2025 BND Voter Guide: Candidates running in metro-east township elections

Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for township races in the April 1 election in St. Clair and Madison counties.

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 township races in St. Clair and Madison counties, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running for local and school board positions in Belleville and across the metro-east.

2025 BND VOTER GUIDE: Research candidates running in city, school & township elections

Here are the responses from the candidates who have replied: (The candidates are listed alphabetically.)

Canteen Township Supervisor

Caseyville Township Assessor

NAME: JOHN CHESTER (write-in)

Age as of April 1, 2025: 40

Campaign website or social media page: John Chester for Assessor

Office seeking: Caseyville Township assessor

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Owner/manager of JJMR Properties LLC

Education: Althoff CHS, Southwestern Illinois College

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am actively involved in our community through volunteer work and civic engagement. I regularly volunteer at township events, assisting with initiatives that benefit local residents. I also dedicate time to Midwest WingFest, a charitable event that supports local veterans and first responders. I’m an assistant coach for Southern Illinois Ice Hawks youth hockey organization. I enjoy volunteering during work weekends at Camp Ondesonk building, fixing, and maintaining structures around camp. Additionally, I am a member of Holy Trinity Parish and Men’s Club, where I contribute to community events that benefit the church and school.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded

Why are you running? I am running for Caseyville Township Assessor because I believe in fair, honest and transparent property assessments that serve the best interests of our taxpayers. Our township has made great progress in recent years, and I want to ensure that we continue moving forward with strong leadership and accountability.

I am endorsed by all seven current township board members, which means I have the full support of the people who know what it takes to serve our township effectively. By electing me as assessor, we can maintain continuity in leadership and keep working together as a united board to bring positive change, ensure fair property assessments and keep taxes equitable for all property owners.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue in this race is ensuring that local property assessments are fair and accurate for local homeowners. No one needs to be overpaying on property taxes.

Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I am committed to fair, accurate and transparent property assessments that serve the best interests of our taxpayers. With over 15 years experience in real estate and property ownership, I understand the importance of ensuring assessments are done fairly and equitably.

NAME: RYAN VICKERS (write-in)

Age as of April 1, 2025: 32

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/share/19EBDoj7fD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Office seeking: Caseyville Township assessor

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes, city of Fairview Heights, IL alderman 2017-2025

Occupation: Family counselor, City alderman 2017, 2021

Education: B.A. history and political science, (SIU-Carbondale) 2014

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Winning a seat on the city council at 24 as the youngest alderman ever in 2017, only by a couple of months. But it was a seat on a council that was much older and represents a much different generation in Fairview Heights. It was the beginning of me trying to get other younger people elected in the area.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded

Why are you running? I’m running for Caseyville Township assessor because no one has run for the Assessor’s Office since 2013, leaving all assessments up to the St. Clair County Assessor’s Office

Township assessors can assess new properties as well .

Caseyville Township which entails both O’Fallon and Fairview Heights, has some of the most new construction both residential and commercial in St. Clair County. If any township in our county needs an assessor, it’s Caseyville Township.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue of this race is the fact that IL State Statute calls for any township or county assessor to be qualified to run for office and you have (one candidate) without an (assessors license/certification) issued from the state.

You cannot educate taxpayers on a property tax system or (assess property) without being educated prior to serving or running for office.

The only way you can fix this issue is to be a licensed assessor on file with the state. Ryan Vickers is the only candidate running who has met that qualification.

Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I have the unique experience of serving on the City Council (FH) and previously working for the St. Clair County Assessor’s office, giving me the administrative knowledge of how the property tax cycle works, and how that filters through our local government.

Caseyville Township Trustee

Collinsville Township Supervisor

Collinsville Township Assessor

NAME: CHARLES “CHUCK” MARKEZICH

Age as of April 1, 2025: 64

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Collinsville Township assessor

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Area safety specialist at Waste Management

Education: High School Grad, Ranken Technical College, Certified Human Resource PHR Certificate, OSHA Standard of Industry Certificate, Certified IL Assessor Officer

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Assistant volunteer fire chief/ Fairmont City, IL 1989-1995

Volunteer firemen/Fairmont City, IL 1978-1989

Holy Rosary School Board member 1991-1996

CT Employees Credit Union member board 1995-1998

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None as of this date

Why are you running? My goal is to serve the people in my community, in particular, the township taxpayers. It will be my mission to give them the best bang for their buck. I will do my best to hold the line on any unnecessary expenses within this office and hold this office accountable to the taxpayers. I also want to offer the township more transparency around the assessor’s office operations.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Accountability.

I would like to see more efficiency, accountability and transparency within the Assessor’s Office.

The taxpayers within the township deserve an assessor who will be active, more physically accessible to them during business hours of the office. This position will be my only job. I will not hold other positions once elected. It will deserve and get my full attention and dedication.

Why should people vote for you? Because I will be more present, more available and more transparent than the current assessor is to the taxpayers. I believe that the assessor’s office should be physically available. I believe that if you take a job, you should show up and do the work you were hired to do, and then some.

NAME: PETER J. POLETTI

Age as of April 1, 2025: 76

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Collinsville Township assessor

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes

Occupation: Township assessor & President, Poletti Associates Inc.

Education: Bachelor of Science, U of I; Master of Arts, SIUE; Doctor of Philosophy, SLU. MAI designation of the Appraisal Institute and Certified Assessment Evaluator designation of the International Association of Officers. Designations as well as maintaining a state of Illinois Real Estate Appraisal license. I taught courses for the Appraisal Institute. I also taught classes as an adjunct assistant professor for the Economic Department at the UMSL.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am a United States Army veteran and perform with different community bands and symphonies.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? My number one goal in the assessor’s office is to take care of all the residents in the township, making sure that they get all available exemptions, and their assessments are fair and correct.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue of the race is local control versus county control of assessments. My goal is to keep local convenient customer service and assessment knowledge that is not available at the county level.

Why should people vote for you? With my education, background and experience, I am the most knowledgeable candidate.

Collinsville Township Trustee

You can vote for four candidates in this race.

NAME: MATTHEW R. GUENTHER SR.

Age as of April 1, 2025: 55

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/865471907358526

Office seeking: Collinsville Township trustee

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Township trustee is the only office that I have run for and been elected to. I am seeking re-election for the same.

Occupation: Global IT services delivery executive

Education: AAS - Electronics engineering technology PMP - Project management professional

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Served past four years as a township trustee for Collinsville Township. Involved with Children’s Miracle Network, Habitat For Humanity, food pantry drives, senior advocate organizations.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I do not currently have anyone contributing to my campaign financially. Financial support from previous election was revoked due to my choice to remain independent.

Why are you running? I would like the opportunity to continue on the work and delivery of services in and for our community. I believe that I can continue to have a positive impact on existing and potential opportunities for growth and for a better township.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I believe the top issue that the township is facing at this time is ensuring that we are communicating, making available and delivering the same levels of service to all our residents. Independent of their situation or status. I have started to approach this issue in a few different areas, but I believe that “REACH” is the first step. We need to ensure that we are reaching the people that truly need and would benefit from township services. I have already been meeting with local pockets of seniors in the community to understand their road blocks or constraints around receiving communication and plan to continue with each facet of our community.

Why should people vote for you? While I am proud of what we have been able to deliver on as a board, I believe there is much more that I can help to accomplish to make this a better township. I have only started to deliver on my promise to ensure that everyone in this township has a voice and can benefit from all services offered. Not just “selective service” but services for everyone. No matter status or situation. I have also made a decision to maintain an independent status in this election as the purpose and goals of any township should be focused on people and not politics.

NAME: BRAD SEWELL

Age as of April 1, 2025: 66

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hp41HhoVV/

Office seeking: Collinsville Township trustee

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) I ran for Collinsville Township Trustee in 2013 and lost by 48 votes, 1,230 to 1,182. In 2015 I ran for the position of Commissioner for Collinsville Area Recreation District. I was unopposed so I won. In 2021, I ran again for Collinsville Township Trustee and from eight candidates competing for four positions, I received the most votes by more than 100 votes.

Occupation: After managing transmission repair shops for 28 years, I now drive a bus transporting the handicapped for Madison County Transit.

Education: BSBA major in marketing, SIU-E 1982

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have consistently tried to be against waste and frivolous spending.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am self-funded, the campaign expenditures are unlikely to exceed $1,000.

Why are you running? To vote no for waste and frivolous spending that would likely result in tax increases.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Taxation and spending. Select wisely.

Why should people vote for you? Because I am not doing this for the money. My take home pay as a trustee for the next term will be less than $170. I voted to reduce it from $187 per month for the previous term. I do this for all of us, the other taxpayers as well as myself.

East St. Louis Township Supervisor

NAME: CARL OFFICER

Age as of April 1, 2025: 72

Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Carl E. Officer

Office seeking: East St. Louis Township supervisor

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) East St. Louis Mayor

Occupation: Funeral director

Education: Miami University in Oxford, Ohio

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: East St. Louis Professional Men’s Club, 33 degrees Mason, Member of the East St. Louis Kappa Alpha Psi.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am responsible for my own campaign, therefore I am not accepting donations for my campaign.

Why are you running? To offer the citizens of East St. Louis a viable political alternative to the status quo.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I would say that honesty is the top issue and the way I would address it forthright and truthful.

Why should people vote for you? I believe people should vote for me because I have been in the community my whole life and I have truly seen the change in the city from growing to declining so therefore I want my community and my city where I am from, to grow and get back to the excellence it was before.

Lenzburg Township Trustee

Nameoki Township Supervisor

NAME: JOHN ERIC FOSTER

Age as of April 1, 2025: 58

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Nameoki Township supervisor

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Madison County Board member 2018-2022, Nameoki Township supervisor 2021-present

Occupation: Self-employed since 1990

Education: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Bachelor’s degree in business (graduated 1990)

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Achieving financial stability at the township. Developing professional relationships with surrounding governing bodies inclusive of both state and federal officials. Establishing positive relationships with business owners and residents.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded

Why are you running? To continue the improvements made within the township financially and to continue replacing the deteriorating infrastructure.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Infrastructure. Having completed many storm water, street and sewer repairs with many more still needed.

Why should people vote for you? I have a proven track record of working with the clerk, highway commissioner, assessor, and the Board of Trustees to achieve the three most important things concerning our voters. Tax reduction, infrastructure and senior services.

NAME: WILLIAM KENNEY

Age as of April 1, 2025: 58

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Nameoki Township supervisor

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Retired-2016 from Federal Bureau of Prisons

Education: U.S.A.F 1985-1995, Federal Bureau of Prisons 1996-2016

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Madison County election judge since 2016

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Myself and Nameoki Township residents

Why are you running? With my proven leadership skills, integrity and communication qualities I will make Nameoki Township a township its residents will be proud of.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue I’m hearing from Nameoki Township residents is the disconnect they feel with the township governance body. I hear residents complain they don’t feel they have any input in the governance process. I believe one way of repairing this disconnect is to livestream all township meetings and include question and answer sessions at every meeting. After all, we work for you and it is your tax dollars.

Why should people vote for you? With a focus on transparency in local government, priority-based spending of hard earned taxpayer dollars and increasing constituent participation in governance, I am committed to making our township a place where families can prosper and feel proud to call home.

Nameoki Township Clerk

NAME: JAMIE VINCENT

Age as of April 1, 2025: 48

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Nameoki Township clerk

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Township clerk (2021)

Occupation: Client service supervisor

Education: Illinois State University graduate - Bachelor’s degree

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Worked with the Attorney General’s Office purging all unnecessary records dating back to 1998. Working with the supervisor and Board of Trustees establishing and implementing events for our senior citizens. Currently working on digitizing township records.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded

Why are you running? To continue working with the current administration to provide a better township for all residents.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue for myself is taxes. I’m pleased to announce by working with the supervisor and the Board of Trustees we have successfully reduced the tax levy two consecutive years and working on the third.

Why should people vote for you? To continue the goal of reducing property taxes to sustainable levels while maintaining services proved by the township.

Nameoki Township Highway Commissioner

Nameoki Township Trustee

You can vote for four candidates in this election.

NAME: GERALD “JERRY” McKECHAN

Age as of April 1, 2025: 76

Campaign website or social media page: None

Office seeking: Nameoki Township trustee

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Member of Granite City School District # 9 (10 years) Trustee of Nameoki Township, Illinois

Occupation: Retired high school principal/Granite City High School

Education: Western Illinois University B.S. education 1970, Southern Illinois University/MS. education administration and special education

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Being able to serve the citizens of Nameoki Township and see the improvements we have made in making our township a better place to live.

Serve the children and families of Granite City to maintain our goals in making our schools the very best to get an education.

Past president of the Long Lake Volunteer Fire District. Being able to oversee the new fire station and service the firefighters in making the fire department the very best volunteer fire department.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? No contributors. My own expenses.

Why are you running? To continue the accomplishments, we have started. In my entire career as an educator and trustee, I have helped the organizations I am proud to be a part.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Provide service to our township while keeping taxes down.

Why should people vote for you? Our team has made many improvements. We have lowered the tax rate. Our highway department did an excellent job in removing the snow. We have fixed many streets. We have the vision to work with Granite City and Chouteau Township to resurface Morrison Road. Fixed many draining problems. We have started a township newsletter to keep you informed of activities. Provide service to our senior citizens.

NAME: JIMMY S. WELLS JR.

Age as of April 1, 2025: 53

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Nameoki Township trustee

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes, Precinct committeemen Nameoki Township District 4

Occupation: Self-employed hotel reservation specialist with expertise in carpentry, drywall finishing, and home construction.

Education: Graduated Collinsville High School 1989

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Presently Precinct committeemen Nameoki Township District 4

Previously I was a volunteer firefighter with Long Lake Fire Department.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have personally funded my entire campaign.

Why are you running? Having lived in Nameoki Township for most of my life, I am deeply invested in our community and its future. I am running for trustee because I believe our township deserves stronger leadership and better resource allocation. The current administration has fallen short in adequately funding initiatives in our district, leading to a decline in the quality of life we once enjoyed. I am committed to bringing meaningful change and working to restore the prosperity and vibrancy that Nameoki Township once flourished in.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The biggest issue in my campaign is that our district has been overlooked for far too long, leading to the decline of our community. I will change that by ensuring we get the attention and resources we deserve. Basic infrastructure — like streets, sidewalks and parks — has been neglected for years, and it’s time to make them a priority. My focus will be on the safety and well-being of our residents by addressing these long-ignored issues and holding the administration accountable for real improvements.

Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me as trustee because I will fight to ensure our community gets the attention and resources it has been denied for too long. Our streets, sidewalks, and parks have been neglected, putting safety and quality of life at risk. I will prioritize these issues, demand accountability and work to restore pride in our neighborhood. I am committed to being a strong advocate for our residents, making sure their voices are heard and delivering real, tangible improvements.

O’Fallon Township Clerk

NAME: GARY HURSEY

Age as of April 1, 2025: 71

Campaign website or social media page: Gary Hursey O’Fallon Clerk

Office seeking: O’Fallon Township clerk

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) O’Fallon Township trustee

Occupation: Telecommunications service provider and VoIP hosted telephone service provider

Education: Two years college

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Many organizations like: O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce past board member and current member of Economic Development Committee. Past President Fairview Heights Chamber of Commerce. Past member O’Fallon Sunrise Rotary. Many other business and church groups.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded

Why are you running? I like to be involved in the community where I live and have a business.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? O’Fallon Township Clerk makes sure that all records of township business are kept and filed for legal and future needs. I have been in charge of the O’Fallon After Prom Party for the past 24 years with others helping me as the O’Fallon Township trustee for those years. I have been instrumental in keeping taxes low as possible while on the board.

Why should people vote for you? I believe in honesty, integrity and excellence in whatever I do. I will always put the township and voters’ needs ahead of my personal needs. I have lived in O’Fallon Township for the past 34 years and have raised my five children in O’Fallon plus my wife Cathy and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.

O’Fallon Township Highway Commissioner

NAME: GERARD HELLDOERFER

Age as of April 1, 2025: 67

Campaign website or social media page: I do not currently have a campaign website, but I do have information under my Facebook account.

Office seeking: O’Fallon Township highway commissioner

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No, this is my first time running for elected office.

Occupation: I’m retired after working 37 years for O’Fallon Township Road District.

Education: High school graduate, Class A CDL license, Illinois Pesticide License with Right of Way, IDOT Flagger Training Program, OSHA Training Certificate

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’m a member of the O’Fallon Sportsman Club, the Farm Bureau and the Knights of Columbus.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I do not have any campaign contributors, and I have fully funded my own campaign.

Why are you running? I’m running for O’Fallon Township highway commissioner because I want to provide O’Fallon Township residents with safe and highly maintained roads and right of ways. I would like to use the experience that I gained after 37 years as a laborer and foreman for O’Fallon Township Road District to make improvements for the future.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue in my race is to improve the roads in the O’Fallon community which would help it grow and prosper. Many citizens have voiced that they would like to see the township add and expand the bicycle and shared use paths within the township. They have also shared that they would like to see the township maintain the safety of our community by installing stop lights, roundabouts, and signage at busy and dangerous intersections. If elected, I plan to represent the voters in my community.

Why should people vote for you? I ask that people vote for me because I’m a dependable, honest and hardworking individual. I’m a very personable person who’s willing to listen and talk with anyone about their concerns. I’m fiscally responsible, and I will respect the duties of the O’Fallon Township Highway Commissioner.

NAME: FRANK S. MORSKI

Age as of April 1, 2025: 77

Campaign website or social media page: Frank S. Morski (Facebook)

Office seeking: O’Fallon Township highway commissioner

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes City of O’Fallon Alderman (two terms) O’Fallon Township Trustee (two terms)

Occupation: Retired Licensed professional land surveyor

Education: BS Murray State University math physics w/minor industrial plant management, M. Ed. Univ. of Il Industrial technology Additional study in civil engineering at SIUE. Numerous continuing education courses Former instructor in construction management at former BAC now SWIC.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Active in St. Clare Catholic Church, Charter member of St. Clare School Board. Former member of O’Fallon Il Planning Commission and in October organized, collected and paid for delivery of 5 tons of essential supplies to flood victims in Erwin, Tenn. (Special thanks to citizens of O’Fallon for contributing supplies.)

Who are your top three campaign contributors? No contributors self-financed

Why are you running? The position of O’Fallon Township highway commissioner has two parts. The first part is the physical part that covers providing safe quality roads through adequate maintenance. The second part is the administrative side that covers the directing of services, setting budgets, acquiring materials, filing reports, bidding, negotiating and applying for grants.

I am running because I have extensive experience covering both parts of the job.

Education and Professional Credentials:

• BS Math & Physics w/ Industrial Tech. minor MSU 1970
• M Ed. Ind. Tech U of I 1973
• Civil engineering studies SIUE
• Taught construction management courses BAC
• Owned land surveying and design consulting business 40+ years
• Licensed professional land surveyor (Retired 2016)
• O’Fallon City Council two terms
• Chairman Streets Committee
• O’Fallon Township Board two terms
• O’Fallon Planning Commission two years
• Past President SW Chpt. Ill. Reg. Land Surveyors Assoc.
• Charter member St. Clare School Board

Accomplishments:

• Designed, staked, directed construction of numerous roads in So. Il
• W Hwy 50 widening project negotiations and funding
• Worked with numerous road commissioners in So. Il
• I-64 initial construction staking
• I-255 initial construction staking
• Owned, operated numerous types of heavy equipment
• Owned farming operation
• Owned snow removal business
• Filed numerous permits applications with EPA, IDOT, Etc.
• Expert witness for numerous court cases
• 40+ years of preparing legal documents

Goals:

• To continue to provide safe quality roads throughout the township
• Keep the existing staff of very qualified workers
• Improve safety for the workers and reduce costly workers’ comp claims
• Provide additional inservice training as needed for efficient safe equipment operation
• Initiate a yearbook to inform residents of road district activities
• Implement a comprehensive roadway mapping program to assist the workers

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My opponent has made experience the top issue so a comparison of my experience with his shows that I have far more experience across the board covering all aspects of the position of highway commissioner. He may have some experience in the physical aspects of maintaining the roads but that is only a small portion of the job. The administrative side is a very important part of this position and here I have much much more experience than my opponent.

I also believe there are issues in the administrative side that need to be addressed. The use of outside consultants needs to be reviewed as well as some of the past methods of acquiring goods and services. There are numerous rules, regulations and laws that need to be complied with and this is one of the areas that needs attention.

Why should people vote for you? A vote for me is a vote for a person that has been elected to several position over the years and has demonstrated that I can be a valuable asset to the community because of my knowledge, experience and dedication to the people that elected me.

Stookey Township Supervisor

NAME: MARK P. BAGBY

Age as of April 1, 2025: 47

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/StookeyProgress/

Office seeking: Stookey Township supervisor

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Stookey Township trustee 2017, Stookey Township supervisor 2021

Occupation: President of Emergency Planning Solutions

Education: Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University; Master of Science from Saint Louis University; numerous trainings in township government

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I served our citizens for 22 years as a volunteer firefighter in Stookey Township as well as St Clair Special Emergency Services. As township supervisor I have worked to increase transparency, create budgets and fiscal policies to protect taxpayer money, and made smart investments with funds that have netted over $320,000 in interest so that we haven’t had to raise taxes to complete projects or buy much needed highway equipment. I have written multiple grants to defray costs to improve our parks ($303,000). I developed a 15-yr strategic plan to improve and replace our aging sewer system that was installed in the 1960s and 1970s. I led multiple projects to repair and modernize our offices and township hall so that it is more user friendly and available to rent out or use for community organizations and neighborhood groups. In coordination with an Eagle Scout project, we erected a monument to honor our military and first responders at Stookey Park. Under my leadership, a 1.2 megawatt solar plant was built to power our wastewater treatment plant that will save us $3 million in energy costs. We put forth a referendum that was passed by voters to institute a single township-wide trash hauler that is saving each family an average of $125 a year and is creating less wear and tear on our roads. With assistance from Al Scharf, we have cleaned up hundreds of derelict properties within the township and started the demolition process on many.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Mark Bagby, Al Scharf, Brad Lego

Why are you running? I live in the township with my family. I pay taxes in the township. Four years ago I ran because our tax dollars were being mismanaged, our park, sewers and streets were crumbling and there was no planning to correct it. There was little preventative maintenance, so it became more expense to fix or replace items. Much progress has been made, but I believe that there is still more that can be done, and I want to do it.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Top issue in race & how to address: Aging sewer system. I have developed a 15-year strategic plan that the current board approved and that puts us on a realistic pathway to replacing and repairing our sewer system based on the greatest need and without raising sewer rates in the near future. Illinois American Water has made attempts in the area to purchase sewer systems and then more than double the rates. I have shown that we can provide a higher level of service at a fraction of the cost.

Why should people vote for you? I have worked to create realistic budgets and have come in under budget for the past four years. With sound investment strategies, I have brought in enough interest income so that this next tax levy is the lowest in decades (3.3%). I listen to all viewpoints and treat citizens and vendors with respect. I ensure that we are following the laws of Illinois. I also created multiple committees that include Stookey Township citizens to share their ideas and concerns. These include Parks & Rec, Law Enforcement, Lighting & Zoning, Stookey Parks NFP and the Decennial Report Committees. I have worked with our neighborhood groups to increase sheriff patrols to deter crime as well as the Drug Task Force Unit to bust numerous drug houses and make arrests. I care about the township, our services and our people! Myself and the Stookey Progress Party have shown that progress in the township can be done!

NAME: RYAN STOOKEY

Age as of April 1, 2025: 47

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571586221413

Office seeking: Stookey Township supervisor

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Stookey Township trustee, IL state representative (District 114) and County Board (District 17)

Occupation: Financial advisor

Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, SIU-C

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Our Lady Queen of Peace School Board President (2022 - present), QP Fish fry team member, soccer & track coach, Powder Creek Improvement Association President (2024 - present)

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Ryan Stookey

Why are you running? As a sixth-generation Stookey Township resident with a family history of civic involvement, I was compelled to run for Stookey Township Supervisor after hearing too many concerns from residents that fell on deaf ears.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue is fiscal responsibility and transparency in Stookey Township. I am committed to managing taxpayers funds responsibly, maintain open lines of communication, actively listen to residents’ feedback and concerns and actively work collaboratively towards solutions - all with respect, kindness and understanding.

Why should people vote for you? I am a servant leader, committed to managing taxpayers funds responsibly, maintain open lines of communication, actively listen to residents’ feedback and concerns and actively work collaboratively towards solutions - all with respect, kindness and understanding.

Sugar Loaf Township Trustee

You can vote for four candidates in this election.

NAME: SHERYL “SHERRI” LaCROIX

Age as of April 1, 2025: 69

Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Sherri LaCroix for Sugarloaf Township Board

Office seeking: Sugar Loaf Township Trustee

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Registered Nurse wound care/foot care speciality (retired)

Education: Master’s degree nursing education

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: At present I am the secretary at Columbia Sportsman’s Club and past sergeant at arms. I am a Sacred Heart Catholic Church parish board member. While working, I was part of a team who completed health fairs in the communities of East Carondelet, East St. Louis, Washington Park and Cahokia to teach healthy lifestyles especially in consideration to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and medication management.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? I have always been involved to some degree in the happenings of my community but since retirement I have more time to devote to my civic duty. I will be dedicated to serving Sugar Loaf Township and address their needs and concerns while still maintaining to stay within a given budget.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? At present there is an issue on the table of an increase of sewer rates directly to village of Dupo from Sugar Loaf Township sewer consumers. The rate is substantial and as I know everything is going up, we can’t raise the sewer rates so high that the people of Sugar Loaf Township and Dupo can’t afford to pay. I hope to be able to be a part of a mutual understanding between the village of Dupo and Sugar Loaf Township that would not skyrocket the rates to the people.

Why should people vote for you? I am a lifelong resident of the area growing up in Dupo and living in East Carondelet for the past 40 years, so I do know the area. Throughout my nursing career I have learned how to handle stress, be a good listener, meet deadlines, and stay accountable. I promise to maintain open lines of communication and actively engage with the community to ensure their voices are heard. I am also a beekeeper and know that you have to work together to succeed, just like a hive.

I am a lifelong learner, and although I don’t know the process of this position, I will learn it and do my very best to be open and honest.

This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 2:00 AM with the headline "2025 BND Voter Guide: Candidates running in metro-east township elections."