St. Clair County candidates featured in the BND Voter Guide

Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for St. Clair County races in the Nov. 8 election in Illinois.

The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running for clerk, circuit clerk, sheriff, treasurer, board of review and county board seats in contested races and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.

While this article has information about St. Clair County candidates, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running for governor, Congress and seats in other counties.

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

St. Clair County Board District 1

NAME: ROBERT ALLEN JR.

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 59

Campaign website or social media page: Robert Allen Jr. St. Clair County Board District #1

Office seeking: County Board District 1

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes, County Board in 2014 and 2018

Occupation: Fairmont City Fire Chief, Fairmont City, Caseyville, Brooklyn Enterprise Zone Administrator, Fairmont City EMA Director.

Education: Holy Rosary Catholic Grade School 1977, Chaminade College Prep 1981, Ranken Technical College 1983

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Long time Holy Rosary Catholic Church Trustee. Holy Rosary Church Parade Committee Chair. Committee member annual Fairmont City Bottlecap Tournament. Chair of the annual Justin Markezich Memorial Golf Tournament. Co-chair of the annual Holy Rosary Golf Classic. Founder and chair of the annual Fairmont City Fire Dept Toy Drive. Secretary of St. Clair Special Emergency Services, Metro Counties Mutual Aid Group, St. Clair-Monroe Counties Fire Chief’s Association, and Illinois Mabas Division 32.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Ironworkers Local #392, Speedway Salvage, Ceres Consulting

Why are you running? I love helping people in my county board district. I haven’t missed a county board meeting since coming on the board in April 2013. I enjoy public service and want to keep working for the citizens of this county board district.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? Keeping taxes in check and improving our infrastructure and flooding issues. I will continue to vote on keeping taxes low while seeking additional grant opportunities for our area.

Why should people vote for you? I have both small business and public sector experience. I have always gone hands-on to find solutions and to fix problems. I have a great relationship with the other elected officials, including the mayors of Caseyville and Fairmont City. My experience and committee assignments have resulted in new grants and good workforce development (Tyson Foods, etc.) in County Board District #1.

NAME: RICK CASEY

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 44

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board Member District #1

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Caseyville Village Trustee: 2005-2009, 2011-2015; St. Clair County Board Member District #29: 2020-2022 (district was drawn out)

Occupation: Operations Manager

Education: High school diploma with some college

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Caseyville Neighbors Helping Neighbors Co-founder

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have not taken campaign contributions from anyone.

Why are you running? I have a genuine want to help people navigate and assist, as much as possible, the workings of government in order to ensure they know of all the programs that may be available to them from protesting property taxes, filing for homestead exemptions, senior freezes on property taxes, where to get documents they may need, and to have a voice of all the workings happening that the St. Clair County Board provides oversight for.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? Part of my district encountered flooding in Caseyville because of levee issues and it giving way. This levee needs to be reinforced, maintained, along with upgrading the drainage on the streets in the low lying areas to a pumping system when needed. The property taxes are becoming outrageous. The dollar isn’t going nearly as far already and there is no relief in sight of our property taxes going down. We need to tighten spending in the hopes of at least giving some relief to property owners. We also need to try and adjust the Senior Freeze Exemption age for it to be lowered as most are on a fixed income earlier than when they can file for this particular freeze.

Why should people vote for you? I consider myself very knowledgeable in the workings of government who also will speak up when the time comes instead of being an automatic yes vote. I am easily accessible to the constituents of my current District #29, which has been drawn out and no longer exists after November’s election due to redistricting, and would be the same way if the voters consider me worthy enough to represent them in District #1. I will always give a person an answer. You may not like the answer, but you will get one instead of getting the runaround or blown off as some elected officials tend to do. Some forget where they come from once they get a little political clout but I am not of that pedigree. I do not need to be a career elected official to still want to help people when I am able to. Whether I am holding a political office or not, I still help and advocate where I can.

St. Clair County Board District 2

NAME: CARY MATHEWS

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 42

Campaign website or social media page: cm4cb.carymathews.info

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board District 2

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) I ran for Belleville Alderman in 2009.

Occupation: DoD Contractor

Education: I earned my B.S. in computer science from Abilene Christian University and am pursuing a M.S. in cybersecurity from Georgia Tech.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’ve served as a Republican precinct committeeman since 2021. I have two children in middle school, one in elementary school and one in kindergarten and am committed to being involved in their education and extracurricular activities.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? My campaign has been primarily self-funded. I have received contributions from my mother, who has supported all my activities, and from Doug Jameson, who is running for Board of Review.

Why are you running? St. Clair voters do not typically have a choice on their ballots. I felt compelled to run for county board to give voters a choice in bringing new perspectives to county operations. The current path Democrats are leading our nation and our state down is not progress; Illinoisan and St. Clair County lives are not improving under Democrat policies. I am one person willing to work with others to change our direction, with a focus on making the lives of the families and children of our county better than they were before.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? The most common issues raised by voters in District 2 as I’ve talked with them are 1) taxes and 2) traffic safety. Property taxes continue to rise, even as inflation consumes families’ wages and savings. The county board has minimal influence on the budgets of other taxing bodies, but as a county board member, I am committed to ensuring residents’ taxes are assessed fairly. Many residents are concerned about the speed at which vehicles drive through or by their neighborhoods and have recounted accidents which they have seen or experienced. I want to work with the municipalities in District 2 to ensure that our residents do not fear traffic by their homes.

Why should people vote for you? I am one of 26 Republican candidates who will be on voters’ ballots this fall. By voting for me, or one of the other Republican candidates, voters will say, “We want something better than what we had. We need to move forward, not keep the status quo. We must have accountability from those we elect.” Democrats have controlled St. Clair County for decades as “officials.” By voting for me, people will be electing a “representative” to the county board.

NAME: GW SCOTT JR

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 46

Campaign website or social media page: Friends of GW Scott Jr. Candidate for St. Clair County Board Dist 2

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board Member District #2

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Laborer

Education: Some college

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Volunteer firefighter for 27 years

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Steamfitters Local #439, Electricians Local #309, Iron Workers Local #392

Why are you running? To be the voice for my district who will listen and give you my dedicated time in all that I do.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them?

Road maintenance—work with local leaders in their communities to keep roads maintained.

Unattended and abandoned properties—staying on top of these types of buildings to make sure they are watched for unauthorized occupants as well as kept up to ordinance code while waiting on the owners next step.

Why should people vote for you? Being a lifelong resident of this area I am very familiar with the district I am running in. Whether it be the business, residential or rural parts I can honestly call this place home. I promise to represent each and every one of you as well as being a leader for this district.

St. Clair County Board District 6

NAME: JASON MADLOCK

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 35

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: County Board

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) House Seat 114 and St. Clair County Regional School Board Trustee

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Education: RMU of Springfield

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Improved voter turnouts, public awareness and also knowledge for those who are interested in becoming public servants.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I decline any funds for my campaigns.

Why are you running? To bring new blood and new ideas into a county that has such a rich history.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? County spending, and overall awareness of what the area itself wants based off the needs and wants of the citizens.

Why should people vote for you? Because it’s time to not only make your voice heard, but also for your voice to have action.

Did not respond

Marty Crawford, the Democratic candidate in St. Clair County Board District 6, did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

St. Clair County Board District 7

NAME: JESSICA MCCLELLAND

Political party: Republican Party

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 57

Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/JessicaMcClellandforCBD7

Office seeking: County Board District 7

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes, I have been a Precinct Committeeman in Centreville Township 11 for two terms.

Occupation: Office manager, Lifetime Executive/Administrative Assistant by trade.

Education: High school graduate

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Two-term precinct committeeman and activist. Election judge and poll watcher multiple times. I’ve been exposing the wrongdoings of what is occurring with our local government in Cahokia for upwards of 10 years. I would like to continue to work for you at a county level. I want to speak to you and work with you to discuss issues and solutions. When was the last time a county official asked your opinion?

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Grass roots movement - small donations.

Why are you running? I am running because I’m motivated to work for what is in the best interest of the people. It is in my blood. I’ve seen so much corruption. I can’t look the other way. I have seen administrations that are entirely too top-heavy, along with wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars. I am a taxpayer too. I am you. I will work to do the right thing in my heart and conscious for the people. Too often our leaders and officials forget they’re here to help the residents, not just help themselves. I’m running to stand up for the people and give them a voice.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Crime and economic concern for residents of the county

Why should people vote for you? I care wholeheartedly about my hometown and the county I reside in. I care about fairness in government. I care about the people and their well-being. I care about their children, grandchildren, and the future generations to come. I am not a politician and will never be, I will continue to work to be a loyal and faithful public servant to my constituents. I want to work to make a true difference and improve the lives of our residents. I kindly ask for your vote on November 8th.

Did not respond

Courtney Moore, the Democratic candidate in St. Clair County Board District 7, did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

St. Clair County Board District 8

NAME: STEVE GOMRIC

Political party: Democratic Party

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 50

Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/steve.gomric or facebook.com/VoteGomric

Office seeking: County board

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes - St. Clair County (Board Member), Stookey Township (Trustee and Road Commissioner)

Occupation: Chief Operating Officer for The Perfect Mound and Vice President of the Gateway Grizzlies

Education: 1990 graduate of Althoff High School, attended University of Illinois and McKendree University

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am an active member of the county board. I sit on four committees: Finance, Judiciary, Public Safety and Parks and Rec. I am a believer that government should be run like a business, that we should strive for financial savings, so my highlights are mainly when we as governing bodies found those savings.

As a member of the Finance Committee, we recently helped refinance St. Clair County bonds. This refinance will save taxpayers millions of dollars every year.

A decade ago, as a member of the Stookey Township Board, I helped negotiate a reduced scope of work with the State of Illinois EPA department. The township still got a new facility, but by helping reduce the scope and cutting construction cost, we ultimately saved taxpayers over $14 million from the state’s original demands.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Currently self-funded

Why are you running? I am running for county board to make a difference in our community. I have raised my children here, and I hope to raise grandchildren here. I’m running because I care about my community. This is my home, and I care about its future.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them?

MidAmerica Airport growth is an issue. Ten years ago, I supported the airport (when it wasn’t popular to do so). Since that time, MidAmerica is one of the fastest growing airports in the country. Boeing has moved business operations to the airport. Over 200,000 people will fly using MidAmerica in 2022, and those numbers are growing every year. Since I have been on the county board, the parking lot at the airport has been expanded three times. We are currently adding two new gates and improvements to the runway. This type of growth requires investment. While most of these improvements have been covered by federal and state grants, the county may have to fund some of them as well. Like I did a decade ago, I will support investment in MidAmerica Airport.

Improved infrastructure will be an issue for the county. Road improvements, bridge improvements, watershed improvements and park improvements are all issues the county will have to deal with in the near future. I will support the investment into our infrastructure.

Why should people vote for you? I want to bring business experience and practices to government. I want safe neighborhoods, park improvements, solid infrastructure, efficient government and smart planning for our future.

NAME: JAMIE WHITE

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 49

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: County Board Member District 8

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Small business owner

Education: Bachelor’s degree SIUE

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Business owner; proud sponsor of many grade school, high school and local fundraisers; member of Chamber of Commerce; and a Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR)

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? As a small business owner and a property owner in District 8, I have a vested interest in the development of our community.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? Property taxes and neighborhood safety. I would find some common ground with my fellow board members to generate revenue without unnecessary property tax increases. There are times that warrant increases and when the community can see and understand where that money is being spent there can be community support for those increases.

Crime is difficult to tackle. There needs to be a team effort between community and police. Transparency is crucial. The police need to be able to enforce laws and have capable equipment. There have to be deterrents to stop criminals from engaging in illegal activity.

Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I have a property and a business in District 8, which makes it a vested interest for me. I want to have a positive input in the community I am a part of and a voice for constituents like myself.

St. Clair County Board District 9

NAME: SAMANTHA KERTH

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: I am the younger candidate

Campaign website or social media page: None

Office seeking: County Board District 9

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Attorney with over 30 years working and living in St. Clair County

Education: St. Louis University B.S. and SIU-C Juris Doctorate

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have contributed substantial pro bono legal work to our community.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? My family has lived in St. Clair County for more than 150 years. All of my life I have seen our community deteriorating. The politicians, including my opponent, that have run this county for decades have put their self interest above the needs of our community. It is time for a change. It is time to put the needs of our community first.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? We need to bring economic growth into our community. St. Clair County should be a place where people want to visit, live, and work. With positive growth in our community, we would have lower taxes, better schools and less crime. We are minutes from St. Louis but people prefer to drive an hour or more from west of St. Louis for work. Our current politicians have failed us. It is time for change.

Why should people vote for you? My motivation for serving on the County Board is to represent our citizens and make our community better. I am extremely honest, ethical and hardworking. I am very independent minded but am willing to compromise to get the best solutions available. I am blessed with the ability to comprehend complex issues and see important issues from multiple perspectives.

Did not respond

Ken Easterly, the Democratic candidate in St. Clair County Board District 9, did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

St. Clair County Board District 10

NAME: SCOTT GREENWALD

Political party: Democratic

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 56

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: County Board District 10

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) County Board District 10, formerly District 28. City of Fairview Heights Alderman 2011-2015. Precinct Committeeman since 2015.

Occupation: Small business owner in Fairview Heights

Education: I completed my education in Missouri and attended Meramec College

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Active throughout the community supporting and volunteering at local events including FH Homecoming, Fall Festival, WingFest, Supporter of Midwest Salute, Humane Society, programs for those with disabilities, local community litter pickup programs, assist local seniors and veterans. Active in the Fairview Heights Elks and local food drives for the food pantry.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I personally provide my primary election funding.

Why are you running? I have always believed it’s important to give back to the communities in which you live by working to help individuals, support local programs, and work with people to help better our community. In my role both as an alderman in Fairview Heights and as your county board member for St. Clair County, it has always been my priority to talk to my constituents and understand the things that are important to them, and focus on the things that we need to do to better our community.

Top priorities for me as a county board member are working to lower taxes for the working class, provide transparency in government, focus on programs for the people of my district and the county, especially during these challenging times that we all live in today. As a working class individual I certainly understand the challenges that our residents face, and as their representative it is my responsibility each and every day to work to ensure that as a board member, we are doing things to better our community, reduce the tax burden on our citizens and take the steps to create jobs and opportunities to ensure our future.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? First issue is reducing tax burden on our residents. In these challenging times our citizens work hard to earn a living and working as a district board representative, on the county as I did in the city, it’s ensuring that each and every dollar that our residents are paying are being used properly to provide services and programs and support our communities.

Secondly, I believe the way we get things done is through listening to people and working together to better our communities. As a county board member, my job is to support all of the residents of my district, regardless of political party or personal affiliation, and to work together on the things that are important for the citizens I represent, and the citizens of St. Clair County. Listening to people is critical both as a small business owner and a representative of the district. As a county board member, I have walked nearly every street in my district and talked to residents. Everyone has different priorities at the end of day. It comes down to understanding what is important to the needs of those that you serve, as I did also when I was an alderman. It has always been important to me to work together. Today I maintain relationships with my fellow county board members, elected officials in Caseyville and Fairview Heights, as well as Caseyville Township and Canteen Township officials, to make sure we are all addressing the needs of those in our community.

Why should people vote for you? As someone who has served the Fairview Heights and Caseyville area as an elected official for over 10 years, I have learned the things that are important to the people I serve through direct engagement, meetings with citizens, participation in local events, engagement with local law enforcement: Most of all staying focused on the priorities, which are lowering taxes, improving infrastructure and public services, both for seniors and veterans, while also developing enhancements to improve quality of life, increase property values, and supporting programs, such as bike trails, and public safety programs and transportation programs.

Like you, I am a taxpayer and I chose to get active in local government to make a difference, and I feel that in the time I have served both as an alderman and a county board member, I’ve been able to positively affect change, and look forward to continuing to serve the residents of St. Clair County Board District 10. I would ask for your support in the upcoming election to enable me to continue to serve as your county board representative.

NAME: DAVID P. LOEBNER

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 51

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board #10

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Maintenance planner/coordinator

Education: Mechanical engineering of marine propulsion and electrical power generation degree

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: U.S. Navy ret., Fairview Heights Civilian Police Academy, Republican Precinct Committeeman, and lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and NRA

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded

Why are you running? Elected officials have consistently turned their backs on We The People and seem to operate with an attitude that we work for them when in fact they work for us. I want to bring integrity and accountability back to our governmental institutions.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? The top two issues in St. Clair County are rising violent crime and a floundering economy. Many citizens in St. Clair County no longer feel safe in their neighborhoods, and the problem is expected to worsen on Jan. 1, 2023 when Gov. Pritzker’s SAFE-T goes into full effect, requiring no bail for violent crimes, including second-degree murder, kidnapping, arson and more. I will address violent crime in St. Clair County by ensuring police are properly funded so they have all the tools necessary to address this issue.

With record-high prices on gas, food, medical care, utilities, housing and more, we cannot afford our taxes to be spent on frivolous programs or padding the pockets of politicians. As a County Board member, Dist. 10, I will fight for sensible budgets that eliminate wasteful spending and divert resources to common sense programs and policies.

Why should people vote for you? I am not a politician. I am an average working man who knows right from wrong and how to apply common-sense values. I will do the right, hard things, even when it is not popular to do so, and stand in the breach when our citizens are attacked by politicians who intend to destroy our communities. I have served, I will be of service.

St. Clair County Board District 11

NAME: KENNETH G. SHARKEY

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 63

Campaign website or social media page: None

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board Member District 11

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) St. Clair County Board District 27

Occupation: Executive management

Education: Bachelor of arts degree McKendree University - graduated with high honors

Please list highlights of your civic involvement:

Service on Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission. Emphasis on professional training of law enforcement officers.

Chairman of the County Economic Development Committee.

Chairman of the Labor and Management Committee.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I do not hold any fundraisers. I do not accept financial contributions from individuals or businesses. Campaign is self-funded.

Why are you running? St. Clair County is my home, and home is heartfelt. St. Clair County is a home where my wife, Mary, and I were raised. A home where we raised our own family. My goal is to keep St. Clair County a great home for not only residents but businesses alike. We need a vibrant place for employers to locate or to stay to grow their business. This home will enable our children and grandchildren to remain close to the family. Investments in parks, bike and walking trails, roads and other quality life amenities are key to sustaining neighborhoods in our community. During my public service, I have demonstrated the ability to work with citizens and other leaders to achieve positive results for our community. Public spaces and places are critical to the continued growth and vibrancy of the area we call home. This work of public service is a rewarding endeavor for anyone committed to giving back to their community. I am committed to giving back.

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

1. Real estate property tax is always a top issue. Citizens work hard to maintain a home or business. Real estate taxes cannot be elevated to levels unsustainable for people or businesses’ ability to pay.

As a member of the St. Clair County Board, I always supported balanced budgets and never supported deficit spending. I supported tax abatement when revenues rise above expected levels, which then provides tax relief to homeowners and businesses.

2. Keeping Scott Air Force Base in our community for the long-term growth of St. Clair County.

Scott Air Force Base has provided St. Clair County a pipeline of good jobs and is a financial engine in our community. We are fortunate to have so many people arriving at Scott Air Force Base who choose to remain in St. Clair County when their service to our country is completed.

As a member of the St. Clair County Board, I supported a joint-use effort in growing MidAmerica Airport. A new runway, air traffic control tower and refueling station were built for Scott Air Force Base to share with MidAmerica Airport. As a leader in St. Clair County, I work with other elected officials and support a close working relationship with Scott Air Force leaders. In my current role, I have helped to bring state dollars to our region to ensure access to this area with an extension of light rail. This relationship fosters teamwork to resolve issues that may negatively impact the continued growth of Scott Air Force Base.

Why should people vote for you? I have a proven track record of delivering service to our community.

I was instrumental in the reclamation of a 200-acre abandoned coal mine which was then turned into a beautiful St. Ellen County Park. This urban park is enjoyed by many people of all ages.

I am proud of the continued widening of Frank Scott Parkway. In my current term as a county board member, Frank Scott Parkway was widened from Highway 159 to Old Collinsville Road. Now Scott Frank Parkway is currently being widened from Old Collinsville Road to Green Mount Road in Shiloh.

My previous support for MidAmerica Airport has led to Boeing constructing nine new buildings near the airport, providing 300 new high paying jobs.

I have been able to work with local leaders to provide miles of new bike and walking trails for people to remain active and healthy. Earlier this year, a new one-mile trail was added to St. Ellen Park, connecting neighborhoods, schools and grocery shopping. This was accomplished with partnerships with Caseyville Township and the city of O’Fallon.

I am accessible and responsive to citizens’ concerns and priorities.

St. Clair County is my home. It is your home. Elect me to ensure our home is active, vibrant, safe and financially stable. Don’t we all want homes like that?

NAME: BRIAN E. SIMMONS

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 44

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board Member District 11

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes. Caseyville 23 Republican precinct committeeperson, June 28, 2022

Occupation: Bank branch manager

Education: University of Mississippi, bachelor’s of business administration (BBA), managerial finance

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Precinct committeeman since April 2022

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? I would like to take my financial acumen to the county board to promote fiscal responsibility on behalf of my constituents.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them?

Taxes: I will apply my conservative values and fiscal responsibility to promote lower taxes throughout St. Clair County.

Crime: I will advocate for financial support of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department in order to fight crime and promote safety throughout the county. The entire country is facing unprecedented crime, and it must be addressed on the local level.

Why should people vote for you? I am a resident of Fairview Heights that wants to ensure that we have a government of the people that works for the people of St. Clair County. We must have fiscal responsibility within the government just as we do within our households. My only political ties are to the GOP Party, and I have no outside interests that will be lobbying for their interests over those of my constituents.

St. Clair County Board District 12

NAME: PATTY KUBITSCHEK

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 75

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board, District 12, Precinct 8

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) I am a teacher, not a politician.

Occupation: I am currently a supervisor of the latchkey program at Blessed Sacrament School for the Diocese of Belleville. I was an adjunct faculty member for Lindenwood University teaching contemporary world regional geography to many foreign exchange athletes for five years and I was an adjunct faculty member for 17 semesters teaching principles of geography for Harris-Stowe State University. In addition, I facilitated groups at the SMARTS Program at Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital working with our MISA clients who were mentally ill substance abusers. Many were adjudicated to our program by the 20th Judicial Circuit. I conducted alcohol/drug programming as a program specialist for comprehensive mental health, now referred to as Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center in East St. Louis, Alorton, Centreville, Cahokia, Brooklyn, Venice and Washington Park.

Education: I have an A.A from Parkland College, a B.A. and an M.S.T. (Master of Science in Teaching) from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana Campus. I have hundreds of hours in prevention training from Prevention First in Springfield.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: While I was a program coordinator and specialist with the Youth D.U.I. Prevention Program with the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education, I delivered programming in almost every school in the county and have worked in Belleville, Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, Shiloh, Scott Air Force Base, Freeburg, New Athens, Mascoutah, Marissa, East Carondelet, Cahokia, Dupo, Alorton, Centreville, Sauget, East St. Louis, Brooklyn, Venice, Washington Park and Fairmont City. I co-organized the Mascoutah S.A.D.D. Conferences, directed plays with students from the teen center at the Prevention Preview in Mt. Vernon and for business organizations, orchestrated mock crashes for East St. Louis Senior High School, New Athens High School and for the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center, co-organized Red Ribbon Rallies, conducted special programming for East St. Louis, Cahokia and Brooklyn Churches and Parent/Teacher Organizations.

I tutored privately and for Comprehensive Mental Health and for Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House and the Mary Brown Center for At-Risk Students in East St. Louis, Cahokia and Washington Park. For 23 years, I delivered alcohol and other drug prevention for the Family Assistance Program for the parents of children from Belleville East and West High Schools and West Jr. High who were caught using alcohol and or other drugs. Both parents and their children attended these programs. I worked in conjunction with the Illinois State Police and the East St. Louis and Fairview Heights Police Departments’ Youth Police Academies and was an attendee for the School Administrator/Police Officer Training Programs and conference planned with the ISP for the Methamphetamine and Other Drugs Conference Planning Committee for eight years. I also met with the judges and Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission regarding setting up a drug court in St. Clair County.

I sang gospel with The Voices of Joy, God’s Chosen Few, went on a gospel hayride and lock-in with students from St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Brooklyn, as well as delivering many costumed presentations with my puppets. I also worked with the faith based community.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have not asked for nor have I received any contributions. I am running on my professional and civic involvement record for public service.

Why are you running? I have lived in St. Clair County for most of my life and with my background in geography, history, political science and urban and regional planning, I believe that I am highly qualified to guide decision making in a positive direction.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? The top two issues in my race are community safety, which includes Illinois being designated as a Sanctuary State, crime, drug sales and use, mental health issues and mentally ill substance abusers, community policing and the SAFE-T Act, which goes into effect the first of the year, and fiscal responsibility and property tax reduction and use of TIF (Tax Increment Financing) districts.

I would handle these issues by meeting with various representatives from law enforcement, the judiciary, school administrators, clergy, the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education, mental health and drug rehabilitation and juvenile detention to see where we could do lateral shifting of funds to more effectively provide for necessary services while cutting out waste. I would encourage collaboration among various agencies to streamline programs and increase efficiency and productivity.

I would immediately work to repeal the SAFE-T Act, which will protect criminals and persecute victims. It will render citizens unsafe and law enforcement will be unable to protect the public effectively and put them and our communities at great risk of harm.

Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I am honest, ethical and reliable. I have always dedicated myself to professional excellence and have performed above and beyond the call of duty. I am familiar with the entire county, the governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, as well as the faith based community. Having worked under many grants, I have experience with writing grants and with strategic planning and have enjoyed working with diverse ethnic backgrounds and I also conducted the Illinois Youth Survey to obtain prevention funding, as well as working with the C.H.O.I.C.E. group (Choosing Healthy Options Involving Community Education) at Southwestern Illinois College. Our group jointly wrote the Communities Can! grant and were successful in receiving funding for a three year period of time for prevention efforts and received over a quarter of a million dollars and received recognition from the governor of the state of Illinois. I wrote a grant to bring the Chrysler/Neon Drunk Driving Simulator to Southwestern Illinois College and brought truck safety programs into the schools.

I organized the first two Youth DUI Prevention/Hispanic Safe Communities Conferences and served on the board of directors for the Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis, as well as working with the Latino Round Table and organizing one of the Immigrants In Our Midst Conferences, which was held at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Persons who are citizens and are voting need to be aware that I am a fiscal conservative, who believes in protecting children, safe communities and schools and supporting law enforcement, reducing over regulation and over taxation for businesses, reducing property taxes for seniors, and election integrity.

Did not respond

C. Richard Vernier, the Democratic candidate in St. Clair County Board District 12, did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

St. Clair County Board District 14

NAME: BOB TRENTMAN

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 57

Campaign website or social media page: Robert Trentman Facebook

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board District 14

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) St. Clair County Board, St. Clair Township Trustee and Highway Commissioner

Occupation: Highway commissioner, union hod carrier/laborer

Education: BTHW, Freeburg Community High School 1983, BAC, Bailey Technical School auto/diesel mechanics, training courses through Laborers Union 459

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Helping area animal rescue organizations; Miles Davis House East St. Louis; Bombas Sock Giving Partner have socks, will deliver to needy families and homeless; enjoy giving fall hayrides around the area.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Myself, union organizations, Democrat Party

Why are you running? To continue helping area families and rescue organizations. Not a big fan of red tape so getting things done sooner than later is better. If anyone needs something, get ahold of me.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them?

Scott Air Force Base/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport/Boeing: Supporting the proper development in this area makes for good paying jobs during and after construction. The proper vision keeps St. Clair County as one of the top transportation hubs in the country.

Making sure families have safe neighborhoods to raise their children in and every dog and cat finds a home: Answer, talk with residents and rescue organizations, see what they need and make yourself available. Follow through.

Why should people vote for you? Been around for a little bit and enjoy helping families best I can.

NAME: JIM WILSON

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 77

Campaign website or social media page: None

Office seeking: County Board District #14

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Elected to the St. Clair County Board of Review, 2014, St. Clair Township Assessor

Occupation: Self-employed; real estate appraiser

Education: Master’s degree in public administration

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Involved in numerous civic activities with Rotary Club of Swansea, especially our Flag Program; served as president of the Veterans for Wolf Branch Committee to raise funds for the new Veterans Plaza at the Wolf Branch Middle School; active member of the Belleville/Swansea American Legion Post 2007, and Belleville VFW Post 1739.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-financing - no contributors

Why are you running? I believe the two-party system of government is most effective; we do not have that in St. Clair County, the Democrats control everything. I am running to bring some Republican representation and political balance to our county government.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? 1.) Economic growth; District #14 is a mirror image of the county as a whole, while some parts are prospering other parts are in decline. I will work hard to ensure that the parts of Belleville, Swansea, Shiloh, and unincorporated areas within District #14 receive their fair share of county funds for economic revitalization, infrastructure, and safety. 2.) Crime is out of control and is expected to get worse when the SAFE-T Act goes into effect on January 1, 2023. I will work hard to ensure that the County Board is actively involved in providing additional support for all law enforcement agencies throughout the county.

Why should people vote for you? I believe it’s time for political change in St. Clair County and that I have the necessary education, background, and work experience to effectively represent the people who live and work within County Board District #14.

St. Clair County Board District 15

NAME: JERRY DINGES

Political party: Democratic

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: Did not answer

Campaign website or social media page: None

Office seeking: County Board District 15

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Did not answer

Occupation: Car dealer/camper dealer

Education: Belleville Area College

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I started neighborhood watches when I was an alderman.

I presently serve on the following committees:

Public Safety – Chairman

Veterans Assistance – Liaison

Economic Development Comm – Assistant Chairman

Labor Management

Southwestern Plan Commission

Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission – Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Me and the Committee to Elect Dinges

Why are you running? I am running to represent our neighborhood on the St. Clair County Board.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them?

Security – We are currently addressing them

Jobs – Example: Boeing Company at MidAmerica Airport

State Police new headquarters East St. Louis

Belleville Police and Corrections Office Training

Tyson Foods and many more

Why should people vote for you? I believe that when you elected me to represent you and your family’s best interest on the county board, your expectations were high. That’s why I have made it my mission to know the concerns of the families in my district and to always be there for them. I’m proud of the work I’ve done to improve our neighborhood and our county. I’m also proud of the people I represent who know my name, my face, and know that when they have a problem, they can depend on me.

As your representative on the St. Clair County Board, I’ll bring that same sense of duty and mission to the job. I look forward to the new challenges of representing our area on the county board. More than anything, I want to assure you that taking care of your concerns will continue to be my number one job.

On Tuesday, November 8th, I’ll once again ask you for your vote. I hope that you will put your trust and faith in me and send me to represent you on the St. Clair County Board.

NAME: CRAIG NUNNALLY

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 50

Campaign website or social media page: Craignunnally.com; facebook.com/CraigNunnallyforCountyBoard

Office seeking: County Board Member District 15

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Casino operations manager

Education: Some college

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Election judge, assistant leader Trail Life Troop 078, Belleville Precinct 4 committeeperson

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None presently

Why are you running? St. Clair County needs to be safer and more prosperous than it is today. I am running because of year over year increases in crime, along with year over year increases of businesses and people leaving the county. These things are happening due to skyrocketing property taxes and burdensome regulations. I believe I am the best candidate for District 15.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? I am running on the need to bring fiscal responsibility back to the county government. I am running on the need to create an environment where businesses and people want to live and operate. In 2010, our population was 270,056. In 2020, it was 257,400. Thanks to the last two years, that number has reduced even further. We lost over 4.6% of our population but our 2022 county budget is 36% more than 2021. We also lost many, many small businesses in 2020 and 2021. Instead of looking for ways to be more frugal with taxpayer dollars, they raise real estate taxes. I will lead the fight to greatly, and permanently, reduce real estate taxes for every property owner. I will partner with other county board members to get the county government out of the way and remove burdensome regulations. This will usher in a new wave of business growth while stabilizing our population decline.

Why should people vote for you? St. Clair County is my home. My family has lived here since the early 1800s. I want to leave this county in better shape for our children than it is today. I will be your voice on the county board. I will ensure the sheriff has the funds he needs to make this county as safe as our neighboring counties. I will bring access and transparency regarding everything that goes on at the county board to the voters. I will work to make the county website much more user-friendly and up-to-date. I will represent the interests of every citizen, not the interests of an elite few. I will not be a rubber-stamp “Yes” for whatever the chairman wants. I will never vote to take your individual rights away, not for any reason. Together, we can bring this county to new heights.

St. Clair County Board District 16

NAME: HOWARD KURTZ

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 59

Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/hkurtzforstclaircounty

Office seeking: County Board Member Dist. #16

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Retired deputy sheriff

Education: High school graduate, attended St. Louis University, BAC, Texas Southmost College, and UT-Pan American

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have coached Little Knights Football and was a board member. I coached a select softball team. I am a member of several Masonic Lodges. I am an advisor to several youth groups. I am a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Me, myself and I. I am totally self-funded.

Why are you running? The majority of the group of people who are currently St. Clair County are nothing but rubber stamps for the current County Board chairman.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? The waste of money at MidAmerica Airport. Supporting law enforcement.

Why should people vote for you? I will fight to reduce taxes, increase public safety and to reduce the taxes we have to pay.

Did not respond

C.J. Baricevic, the Democratic candidate in St. Clair County Board District 16, did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

St. Clair County Board District 19

NAME: JEREMY A. EMBRICH

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 42

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board District 19

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Marissa Village Board

Occupation: Heavy equipment operator

Education: High school

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Watch our community grow and prosper

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? I am running to be a voice for the people of my district

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? I believe the top two issues are fair representation and a strong voice for the people in our district.

Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I’m honest and hardworking.

NAME: PHILLIP “PHIL” HENNING

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 71

Campaign website or social media page: Facebook- Phillip “Phil” W Henning for County Board District 19

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board, District 19

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes, village of Smithton trustee and County Board of Review

Occupation: Retired Air Force Lt. Colonel and Director of Global Physical Security, Brink’s Incorporated

Education: Master of Science, criminal justice Michigan State University and Graduate, Kentucky School of Law Enforcement, Executive Police Leadership Course, Villanova University- Project Management Neatartice

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Led 9/11 Memorial Project for Smithton, dedicated on 11 September 2021. With our Village Engineer won over $206,000 in Park Improvement Grants in three years. Precinct Committeeman for two terms. Led the project to build a new storage building for the Street Department and the Smithton Athletic Association. Added new cameras to the park to enhance safety. Won a grant to rebuild the park walking and bike trail.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? To best represent District 19 and bring balance to the County Board with new Republicans.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them?

Public safety: Explore savings in cost of county government, including the East St. Louis Election Board funding, and improve funding to the Sheriff’s Department for more road patrol deputies.

Senior property tax relief: Win advocacy from the County Board to our state representatives to increase the Senior Exemption for income limited seniors to $10,000 versus $6,000.

Why should people vote for you? Proven leader as an Air Force squadron commander (two assignments), Chief Law Enforcement official for Iceland Defense Force as a provost marshal. Achieved results as a village trustee obtaining grants and improving the village. Deeply engaged as a precinct committeeman and poll watcher in Cahokia, East St. Louis and Belleville. In my challenged primary, I won almost 2:1 by knocking on over 400 doors in District 19.

St. Clair County Board District 21

NAME: HAROLD “ANDY” BITTLE

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 46

Campaign website or social media page: Andybittle.stclaircountyboard@gmail.com

Office seeking: County Board 21

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Freeburg School Board District 70

Occupation: Small business owner

Education: Associate degree

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: School board member, Rotary Youth Exchange host parent, member of the Loyal Order of Moose

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? To make sure our property tax money is spent effectively, make sure all citizens are represented equally and provide fresh ideas to help move St. Clair County forward into the future.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them?

High property taxes: Make sure the money is spent in the most efficient manner possible and find ways to reduce spending so we can lower property taxes.

High crime: Make sure the sheriff has the resources and personnel to patrol the entire county and work with other elected officials to make sure criminals are held accountable for their actions.

Why should people vote for you? I feel my experiences as a school board member for 10 years and a small business owner give me the best insight on representing all the people making the tough decisions best for everyone.

NAME: JOEL FUNK

Political party: Democratic

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 39

Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/JoelFunk4IL

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board District 21

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Illinois’ 12th Congressional District / Mascoutah Community School District 19

Occupation: Farmer, owner of Funk Family Farm, LLC, and financial services professional

Education: Mascoutah Community High School (Diploma) / The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina (2x B.A.) / Kansas State University (M.A.)

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’m involved and a member of multiple community focused organizations. As a school board member, I am engaged in policy, planning, and being a representative of the district’s constituents. We live in a growing and developing region with unique requirements and opportunities. As a seventh generation resident and farmer as well as a veteran, I bring a diverse perspective and experience to the table to get the job done.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I’m self-funded.

Why are you running? I am running for the same reason I joined the military: to make a difference. I committed myself to public service before I could vote. The world is full of people that see problems that need addressing. Fewer are those that are willing to step up, get in the arena, and do the work. That is what I’ve done my whole life and what I will continue to do until my last breath.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? St. Clair County is part of a growing and diverse socioeconomic region. My number one focus is strengthening and entrenching the defense capabilities of Scott Air Force Base and the industries it supports. We have a very special civilian/military relationship in our community. As a disabled combat veteran, I know what it means to serve and what it takes to support our military families.

The second most important focus is economic development. As a former military aviator transitioning into farming, I see and know how hard it is to build a small business. We need policy and advocacy at all levels of government that fight for small business owners and organized labor. I believe in fair markets where we all get to participate in equal opportunity. As a county board member, I will pursue action that encourages the creation of good paying jobs, good labor practices, and growth that builds resiliency into our economy for generations to come.

Why should people vote for you? We live in challenging times, which offer both risks and opportunities. I’m a combat-tested public servant with integrity, which is lacking in government at all levels these days. I’m committed to building a better community for us and those that follow us. I developed my work ethic on the farm. I was trained by the most elite warriors in the world. I sharpened my leadership and skills during a decade and a half of service to our county at home and in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. I’m a working class guy for working class families that knows what it’s like to struggle and fight for something better. That’s who I am and what I will bring to St. Clair County.

St. Clair County Board District 22

NAME: SUSAN GRUBERMAN

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 58

Campaign website or social media page: Susan Gruberman for County Board District 22 on Facebook

Office seeking: County Board District 22

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) County Board District 12

Occupation: Accountant

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have been a county board member since January of 2017 and a precinct committee person since December of 2013. At the county I currently serve on the following committees: Grants, Emergency Readiness, Public Safety, Finance and Property and Recreation.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Have not held any fundraisers

Why are you running? I am running as I would like to continue to work for the residents of my district as well as all the residents of St. Clair County. My background in accounting helps me to analyze options and view choices in a logical way. I have experience in governmental auditing and can offer a new perspective based on the bigger picture giving guidance and providing solutions to problems. I want to keep neighborhoods clean and safe and keep residents active; therefore I support the Clean Sweep Program, the placement of mental health workers with St. Clair County Sheriffs on the MetroLink and the expansion of bike trails throughout the county.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? Clean, safe neighborhoods and job security. I will continue to support the Clean Sweep Program and walk the neighborhoods in my district to pick up unwanted household items. I will also support job creation, such as the new expansion at Tyson Foods and at Boeing.

Why should people vote for you? I will continue to work for the people of this county to help ensure continued growth in our region, like the expansion of Boeing at MidAmerica Airport. I will work to help keep our roads maintained and to keep neighborhoods safe. I will continue to look at ways to expand our bike trails to ensure paths for walking and bike riding for residents of all ages.

NAME: KEVIN WALLACE

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 55

Campaign website or social media page: None at this point — Facebook only

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board member District 22

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Same district in 2018 (it was #12 vs. #22 in 2022)

Occupation: Marketing/sales: kitchen appliance specialist

Education: St. Louis University school of professional studies. My emphasis was on leadership and organizational behavior, additional studies in advertising, business development, marketing and public relations.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am a current BCDC Board member (Acronym for: Belleville Community Development Corporation). I am professionally a member of the HBA of Southern Illinois (Acronym for: The Home Builders and Remodelers Association). Over the last 30-plus years, I have given my time to: Midwest Salute to the Arts festival, Rotary Club of Fairview Heights, St. Clair County East Rotary Club, Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Chamber of Commerce in Swansea, O’Fallon and Fairview Heights. I often contributed to fundraising efforts for other organizations. I was also appointed by Gail Mitchell, the former mayor of Fairview Heights, as a member of the Hotel/Motel Tax Committee for many years. On many occasions in the past I participated in The Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringing, as well as hawking/selling newspapers on street corners during the Old News Boys Day annual fall event.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Concerned citizens of east Belleville and Shiloh and myself

Why are you running? I am a lifelong resident of Belleville, so I want to be a public servant to all the citizens of St. Clair County, specifically in the east Belleville and Shiloh areas. I aspire to make our entire community a much more affordable and better place to live and raise families, no matter who you are, all citizens.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them?

1. Unfair/over taxation to all homeowners in the form of property taxes being increased annually and levied against Belleville and Shiloh residents. My opponent Susan Gruberman voted “yes” for a 4.99% real estate tax increase on Monday, September 24th, 2018, as well as continuing to vote “yes” on every single other annual property tax assessment every year since (Yes in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and again in 2022). As a matter of fact, Susan Gruberman has never seen a tax Increase that she did not like, since she has a consistent record of always voting “yes.” Never ever has she opposed with a “no.”

The affordability of owning a home in St. Clair County continues to dwindle, which is why this area continues to increase in more rental homes. Homeowners deserve a real estate property tax break. Why does St. Clair County property tax continue to escalate and be higher than nearly every county coast to coast in the entire nation?

2. Traffic congestion on Greenmount Road is an major ongoing safety concern with only two lanes of constant traffic congestion creating constant inability of residents to be not able to easily leave their neighborhoods or come home every day. Additionally, all of the constant increases in area crime occurring in St. Clair County under the current leadership of Rick Watson, as well as the new oxymoronic “SAFE-T Act,” which will take effect on January 1st, 2023. The safety of our families and neighborhoods is at stake, it is now “time for change“ for us all to be able to sleep peacefully in our homes day and night.

Why should people vote for you? It is truly “time for change“ in St. Clair County. All of us in the east Belleville and Shiloh areas deserve both a better and safer community, as well as fair taxes, affordable living by creating property tax solutions. It all starts by voting for me: Kevin.

St. Clair County Board District 23

NAME: SANDY ALMS

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 64

Campaign website or social media page: Sandy4countyboard.com

Office seeking: County Board District 23

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Retired

Education: Some college

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I belong to the Shiloh Eagles #545, Moose Lodge in Swansea.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Myself

Why are you running? To make a difference in the community and be the voice for the people!

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? Crime and seeking that we make sure that property values stay up and no vacant homes. Support our police, and bring in business to help with taxation.

Why should people vote for you? I want them to feel comfortable in coming to me and I will help them with their issues they may have in protesting taxes or issues or concerns they may have.

NAME: JANA MOLL

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 66

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board Member District 23

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) St. Clair Township clerk - elected

Occupation: Retired paraprofessional at BTHS East High School / Current St. Clair County Board Member

Education: BTHS East / SWIC (BAC)

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Variety Club, Belle Valley Room Mother, Quail Club, Chenot Place Neighborhood Association, BTHS East Homecoming/Graduation volunteer

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? I am running to continue working with my community and to make a difference for my constituents.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? As a board member, I have helped bring in over a half billion dollars in construction projects and more than 800 new jobs, which includes Boeing Company’s new manufacturing facility and the future Tyson Foods plant in Caseyville. In addition, the Illinois State Police are moving to St. Clair County and investing $55 million in a brand new headquarters.

Why should people vote for you? I feel that I have contributed to my neighbors and constituents over the past four years. I have attended the zoning hearings to help support the residents, farmers and small businesses. I will continue to do so if I am re-elected.

St. Clair County Board District 25

NAME: LORYN EVANS

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 30

Campaign website or social media page: Loryn Evans for St.Clair County Board District 25 on Facebook

Office seeking: County Board

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Human services

Education: Bachelor’s degree in child and family services

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Various political campaigns (including my father Paul Evans for Judge) and foster care events

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded

Why are you running? I believe local government should reflect the communities it serves. Right now, out of 29 members only two are women.

What are the top two issues in your race, and how would you address them? Property tax increases and lack of minority representation.

Why should people vote for you? I have been afforded a unique worldview because of my physical disability. I personally understand the importance of listening to everyone in the community, not just people who look and act like us. If elected, I promise to be the voice of the people.

Did not respond

Richie Meile, the Democratic candidate in St. Clair County Board District 25, did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

St. Clair County Board of Review

NAME: ANGELA GROSSMANN-ROEWE

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 46

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board of Review Member

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) St. Clair County Board Member, Dist. 12 - Elected

Occupation: St. Clair County Board of Review Member

Education: Belleville East High School; bachelor’s degree and graduate school, McKendree University

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Treasurer of the Certified Illinois Assessing Officer Association; past or current board member for Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois, McKendree University Alumni Association, Belleville East Band Orchestra Parents; past or current member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Belleville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Belleville Catholic Schools Joint Picnic Committee; main volunteer landscaper for neighborhood association’s entryways; a recipient of McKendree University Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service; licensed St. Clair County substitute teacher; volunteer for other various civic organizations and local grade/high schools through the years

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Plumbers and Pipefitters Club 101, Steamfitters Local #439, Ironworkers Local 392

Why are you running? I am running for re-election to the Board of Review to continue to ensure fair and equitable tax assessments for all St. Clair County taxpayers.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue in my race is how to ensure fair and equitable tax assessments for all St. Clair County taxpayers. To address this, I will continue to stay updated on property changes, market trends and local factors that could influence property values. Each property assessment case is unique, and I will continue to carefully listen to each resident who meets with me, as well as closely review their evidence and arguments that their assessment is unfair and not in uniform with others.

Why should people vote for you? I am fair, honest, and knowledgeable in my field. I take the time to listen to residents’ concerns and answer questions surrounding their property assessments and the taxing process.

I had a 14-year background in real estate prior to being elected to the Board of Review. In addition, I served on the St. Clair County Board for nearly four years, which gave me great knowledge of governmental issues. I am a Certified Illinois Assessing Officer, who attends classes annually to keep my state licensure in good standing. I also attend conferences throughout Illinois to remain informed on new legislature, exemptions, and assessment trends/changes. After being elected to the Board of Review, I was asked to sit on the Certified Illinois Assessing Officer Association’s Board as first a member; now, I serve as its treasurer. Through my CIAO education, past career, public service, and CIAO volunteer board position, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and an abundance of resources to contact when I need additional information or guidance to help taxpayers — all positives when electing an individual to the BOR.

I know the pertinent questions to ask residents who are questioning their assessments to aid them through the process. I review all exemptions with every taxpayer I meet with to make sure they receive the exemptions they are entitled to, and for those who want to better understand, explain how both the assessment and taxing processes work, including where their hard-earned money is disbursed to.

NAME: DOUG JAMESON

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 59

Campaign website or social media page: ElectJameson.com

Office seeking: St. Clair County Board of Review

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Realtor

Education: I earned my bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and have completed 32 hours towards a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri. While serving in the Army, I graduated from progressively higher courses, including the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. I also graduated from the Defense Acquisition University and received designation as a DoD Level III Certified Acquisition Professional. Then in 2014, I earned my real estate license.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: A member of several local organizations and groups, I am actively involved in my community — especially local veteran and fraternal organizations, including the St. Clair County Veterans Assistance Commission, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Shriners International, and the Eagles Club. I also hold membership in professional organizations, including the Realtor Association of Southwest Illinois and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). I carry the NAR designation of Pricing Strategy Advisor and Military Relocation Professional.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self, Realtor Political Action Committee, and Jim Wilson (appraiser and former Board of Review member)

Why are you running? As a Realtor, I’ve watched over and over as working families, fed up with the high cost of living in St. Clair County, pack up and leave.

We lead the Midwest in outmigration, and when surveyed, homeowners emphatically point to property taxes as the #1 reason they are leaving Illinois.

This is personal to me. I watched my hometown of Belleville lose 1,700 residents in the last decade, including many friends from our neighborhood. Now my brother is leaving for another state. We’re losing our best citizens, and it’s time we did something about it.

That’s why I’m running for the St. Clair County Board of Review. As the property taxpayers’ representative, I pledge to help equip homeowners so they can fight to lower their property taxes.

I will also work to ensure all St. Clair County residents are aware of the exemptions available to them and assist them in claiming the exemptions they deserve. I will lead a collaborative effort to raise awareness of property tax exemptions in our county. I will especially work to ensure our seniors and veterans have the knowledge and support needed to apply for property tax exemptions at the county level.

Finally, I will value all St. Clair property fairly. I will answer to the people of this county, not political bosses. With a lifetime of public service, in and out of uniform, the public can trust I will act fairly and honorably.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue impacting homeowners is the high property taxes. Homeowners in St. Clair County are among those paying the second highest property taxes in the nation.

This isn’t just a statistic, it’s something that has a real world impact on working families struggling under the weight of high taxes, record inflation, and shortages on necessities like baby formula.

Taxes keep going up, yet we’re not getting higher services and benefits, leading to many asking, “What are we getting for our tax dollars?” Taxpayers should be given the economic freedom that comes with keeping more of their hard-earned money so they can spend it on necessities like groceries, gas, and medicine.

Instead, in St. Clair County we see the opposite, and it’s driving families to leave Illinois. As a Realtor, I’ve watched over and over as working families, fed up with the high cost of living in this state and county, pack up and leave. We lead the Midwest in outmigration, and when surveyed, homeowners emphatically point to property taxes as the #1 reason they are leaving Illinois.

This is personal to me. I watched my hometown of Belleville lose 1,700 residents in the last decade, including many friends from our neighborhood. Now my family members are leaving for another state. We’re losing our best citizens, and it’s time we did something about it.

As the taxpayers’ representative on the St. Clair County Board of Review, I pledge to help equip homeowners so they can fight to lower their property taxes. Outside of the 3-4 month hearing season, this part-time position leaves 8-9 months to educate the public on property taxes, available exemptions, the appeals process, and how their property taxes are being spent. I will host town halls throughout the county to allow citizens the opportunity to interact directly with a Board of Review member. Armed with this knowledge, property owners will be better equipped to appeal their property taxes.

Why should people vote for you? I ask St. Clair County residents to vote for me because I am a Realtor, veteran, and public servant who will use my experience as a licensed real estate professional to be a voice for homeowners and property taxpayers in our county.

I am acutely aware of the issues our taxpayers and homeowners face. With my knowledge of real estate, property valuations, and local government, I have a history of helping my clients receive every exemption for which they qualify — helping residents save thousands of dollars on their property taxes and stay in their family home. On the Board of Review, I will do the same for you and your family.

With a lifetime of public service, in and out of uniform, the public can trust I will act fairly and honorably. I will answer to the people of this county, not political bosses. And I will show up to the job — unlike my opponent who is known to be absent from many of the property tax appeal hearings. In fact, if elected I’ll be the only one on the board with any experience in property valuation.

With your vote, I will help homeowners lower their property taxes, ensure everyone is getting the exemptions they deserve, and value all St. Clair County property fairly.

St. Clair County Circuit Clerk (Unexpired two-year term)

NAME: CINDI MCDONALD

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 68

Campaign website or social media page: None

Office seeking: St. Clair Circuit Clerk

Are you an incumbent? No

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

Occupation: Challenge Unlimited

Education: Some college

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: President of Republican Women

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Myself

Why are you running? To help increase the public access to the clerk’s office

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Accessibility of the office to the public

Why should people vote for you? Because I’m a hard worker and I believe we can solve the problems we have.

NAME: KINNIS WILLIAMS SR.

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 62

Campaign website or social media page: No

Office seeking: Circuit Clerk

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Board Of Review

Occupation: Sales manager with Robert “Chick” Fritz Inc.

Education: K-12 and some college

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Serving on the School Board for 23 1/2 years

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Myself

Why are you running? To provide the people of St. Clair County fair and equal justice as well as services; to help get the new computer system up and running; and try to alleviate the backlog of the court systems in the county.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The county’s backlog is the top issue. I would address it by improving technology and scheduling for the county.

Why should people vote for you? My commitment to my employer (Robert “Chick” Fritz Inc.) of 44 years and 23 1/2 years on the East St. Louis School Board as a leader in both position as a committed servant

St. Clair County Clerk

NAME: THOMAS “TOM” HOLBROOK

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 72

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: St. Clair County Clerk

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) St. Clair Co Board 1981-1994, State Representative 1995-2011, St. Clair County Clerk, 2013 to present

Occupation: St. Clair County Clerk

Education: B.A. SIUE 1971

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Belong to several civic and philanthropic organizations in our community: Optimist, Exchange Club, Shriners, Grange and several others. Worked in the community creating neighborhood watch programs, delivered meals on wheels, served on the Eagle Scout review board, helped special education and senior programs, assisted historical preservation and genealogical groups.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Please see my D-2 report filed with the state for full disclosure

Why are you running? To serve the people of St. Clair County.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Continuing a well run public service based St. Clair County Clerk’s office.

Why should people vote for you? I have a record of modernizing, upgrading, expanding accessibility and security to St. Clair County Clerk products and services. Some examples are digitalization of election rolls, candidate filings and records including Economic Interest Statements for over 2,000 government entities in St. Clair County; began accepting credit card payments for all statute-allowed products in the County Clerk’s office; instituting online services including ordering and purchasing birth, death and marriage certificates from St. Clair County; executed regular purges of voter files; involved Illinois State Archives in reviewing and preserving County Clerk records; created a partnership with Homeland Security, Illinois State Police, federal, state and other local authorities to create systems for in-house cybersecurity systems in the St. Clair County Clerk’s IT systems; and created the first Voter Integrity Hotline that allows reporting to federal, state and local authorities. All this has been accomplished with fewer employees on staff.

Did not respond

David B. Langford, the Republican candidate for St. Clair County clerk, did not respond to the Belleville News-Democrat questionnaire.

St. Clair County Sheriff

NAME: JUSTIN D. BIGGS

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 41

Campaign website or social media page: Web: biggsforsheriff.com Facebook: Biggs for Sheriff

Office seeking: St. Clair County Sheriff

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No: Veteran law enforcement officer/not a politician

Occupation: Supervisor over Investigation Division at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department

Education: Graduate from Dupo High School, equivalent college credits to an associate degree plus 1,000 of hours of law enforcement training

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Away from the everyday job of being in law enforcement, I have been and am still active with the youth. That’s what we need in our sheriff. Co-founder of a not-for-profit Xplosion Baseball/Softball Organization, which consists of close to 300 athletes ranging from 7 years old to juniors in high school; basketball and baseball official/umpire many may see at our local schools or ballparks; past president of the Belleville West Sports Boosters; and former coach for the Belleville Jr. Legion Hilgards baseball team. Approximately eight years ago I sat down with Millstadt Mayor Mike Todd and came up with an idea of hosting a baseball tournament in Millstadt. All the proceeds from the tournament would be donated back to the village to help purchase items for the village ball fields. That tournament still goes strong today due to the number of teams and now includes softball stretches to three weekends and has been able to assist the village in many upgrades. Member of the Millstadt Athletics Club.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Mark Mestemacher, Dennis Cooper, HS Concrete Contracting

Why are you running? As a veteran law enforcement supervisor, I have watched over the last few years how some of our communities and our law enforcement have been divided because of the lack of transparency and the lack of involvement that our sheriff’s department has in our communities. I have been a man who is involved in my community in helping make it a better place and I plan to extend that to the entire county if elected. Trying to engage our youth to guide them down the right path before they become victims of crimes or even suspects of crimes. The same with our elderly: we have to keep everyone up to date on the latest scams that are occurring every day where suspects prey on our elderly. I have watched what has happened at the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department. I have watched and seen no initiative to prevent crimes. I have watched all “proactive” policing at the sheriff’s department vanish. I am running to build back integrity of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, bridge the gap between the citizens and law enforcement, and provide support to the men and women who work at the sheriff’s department. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department was a great department. Men and women would wait years to get the opportunity to become a deputy with SCCSD. Unfortunately now they are leaving at record numbers to go work for other departments or retiring early because of leadership. I plan to bring back great morale, great leadership, and to assist with the staffing issues, I will restructure the department that now is “top heavy” and put people where it is best for not only the department but most importantly the citizens.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Running against a Democratic incumbent. The party should not matter in this race. I stand for law and order to serve and protect the citizens.

Why should people vote for you? Leader in law enforcement and not a politician.

Time for a sheriff that will be for the people of the county. The only candidate that has worked for the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department and in almost every division at the department. The only candidate who has worked the streets in your neighborhood, knows St. Clair County, knows the issues we have in our communities, and knows how to address them. Great working relationship with every police chief in the county and will be able to work extremely well with all of them. With my ideas and working with all police chiefs, the possibility of new task forces can be created and benefit every city and village within St. Clair County. Having three to four patrol deputies working a shift is unacceptable. Having one or two correctional officers working the floor in the jail is unacceptable. Having four investigators in the Criminal Investigation Division is unacceptable. Having even lower numbers in the Drug Tactical Unit is unacceptable. Selected in 2008 as St. Clair County Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year. Supervisor for Major Case Squad. Instructor at Southwestern Illinois Police Academy.

I have the knowledge that will not only improve the service of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department but also the integrity.

I will be a sheriff that will be involved in every community. I will be a sheriff that is known. I will be a sheriff that will work with all our political leaders to ensure law and order for the safety of our citizens.

Citizens should vote for the candidate who is invested in our county and that is me. We have to invest in law enforcement for citizens and businesses to want to move to St. Clair County or stay in St. Clair County. I will be a sheriff that will put the uniform on and be seen. I will be a sheriff that will lead by example in the jail, courthouse, or on the streets.

Time for change.

NAME: RICHARD “RICK” WATSON

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 66

Campaign website or social media page: stclaircountydems.com/richard-watson.html

Office seeking: Sheriff – St. Clair County

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes - Sheriff – 2014 / 2018

Occupation: Sheriff since 2012

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University; master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Lindenwood University; graduate of the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA; graduate from the Police Executive Institute - Police Executive Role in the 21st Century

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I began my civic involvement coaching hockey, little league baseball, and football.

I was a teacher at Cahokia High School.

I continue to remain a very active member of Holy Family Church in Cahokia, IL.

I am an active member of the following associations:

-East St. Louis branch of the N.A.A.C.P.

-Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board

-Illinois Sheriffs’ Association

-President of the Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission

-Board member of the Illinois Department of Corrections

-Member of the St. Clair County Farm Bureau

I have also dedicated my time assisting with Programs and Services for Older Persons.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? To the best of my knowledge, my top three contributors have been Citizens for Justus, Keefe and Keefe, and Floyd Automotive.

Why are you running? I am running because St. Clair County citizens deserve public servants who are respected leaders and ones that can communicate with members from the federal and state legislature to enact reasonable public safety mandates.

Additionally, from my point of view, professional law enforcement is what is needed to stabilize our communities in order to provide for a safer environment for all of our citizens.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Safety is always of the utmost importance in the field of law enforcement, both for the citizens and the officers placed to protect and serve. It is dangerous and many things can always go wrong. One of the main issues that I currently see is the need to continue to increase the safety for our community. I have maintained my commitment to partnering with local communities so that we can work together in implementing crime fighting initiatives. I will continue to try and think of ways to further increase the safety for the citizens as well as the officers.

A priority of mine is to increase the number of correctional officers and patrol deputies for my department, however there are proper channels that must be followed for the changes to be made. Unfortunately, this remains a current issue with most agencies within our state.

Why should people vote for you? I feel that the citizens of St. Clair County should demand and deserve an elected leader who has the necessary educational background, qualifications and experience, which is essential in order to best serve as the top law enforcement officer of the county.

It is also imperative to have a leader who has a heart for the people and a desire to face the ongoing challenges that we continue to experience in law enforcement today.

Additionally, it is important to elect a leader who is not afraid to speak up, speak outside of what is popular when necessary and to fight for what is right for our community as a whole.

I believe I am the right candidate for the position and that my record is a clear indication of that. I truly care about the citizens of the community, and my goal is to always do my best to fulfill my obligations as sheriff to make a difference in whatever ways I am able. While that does not mean that everything always goes perfectly as planned, it does mean that I will never stop fighting to do whatever I can to continue to help grow the department in ways that foster and benefit the community. It has truly been an honor to serve the citizens of this great community. I have certainly appreciated the opportunity.

St. Clair County treasurer

NAME: DAVID LINDQUIST

Political party: Republican

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 69

Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/david.lindquist.587

Office seeking: St. Clair County Treasurer

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Precinct Committeeman, Shiloh Valley #4

Occupation: Currently retired

Education: Bachelor’s degree from American InterContinental University in Financial Management/Accounting and Advance Leadership and Management from Army Staff College

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: N/A

Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am basically funding my own campaign.

Why are you running? I am running to improve the overall fiscal integrity and accountability of the St. Clair County Treasurer’s office, to serve everyone in St. Clair County. Doing so, I will bring advanced leadership and management skills to the office of treasurer.

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

1. Ensure taxpayer funds are used for their intended purpose and not diverted without proper oversight and authority.

2. Ensure the safety of taxpayer funds are liquid and available when required.

3. Request an independent outside agency to conduct an in-depth performance audit/review of the treasurer’s office.

a. This would highlight any deficiencies within this office.

b. This would let this office and the county board know where improvements are required.

4. Request a new independent outside agency to conduct an in-depth financial audit of the treasurer’s office.

a. This would highlight any deficiencies within this office.

b. This would let this office and the county board know where improvements are required.

5. Conduct an in-depth review and risk assessment to determine if there is any fraud, waste, or abuse.

a. This may result in considerable taxpayer savings.

b. Any savings could then be used to offset and reduce costs in other areas of St. Clair County’s expenses.

Why should people vote for you? As a person, I have a moral compass that I follow in my life. That is integrity, trust, respect, honesty, and fiscal responsibility.

NAME: ANDREW LOPINOT

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 36

Campaign website or social media page: andrewlopinot.com, facebook.com/LopinotForTreasurer

Office seeking: County Treasurer

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) County Treasurer – Elected in 2018. O’Fallon City Council – Elected 2017

Occupation: I currently serve as the St. Clair County Treasurer

Education: Belleville East High School, 2005. Bachelor’s in communication from Southeast Missouri State, 2009. Master’s in higher education administration from Kent State, 2011. Master’s in public administration at SIUE, 2017.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I serve as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois and am the vice president of the Illinois County Treasurers’ Association. Other involvement has included volunteering with local animal shelters and the BASIC Initiative.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Vince Lopinot, Russell Scott, Donna and Deni Wienhoff

Why are you running? I’m running to continue helping my community through my role as treasurer. In the last four years, I’ve led with transparency and accountability, and I want to continue the important work of keeping the Treasurer’s Office a strong resource for citizens.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue for the Treasurer’s Office is responding to the changing needs of our community. As treasurer I’ve addressed these needs by expanding property tax payment options, publishing all property tax related information on the county website, and by pushing back property tax due dates during the pandemic and during the most recent flooding in our community. Our county was recognized as one of a handful of counties in the state that provided this kind of relief during the pandemic.

Why should people vote for you? Citizens should vote for me because I have an open-door policy and have always kept their concerns in mind. I lead with transparency and accountability, while lowering the department’s budget by 20%, expanding property tax payment options, and investing with local banks. As an alderman in O’Fallon, I’ve voted to decrease the city’s property tax levy as well as to freeze the water and sewer rates. As the only candidate in this race who grew up in St. Clair County, I understand the issues residents in the community face and the need for our government to be fiscally responsible. I have a proven track record of success that will continue if elected treasurer.

We have not received responses from the following candidates:

• Harry Hollingsworth (D) - St. Clair County Board District 4
• Terrilyn Gossett (R) - St. Clair County Board District 4

This story was originally published September 30, 2022 at 5:30 AM.