Dennis Weygandt, candidate for City Council Ward 7 in Belleville, IL
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More on the election for Belleville City Council Ward 7
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Name: Dennis Weygandt
Political party (if applicable): Independent
Age as of April 6, 2021: 73
Campaign website or social media page: 7th Ward of Belleville, IL on Facebook
Office seeking: Alderman Ward 7
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Previous offices sought: Won Ward 7 Alderman last election 2017
Occupation: Retired
Education: High school
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Food drives, Moonlight Ride volunteer, helping disabled veteran with volunteers I lined up, assisting constituents with issues in the Ward. I serve on the Finance Committee and Streets & Grades Committee.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None
Why are you running? I have lived in Ward 7 my whole life, it is important to me that problems get solved and in a timely manner. This is a great Ward and I want to be a part of keeping it that way.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Getting the spaces filled in Ward 7 shopping centers that have been vacated. Progress has been made with Club Fitness, Smoothie King, Ashley Storage, CubeSmart and coming soon A&W. But there’s still much work to be done and I’m prepared to get it done.
Why should people vote for you? When I am called by a constituent with an issue, I work on the answers right away and always get back in touch with them. In voting for me, you have someone who will stand up for you.
Belleville Tax Increment Finance District 3, or TIF 3, is expiring this year. Do you agree with the proposal to extend the expiration date for another 12 years? Why/why not? Yes, the TIF money is important for improving infrastructure and such in District 3.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on parts of Belleville’s economy. How would you grade the city’s response and, if you are elected, what would you do to help businesses and residents? The city did a good job with keeping the budget in line. Worked with area businesses with grants and street closures. Doing all we could to promote eating local and getting carry outs to help these businesses stay afloat.
What is your opinion of how the Belleville Police Department handles public safety in the city? Do you think the city needs more or fewer police officers? If you want additional officers, how would you fund that cost? The Belleville Police Department is doing a great job. There’s probably always a need for more police officers however, with the restrictions we have due to COVID it probably isn’t realistic right now.
Belleville has offered various tax incentives to support businesses in recent years. What are your plans to increase economic development in the city and how would you use tax incentives? I would use it in my Ward to get the remaining spaces filled in shopping centers that have vacancies. The way the tax incentives are used, if used, would be based on the needs of the company wanting to take the space, they may or may not ask for any tax incentives. Creating jobs and tax revenue for the city is the most important thing that can be done.
This story was originally published February 25, 2021 at 1:02 AM.