residents access important documents and information they may need. I plan to work alongside city staff and the public full time to create a united and efficient city government. I believe this would be a meaningful way to serve our community and improve government transparency.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The city clerk has the responsibility of keeping the city’s formal records and requires someone who is not only organized, fair and transparent, but present at all times. The clerk also must safeguard sensitive citizen records, and it takes someone who is in the office full time to oversee such important operations. I plan on not only having impeccable customer service to our community, but also being present and accessible in a full-time capacity.
Why should people vote for you? I have proven that I am an advocate for the residents and city as an alderperson for eight years. Through my experiences on city council, I have become knowledgeable on the issues the city faces and processes that the city must follow to run an effective government. I am a team player and will work with the residents, businesses, city staff and elected officials to lead a transparent and efficient clerk’s office. I will be a full-time leader for the people.
Belleville City Council — Ward 2
NAME: JAMIE EROS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 44
Campaign website or social media page: Jamie Eros - Belleville Ward 2 Alderwoman on Facebook
Office seeking: Belleville Ward 2 alderperson
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, elected as Ward 2 alderperson four years ago.
Occupation: Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s degree and master’s in music
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Participating on the Belleville City Council’s Economic Development Committee as we developed a new strategic plan for the city.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Illinois Realtors Association
Why are you running? I am running for re-election because I have enjoyed getting the chance to participate in decisions for our city from the inside. I have enjoyed having my voice heard, even when it wasn’t the popular opinion, and working together with the other 15 wonderful alderpersons. I have been amazed at how well everyone can work together, even when they don’t always agree, and I look forward to more respectful discussions in the years to come. I don’t consider myself a politician at all, and I refuse to take part in any political back-door dealings. I will always speak my mind and stand up for what I think is right.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Dilapidated buildings and neighbors who don’t take care of their property is always the first complaint I get. These are difficult issues to get immediate fixes for, but working together with our police force and our housing director, I feel confident that I can continue to get answers and find solutions for my constituents when they reach out for help.
Why should people vote for you? What you see is what you get. I’m not here for any personal agenda, nor am I anyone’s puppet. You will always get the truth, and I will seek out the truth when I feel it is not being shared with the public. I am here to help our city continue to move forward and will work together with our department heads and administration in any way I can to achieve our goals.
NAME: GEORGIANNA “GIGI” DOWLING URBAN
Age as of April 1, 2025: 72
Campaign website or social media page: Gigi Dowling Urban for Ward 2 Belleville on Facebook
Office seeking: Belleville Ward 2 alderperson
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: I am a retired public school educational administrator.
Education: I have a master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University and a specialist degree in educational administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
37 years experience in public education, including more than 20 as principal of Pathways School in Belleville and time as director of the James E. Williams Learning Center in East St. Louis School District 189 and interim principal for the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education Safe School in Belleville.
40-plus years of artistic and administrative leadership at the Looking Glass Playhouse, a highly respected regional community theater in Lebanon.
3 1/2 years as a liaison at Belleville City Hall, where I assisted in the development of strategies to implement American Rescue Plan Act funds and coordinated a work group to update/revise Belleville’s Emergency Services Plan among all city departments.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? My campaign is totally self-funded.
Why are you running? While working at City Hall, I began to understand the incredible impact that effective leadership has on individual citizen’s lives. When citizens vote for an alderperson, they are placing a sacred trust that he or she will be their voice and advocate for their ward and neighborhood. An effective alderperson must show up for their neighbors not just once a week at City Council meetings, but every day, when citizens and their families need assistance and representation most. I hope to be their voice and their advocate, just as I advocated for students and their families my entire professional career.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? In talking with Ward 2 residents, I believe that their top issue (and the one I hope to help them solve) is revitalization of their neighborhoods. Ward 2 is a sprawling ward with diverse neighborhoods, and while there may be differences among them, a common thread among all Ward 2 residents is the need to revitalize their neighborhoods. They recognize that while investment of city resources in large economic development projects is important for the city as a whole, many must contend with crumbling infrastructure. Potholes, lack of sidewalks and derelict properties dot the landscape of many of our streets. I propose a three-bucket model of balanced strategic interventions.
Bucket 1 is that the city must aggressively pursue large housing developments at a variety of price points. Bucket 2 is to expand/refine the current in-fill project so that neighbors have input into the ultimate designs of the new homes that should complement, not compete with the existing aesthetic of the neighborhood. And Bucket 3 is an innovative homesteading project that would allow young families to purchase city controlled buildings not quite ready for the wrecking ball for $1. Each applicant would have to be pre-approved by a financial institution or bank to do the repairs, agree to complete them within 18 months and reside in their home for five years.
Finally, elected officials must make the tough decisions to fully fund the city departments responsible for street repairs and inspections. I don’t know of a harder working group of folks than those in our housing and street departments, but they are woefully understaffed to tackle the jobs necessary to revitalize our neighborhoods. They deserve more than praise. They deserve dollars to hire the staff and have the equipment they need. And we need to ensure that we have elected officials and alderpersons ready to make those tough calls.
Why should people vote for you? I know I won’t have all the answers, but I promise to work hard with my neighbors in Ward 2 to find those answers. We can rebuild our neighborhoods together. I hope that you will let me be your voice.
Belleville City Council — Ward 5
NAME: MICHAEL HAGBERG
Age as of April 1, 2025: 64
Campaign website or social media page: VoteHagberg.com
Office seeking: Belleville Ward 5 alderperson
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, previously ran for Belleville Ward 5 alderperson.
Occupation: Computer programmer
Education: Some college
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Served as Belleville Township trustee from 2015-2017, participated in Keep Belleville Beautiful citywide litter pick-up and AmeriCorps community projects, including the installation of playground equipment and remodeling of buildings.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Mostly self-financed with additional support from a few close friends.
Why are you running? As a local government watchdog, I have proven that I have the time to devote to staying informed about city operations and city projects. I have seen the subpar outcome of construction projects that don’t have independent inspectors sign off on daily construction progress. Residents deserve representation dedicated to ensuring that our limited tax dollars provide the greatest return on investment.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Let me start with infrastructure, specifically regarding streets and sewers. My attendance at committee meetings has helped me have a clear understanding that each neighborhood has its own set of issues important to them. Ward 5 neighborhoods consist of homes built more than 100 years ago and others built less than 20 years ago. This type of diversity needs a representative who understands that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. I’m prepared to present these concerns at Belleville City Council committee meetings.
Why should people vote for you? I have pride in our city. I wish to have a seat on the City Council to discuss and guide the direction our city takes to ensure a prosperous future. I’ve seen millions of taxpayer funds spent on infrastructure with the promise of a huge development, only to be utterly disappointed years later. I feel it’s time we work with the developers to guarantee that taxpayers won’t bear the burden if their project fails. I will be responsive to citizens and see that they get timely answers to their questions.
NAME: KATHLEEN “KATHY” KAISER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 61
Campaign website or social media page: Kathleen “Kathy” Kaiser for Ward 5 Belleville IL on Facebook
Office seeking: Belleville Ward 5 alderperson
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: Marketing/public and media relations executive
Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications from Lindenwood University
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Former director of PR and communications for the City of Belleville
Former executive director of Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce
Marketing and public and media relations for Belleville Oktoberfest Committee, Art on the Square and Belleville Christkindlmarkt
Member of the Belleville Gingerbread Committee
Who are your top three campaign contributors? My campaign is totally self-funded.
Why are you running? While working for the city of Belleville, I saw firsthand the needs of our residents. In this capacity, I had the opportunity to work directly with our engineering department to start the process of finding grant funding and building a sidewalk on State Street Road. The students of Roosevelt School have needed this access to school for decades. Having been an integral part of getting this project started and assisting in the grant-funding process, I was instantly hooked on making a difference in our residents’ lives. To date, this project has not broken ground. And as you look across our vast ward, and further across our city, there is so much more that needs to be accomplished. I would like to be an integral part of that work. I would like to have the opportunity to continue working for the residents, but in the new capacity as alderperson, to truly be able to take on all the issues of the residents of Ward 5 and our city firsthand.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? While having the opportunity to speak with the residents of Ward 5 directly through this campaigning process, the same issue keeps arising all throughout our ward, and that is, “When is our street going to be repaired?” Sadly, our streets are in disrepair all over our city, and I think it will be vitally important to focus on ways to secure and provide the funding needed to repair our streets and sidewalks in Ward 5.
Focusing on securing additional funding sources in order to get our street department up to full staffing is also vitally important. This will help alleviate the constant burden on our present employees, who are forced to play catch-up on our road and sidewalk repairs.
As I venture through Ward 5, I also think that there are pockets in our neighborhoods that need a little TLC, as they say, and I would welcome the opportunity to work with a new administration to find new and comprehensive ways to fund the revitalization of these properties after years of decay.
Why should people vote for you? I have decades of experience working with organizations, businesses and residents throughout our community. This has allowed me to form long-lasting working relationships with individuals throughout many sectors of our community, which will be vital in the capacity of alderperson to move our ward, and city, into the future. Having previously been a part of the city’s present administration, I know first-hand that our city needs more focused and engaged leadership. Working directly with our present city clerk/mayoral candidate Jenny Gain Meyer and current Ward 5 alderperson/city clerk candidate Michelle “Shelly” Schaefer extensively over the past several months has only deepened my commitment to provide the residents of Ward 5 with my unwavering support and representation as “their voice” on City Council.
NAME: ASHLEY POLLOCK
Age as of April 1, 2025: 49
Campaign website or social media page: www.ashleypollockforbelleville.com
Office seeking: Belleville Ward 5 alderperson
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: Field coordinator for AmeriCorps and adjunct professor of history
Education: Graduated from Belleville West High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in history at McKendree University and a master’s in history at Harvard University
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: In 2017, I participated in the Belleville Citizen Police Academy. From 2011-2023, I served as a mayoral appointee on the Belleville Historic Preservation Commission, where I volunteered for 10 years, including two years as chair. I served on Belleville’s 10-year comprehensive plan advisory committee from 2013-2014. During that time, I co-led a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event for the city that featured a presentation and panel discussion with college students.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Friends and Families for Belleville, John A. Helms and retired Illinois Appellate Court Judge Rich Goldenhersh.
Why are you running? Belleville is my hometown, and I am invested in its future. We need proactive leaders willing to devote time and energy to the community. I want to be a liaison between residents of Ward 5 and city government, willing to advocate for solutions. I will continue to seek and speak up for improvements to our neighborhoods. I want to be in a better position to contribute directly to the progress of this city.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? As a mother, I know well that our homes are our biggest investment. We want to feel secure in our neighborhoods and the future of our city. I will vote for a budget that allows more police officers to be hired. I would increase our focus on vacant and derelict properties across Belleville, determining the best possible decision for each property to ensure the safety of our community while encouraging economic growth and historic preservation. Ward 5 has neighborhoods that would greatly benefit from a neighborhood association that has regular meetings with police and city administrators to stay informed directly.
Ward 5 also has areas greatly affected by past flooding. I would advocate for measures to improve our public infrastructure, such as updating specific drainage pipes, to mitigate damage from future flooding. Finally, I would prioritize making public locations, including our parks and downtown Belleville, safer for everyone. These are all areas of public safety that contribute directly to our quality of life. I will work to protect our investments.
Why should people vote for you? I have experience with the city of Belleville in a role that often required reading, researching, and most importantly, connecting with residents. I also have education and a skill set that would be valuable as an alderperson. I want the people in our ward to feel as though they have a voice on City Council. As an alderperson, I will be accessible. I will have an online presence, and I will respond quickly to inquiries and concerns. I will also keep residents apprised of what’s happening in Ward 5 and the city by publishing a summary after each Council meeting. I will do what I can to make our ward and our city a safe and great place to live and raise our families.
Harmony-Emge School District 175
(Vote for 4)
NAME: AMANDA DuCLOS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 40
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Harmony-Emge School District 175 school board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? No.
Occupation: I worked in health care for 15 years. Now, I work as a freelance musician and mom/taxi driver to three active children.
Education: Bachelor of Music at Webster University
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement.
I love volunteering in my children’s classrooms and helping in any way I can with their extracurricular activities and musicals. My family and I enjoy helping with the Scouting for Food event that benefits a food pantry in our community as well as flag retirement ceremonies honoring our country. As a health care worker, I often used music to spread some cheer or help comfort patients as they were in the hospital by playing my flute for them.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I’m running for the Harmony 175 School Board because I truly want to keep supporting our students, staff, and the community. The past two years on the board have taught me so much about the work that goes into keeping our schools running every day and how important schools are to the community as a whole. I wish to continue learning even more.
I’m passionate about making sure every student feels like they have a place in school — whether that’s through activities, sports, or just finding a safe space to be themselves. I want to keep working toward a school community where students can grow, feel confident, and be successful. I also want to ensure our staff feel supported and appreciated.
What is the top issue in your race, and how will you address it? Did not answer.
Why should people vote for you? I love our schools and community, and I’m excited about the chance to continue supporting our students, staff, and families. I really believe we can create even more opportunities for our kids to find their voice and confidence in school, the community, and their future endeavors.
Thank you for your support!
NAME: STEVE DUMOND (write-in)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 60
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Harmony-Emge School District 175 school board
Are you an incumbent? No.
Have you run for elected office before? No.
Occupation: Information technology engineer
Education: I am currently enrolled at SWIC for programming certificates
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: This is my first time running for office.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? There are 4 seats on the board up for re-election, but only two people filed petitions to be on the ballot. In December 2024, the current Harmony-Emge board sent out a request for people to step up. They held a meeting to explain how to become an official write-in candidate. I filed the form and I am willing and able to serve a complete term on the Harmony-Emge School District 175 School Board.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I think Harmony-Emge has been doing a good job in recent years, so I see no major issues that need to be addressed.
I believe a well-run and financially stable school district is a big factor in maintaining our property values.
I believe the success of the Harmony-Emge School District 175 is crucial to the success of the West End of Belleville and Stookey Township.
Whether you live in the City of Belleville or in Stookey Township, Harmony-Emge School District 175 is the largest item on our property tax bill. I think it is important that we continue the balance between providing a quality education while keeping the tax rate stable.
Why should people vote for you? I will work with other Board Members and School Administrators to ensure we maintain the quality of the education we provide while looking for any avenues for improvement and potential cost savings, maintaining our school buildings and equipment in good condition and providing a safe, quality education experience for our students, teachers and administrative staff.
Harmony-Emge School District 175 has a need for people to step up and help manage the district during the next board’s term. While I have no experience in the education field, I do have over 30 years of experience working in Enterprise-class Corporate Information Technology and have been deeply involved in planning multi-million-dollar annual budgets as well as planning and implementing large-scale projects. I am willing and able to serve on the Harmony-Emge School District 175 school board.
In these uncertain times, with federal funding for local schools on the chopping block, this term may be very challenging for the board, administrators, teachers, parents and students. I am up for the challenge.
Because I was too late to get my name on the ballot, if you want to vote for me, you will have to write in my name. There are two names on the ballot and four write-in spaces. Be sure to fill in my name on one of the write in lines and fill in the oval like you would with a normal vote. You can vote for up to four people for the school board.
NAME: JOSEPH T. GIGLOTTO (write-in)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 37
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Harmony-Emge School District 175 school board
Are you an incumbent? No.
Have you run for elected office before? No.
Occupation: Information technology cyber security specialist
Education: Associate degree
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Currently I am a federal employee of six years, and I have served the public one way or another since I was 16.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? There are challenges facing every student and family in our community. I aim to work tirelessly to make our school and student experience the absolute best it can be. My experiences as a father and my years in public service make me an ideal candidate for the board.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Teacher support and mental health. We need to do our best to ensure we have and keep the best teachers. I will work to ensure this happens. Regarding mental health, cell phones and electronics have caused a rise in bullying and have had a severe impact on their mental health. I aim to minimize unnecessary screen time and maximize the social experience outside of a screen.
Why should people vote for you? Like all in our community, I have a stake in how well or poorly our school does. A vote for me will be a vote to have your voice heard. I will take your concerns and do my best to come to a positive, equitable solution. It’s all about the kids. Let’s do our best for them.
NAME: BRYAN LOCKETT
Age as of April 1, 2025: 41
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Harmony-Emge School District 175 school board
Are you an incumbent? No.
Have you run for elected office before? No.
Occupation: HVAC/R Technician
Education: Vocational
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Educating others and volunteer work
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? For personal and professional growth
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Did not answer.
Why should people vote for you? I’m committed to putting students first, supporting teachers, and making sure our schools provide a high-quality education in a safe environment. I’ll bring transparency, accountability and a focus on real solutions that benefit our kids and community.
NAME: ERIC SANDERS (write-in)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 56
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Harmony-Emge School District 175 school board
Are you an incumbent? No.
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, I previously ran for school board and was elected.
Occupation: Quality assurance, pharmaceuticals
Education: Bachelor of Science in biology from Missouri State
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have previously served a four-year term on the District 175 school board. I am a parent volunteer at Ellis School, as well as for the PTO and Cub Scouts.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I want to ensure that the children of my community receive the best possible education. The surest way to achieve this is through active participation in the district.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? One of my biggest concerns is our students being behind in education standards. As the population of the schools in our district is quite diverse, it is a challenge to meet the educational goals of each student. I’m looking forward to talking with the teachers to get their thoughts and ideas regarding how we can try to achieve this. My goal is to be on the curriculum committee in order to communicate with teachers and administrators in order to select the best possible curriculum, which challenges the kids while allowing an immersive learning experience.
Why should people vote for you? Having a child who previously graduated from the district as well as one currently in it has enabled me to observe various issues faced and improvements made throughout the years. I’ve also made connections with other families, staff, teachers and administrators. I’m a good listener, and I would like to get everyone’s ideas and opinions, knowing that different ideas and opinions can allow me to take the opportunity to think differently. This will help me to make informed, fair decisions for the betterment of the district. I look forward to serving my community.
NAME: LAURA SHELTON
Age as of April 1, 2025: 38
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Harmony-Emge School District 175 school board
Are you an incumbent? No.
Have you run for elected office before? No.
Occupation: Accounts manager at United Ink
Education: Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: As current vice president of the Harmony District 175 PTO, I actively collaborate with other parents and district staff members to organize events and fundraisers in support of our students and teachers.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am passionate about ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education. I believe I can help create policies and programs that support our teachers, engage our community, and provide our students with the resources they need to succeed. My goal is to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment in which all students can thrive.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? A growing concern among fellow parents is the increasing politicization of education, particularly around topics like curriculum content and school policies. To address this, I would prioritize open communication and transparency with parents, teachers, and students. I believe in a collaborative environment where all voices feel heard and valued, and where focus remains on providing the best possible education for our students.
Why should people vote for you? As a parent of students attending Ellis and Harmony schools, I am committed to ensuring a safe and positive learning environment in which our students can grow and succeed. My background in youth development, coupled with experience in school administration, has equipped me with skills and knowledge to make informed decisions that will benefit our schools.
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 4:30 AM with the headline "BND 2025 Voter Guide: Belleville candidates running for mayor, city clerk, school board."