BND 2025 Voter Guide: See candidates running for municipal election in St. Clair County
Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the municipal races in the April 1 election in St. Clair County.
The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested seats and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.
While this article has information about candidates in municipal races in St. Clair County, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running for local and school board positions in Belleville, O’Fallon, Shiloh, Swansea and across the metro-east.
To see candidates in Belleville city and school board races, click here.
Here are the responses from the municipal candidates who have replied: (The candidates are listed alphabetically.)
Brooklyn Mayor
NAME: TRENTON ATKINS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 64
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572732875465
Office seeking: Mayor of Brooklyn
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, Mayor (2017)
Occupation: Logistics (DB Schenker)
Education: Lovejoy High School
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Vice president of Lovejoy School
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? To restore the integrity back in city hall and to be the voice of the people of the town, so that change can be achieved
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? To bring affordable housing and to make the town safer for everyone, to create a place for businesses to thrive, providing a better fire and police department to better serve the community
Why should people vote for you? Willing not just listening to the people but to hear them and act on their behalf.
Cahokia Heights Mayor
NAME: COREY DICKERSON (write-in)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 40
Campaign website or social media page: https://cahokiasource.com/corey-dickerson-for-mayor-of-cahokia-heights/
Office seeking: Mayor of Cahokia Heights
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Occupation: Entrepreneur, SEO & web analytics expert, community advocate, arbitrator, public speaker
Education: I’m majoring in political science at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) and I’m a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) honors society, and I have completed the program.
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: What I have done: exposing corruption in real time – investigating and reporting government misconduct, including favoritism in city contracts and intimidation tactics; Advocated for youth in the media – Stood up for young people in Cahokia Heights by exposing the failures of leadership and pushing for better opportunities; Advocating for better infrastructure – pushing for funding to fix flooding, road conditions and the failing sewer system; Featured in news articles – Brought public attention to corruption, crime and the struggles of the community through investigative efforts; Developing crime prevention strategies – Working on initiatives to improve public safety, support at-risk youth and rebuild community trust in law enforcement; Founded Cahokia Source – Created a platform to provide unfiltered news, expose government misconduct and keep residents informed; Held leadership accountable – Uncovered mismanagement of funds, favoritism and unethical practices in city leadership; Fought for educational reform – Spoke out against poor school board decisions and demanded better resources for students; Organizing a peace walk – Bringing the community together to stand against violence and demand real action; Supported victims of slumlords – Helped residents navigate landlord disputes and demand better living conditions; Increased voter engagement – Encouraged civic participation, educated residents on policies and worked to increase voter turnout; Pushed for public safety measures – Called for better law enforcement, improved emergency response times and stronger crime prevention initiatives.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Cahokia Heights Advocates for Meaningful Progress (C.H.A.M.P.)
Why are you running? I am running because Cahokia Heights deserves real leadership, not more broken promises. For too long, residents have suffered from crime, failing infrastructure and economic neglect while leadership turns a blind eye. I refuse to accept this as the future of our city. My goal is to bring accountability, economic revitalization and safer neighborhoods to Cahokia Heights.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue is failed leadership and government accountability. Residents are fed up with politicians who neglect city services, misuse resources and fail to deliver on promises. I will address this by:
1. Implementing financial transparency so taxpayers know where their money is going;
2. Prioritizing infrastructure repairs by securing federal and state funding;
3. Holding city leadership accountable by eliminating favoritism and political backdoor deals;
4. Restoring public safety by working with state and federal law enforcement to reduce crime.
Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I represent the people, not the establishment. Unlike career politicians, I have been on the ground, working with residents, fighting for change and exposing corruption. I have a real plan to fix crime, improve city services, and create opportunities for businesses and families to thrive. I am running to serve Cahokia Heights, not myself. My leadership will be bold, transparent and accountable. That’s everything this city has been lacking.
NAME: CURTIS McCALL SR.
Age as of April 1, 2025: 62
Campaign website or social media page: None at this time
Office seeking: Mayor of Cahokia Heights, IL
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Centreville Township supervisor (elected and served successfully); Mayor of Cahokia Heights (elected and currently serving)
Occupation: Current mayor of Cahokia Heights: Overseeing municipal governance, economic development, infrastructure improvement and public safety initiatives
Education: Bachelor of arts in criminal justice - St. Louis University
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I have been committed to civic engagement and community service throughout my career. Some of my key contributions include:
Infrastructure revitalization: Spearheading projects to improve roads, sewer systems and public transportation;
Economic development: Bringing new businesses and jobs to the neighborhood while supporting local entrepreneurs;
Public safety initiatives: Strengthening law enforcement resources and implementing community-based crime prevention programs;
Youth and education support: Partnering with the local school district to expand youth after-school opportunities.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Mark C. Scoggins (Attorney) – A seasoned attorney with over 45 years of experience, Mark C. Scoggins is a partner at Crowder & Scoggins Ltd.; Robert J. Sprague (Attorney) – A partner at Sprague & Urban in Belleville, Illinois, Robert J. Sprague has been practicing law since 1970; Barney R. Mundorf (Attorney) – Specializing in labor and employment law, With over 24 years of experience, he practices at Guin Mundorf LLC, serving clients in Illinois and Missouri.
Why are you running? I am seeking re-election because progress is already in motion, and I want to ensure we continue moving in the right direction. Over the past few years, we have made significant strides in:
Upgrading infrastructure, including sewer and water systems;
Enhancing economic opportunities by attracting businesses;
Improving public safety through better policing strategies and community engagement.
My leadership is dedicated to continuity, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring that the residents of Cahokia Heights benefit from long-term, strategic improvements that will shape the future of our community for generations to come.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Infrastructure – sewer system, water and flooding. Our neighborhood has long suffered from major infrastructural problems, including inadequate water management, malfunctioning sewers and regular flooding. These issues harm public health, interfere with daily life and impede economic development.
How I intend to approach it:
Aggressively seek state and federal subsidies, including the Revolving Fund of the IEPA and infrastructure monies derived from the bipartisan infrastructure law;
Plan frequent maintenance and sewer system inspections to help manage stormwater;
Early detection of problems using real-time monitoring technology;
Involve and teach neighbors in efforts for flood prevention;
Perform thorough evaluations to pinpoint areas of need and upgrade old pipelines and treatment plants;
Transparency and engagement will be top priorities. Provide frequent updates online and in meetings and encourage public comments and ideas.
This strategy creates a better infrastructure that supports development, safeguards health, and enhances daily life for everyone.
Why should people vote for you?
Experience and proven leadership: I have a track record of delivering results, from infrastructure improvements to business development.
Commitment to community progress: My administration has consistently prioritized residents’ needs by investing in safer streets, economic growth and better public services.
Vision for the future: I have a clear, strategic plan for the continued revitalization of our city, ensuring that future generations inherit a stronger, more prosperous community.
Accountability and transparency: I have remained accessible, hosting regular town hall meetings and maintaining an open-door policy to hear and act on the people’s concerns.
With your vote, we will continue building on our progress, improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety and creating new opportunities for all residents.
Cahokia Heights Clerk
Cahokia Heights Alderperson at-large
NAME: DARRELL (RELL) WASHINGTON (write-in)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 39
Campaign website or social media page: https://cahokiasource.com/
Office seeking: Alderman of Cahokia Heights, Illinois
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Occupation: Real Estate Professional and owner of Credit Work
Education: Bachelors in Real Estate Studies and currently finishing Masters in Business Management
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I have 16 years of Army service with two tours (Afghanistan and Kuwait). I taught financial literacy in the community over 10 years, focusing on real estate and finance. I have helped over 100 residents buy homes, aiding in their dreams of homeownership.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have no official contributors; however, I have the support of my community. My supporters understand I am a man of passion, ambition, and drive. They are my contributors alongside my fellow campaign team (The Champ Party)
Why are you running? I have no official contributors; however, I have the support of my community. My supporters understand I am a man of passion, ambition, and drive. They are my contributors alongside my fellow campaign team (The Champ Party)
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The biggest issue is lack of political expertise. I am seasoned in business but new to politics, and there have not been many resources of education where learning about local office is available. There should be places for the youth and new politicians to go to learn from current and past administration. Luckily, I have a colleague in neighboring communities who has allowed me to shadow them to learn about the processes and day-to-day operations. I would leverage social media if elected to display these activities so that residents could view and learn more.
Why should people vote for you? I believe that if you’re not changing, you’re choosing. There’s no reason where as a community we should choose lackluster conditions. Cahokia Heights is full of brilliant residents who have the desire and knowledge to contribute and uplift the community. We need the right people and the right places, and I am a person who knows how to recognize talents, build and manage teams.
Caseyville Mayor
NAME: RICK CASEY
Age as of April 1, 2025: 46
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Mayor - village of Caseyville
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): St. Clair County Board member, 2020-2022; Trustee - vllage of Caseyville, 2005-2009, Trustee - village of Caseyville, 2011-2015
Occupation: Operations manager
Education: Gradated from Collinsville High School in 1996; attended Southwestern Illinois College 1996-1997
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: N/A
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I have not accepted money from any contributors.
Why are you running? To bring a fresher perspective of where the direction the village of Caseyville should go
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? There are several top issues that could be discussed but none more so than having community harmony. The animosity amongst people has reached new heights that I have not seen. There needs to be a happy medium because you cannot achieve a great community by having great animosity towards your neighbors, friends and even enemies. The community needs to be brought back together by getting back to the small things, and those are the things that allow neighbors to know their neighbors, friends to see friends and a platform for conversations to happen regardless of what side of the fence you are on. There seems to be no more community involvement because there isn’t anything happening in our great village that allows for that to happen. We need to get back to the basics to form a strong foundation, and once that happens, what you can build on top of that together as a community will be immeasurable.
Why should people vote for you? I have lived in Caseyville my entire life. I have seen the ups and downs of our community. I could sit here and give the common answers of fiscal responsibility, code enforcement, transparency and the other generic titles people will read over this election cycle and every other election cycle. Although I plan on those things, I want to go a step deeper. I believe I have a perspective that most may not have, and that is my kids live in Caseyville, my parents live in Caseyville, and I have several other relatives who live in Caseyville. I want to have a community with that hometown feel where they’ll feel proud of saying where they live. I want to get people eager again to get involved in different events held in our village to form those social bonds which helps form more friendships amongst the community as a whole. It’s time that someone brings a focus back to those basic things because that’s what forms a great community.
NAME: KENT LUEBBERS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 63
Campaign website or social media page: The 1st Caseyville Hometown United
Office seeking: Mayor - village of Caseyville
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Currently village of Caseyville trustee
Occupation: Retired
Education: Collinsville High School
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Current trustee, Caseyville VFW auxiliary member
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Myself and friends
Why are you running? The ticket I’m running on, we can make a difference. To make good sound decisions for Caseyville, the people and businesses, you need a board that will work together.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Managing the budget, sitting down with leadership team to get a 3- to 5-year plan put together that meets the goals and objectives of Caseyville. Growth, talking with investors. Updating our park.
Why should people vote for you? I’m a lifelong resident who cares about this village moving forward and growing. Positive outlook, open mind; improve community events.
Caseyville Clerk
Caseyville Village Board
NAME: ANTHONY “TONY” ALVAREZ SR. – Declined to participate
NAME: NICHOLAS BELAND
Age as of April 1, 2025: 43
Campaign website or social media page: The 1st Caseyville Hometown United
Office seeking: Caseyville Village Trustee
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, Village Trustee
Occupation: Driver
Education: High school
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I have donated my time to help with a number of community events for the fire department and the women’s auxiliary.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running to make a difference and better our community.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue is the spending of taxpayers’ money and also the lack of transparency. I would be open and honest with the residents of our Village. And find ways to save money to better our community.
Why should people vote for you? I feel that I would be the best candidate because I am open and honest. I will tell the residents what they need to hear honestly and truthfully not what I think they want to hear.
NAME: DAVID D. BENSON JR.
Age as of April 1, 2025: 66
Campaign website or social media page: The 1st Caseyville Hometown United
Office seeking: Caseyville Village trustee
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Occupation: Safety manager
Education: Some College
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Volunteer fireman EMT, Chamber of Commerce vice president, charter member and president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Village Park board during the development of Caseyville Park, Business Development Committee during the development of Interstate 64 and Highway 157 intersection, Knights of Columbus
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? To try to make a difference to our village and bring back essential services, to promote transparency and stop wasteful spending.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Budget and uncontrollable spending. Lack of transparency, open communication to the residents of the village. Follow proper Robert’s Rules of Order and have decisions on items brought up for vote. Show the people where the waste is and lack of communication to the public by putting agendas online and improving the video and audio so residents can attend meetings online.
Why should people vote for you? I am fair and honest; I believe you should treat people the way you want to be treated. I will vote for what is best for the community and what the people want and work for the citizens of Caseyville.
Dupo Village Board
Fairmont City Village Board
Lebanon Mayor
NAME: ULANDA BRANCH
Age as of April 1, 2025: 55
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090821757674
Office seeking: Lebanon, Illinois, mayor
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes , Ward 2 Alderperson
Occupation: Licensed cosmetologist & teacher
Education: Licensed minister and licensed cosmetologist & educator
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I register individuals to vote and volunteer during election season. I also volunteer with McAllister Park, Lebanon City Council, Sock Drive For The Manor in Fairview Heights and the Ronald McDonald House of St Louis.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None
Why are you running? I want to see Lebanon grow upward, outward and multiply in abundance like the cedar trees that surround our city. My goal is to create a flourishing community with happy families, children and elders. I believe activities for children and adults like summer camps, sports leagues and local events will build a sense of community and pride in our residents. I support new subdivisions and businesses in Lebanon, Illinois. This will provide an opportunity to generate more revenue for our city without raising taxes drastically. More revenue will allow us to improve our schools and city infrastructure like sidewalks, drainage, etc. My family has lived in Lebanon for over 50 years. My goal is to maintain Lebanon’s small town community while providing our residents with local resources and activities through innovative ideas.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Bringing peace and unity to our city. Many city workers and residents feel unappreciated. Residents want to live in and participate in communities where their voices can be heard. My goal is to increase and support our city and residents’ values through proper city management. Every resident deserves to live in a great neighborhood!
Why should people vote for you? Because people don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care, and I have a heart from above.
NAME: GEORGE FERO
Age as of April 1, 2025: 76
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/feroformayor/
Office seeking: Mayor, City of Lebanon
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Lebanon Ward 4 Alderperson - Incumbent, Lebanon Mayor, Horner Park Board
Occupation: Retired professor
Education: Bachelor of music - Youngstown State University; Master of Arts - The Ohio State University; Doctor of Education - Northern Arizona University
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Serving as alderperson for Lebanon Ward 4 and chairing the Ordinance committee since May 2018. This includes serving as mayor pro tem during extended absences by the current mayor; Served on Lebanon Library Board 2016-2018; Chaired a community task force for the Lebanon School Board to study the need for a new elementary school 2006-2008; VP for Gateway East Trails since 2010 raising funds for trail development (over $1 million), and Board member for Lebanon Historical Society. Obtained grants for the major improvements to McAllister Park for the Friends of McAllister Park ($103,000). Member and past president of the Lebanon Lions Club.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? So far, my campaign is self-funded, though I have been promised contributions.
Why are you running? Lebanon is a beautiful city with good people, but its mindset has been stuck in the past and has made little progress to improve the city’s infrastructure and outside perception for the over two decades I have lived here. The city leadership needs to become more proactive rather than reactive to encourage growth and prosperity to meet the needs of current and future city residents and businesses.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue is the outside perception of the city. The residents of Lebanon want a better city and want the city to grow and prosper. The city leadership invested significant public funds to have studies conducted and plans developed for city beautification and traffic control. It is time to proactively seek out and make ways to put those plans into operation. Some of these efforts will require changes in how the city operates internally. We also need to be actively seeking outside funding, and actively seeking businesses to consider opening new operations in Lebanon, particularly new retail or destination businesses. Without changes in infrastructure and beautification Lebanon likely will continue its population and business decline.
Why should people vote for you? I have decades of experience in public and private leadership roles having supervised up to 90 employees with annual budgets over $2 million. I also have experience drawing a vision from those who live and work here. If everyone has some ownership in a vision for the city, the easier it will be motivate all to move toward that vision. The city needs someone like me to be mayor who has the skills and vision to bring everything together and really lead the city, not make excuses.
NAME: JAMES MISSEY
Age as of April 1, 2025: 60
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Mayor, City of Lebanon
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Occupation: City of Lebanon water and sewer maintenance worker
Education: Highland High School
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Working for the city of Lebanon for 36 years. Fixing water and sewer problems along with maintenance.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? To solve city problems; To make sure our tax dollars are not going to waste
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue is to stop city wasting. Addressing the issue by digging into past expenses that may not have been needed and listening to the people more when they want to voice their opinions.
Why should people vote for you? I have worked for the city for 36 years. I’ve seen a lot throughout those 36 years and there are issues that need to be addressed. By listening to the people, I will empower them to make change.
Lebanon City Clerk
NAME: ROBERT “BOBBY” DAVIS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 62
Campaign website or social media page: Robert “Bobby” Davis for City Clerk - Lebanon, IL Campaign 2025
Office seeking: Lebanon City Clerk
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, Alderman Ward 3
Occupation: Electric construction supervisor
Education: High school graduate; 1.5 years of college, NJATC 3-year Lineman apprenticeship
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Current member of Rooted Community Church, Served as Cub & Boy Scout Leader, Deacon of Calumet Christian Church, Church Youth group Sponsor, Coached Youth Sports, Previous member of Centralia Elks BPOE
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Ron Trame, Lesley Gerard
Why are you running? To help the city of Lebanon grow by streamlining the process for new businesses to make it easier for them to locate in Lebanon. To help residents get their concerns addressed by facilitating communication with the proper members of the council and government agencies.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I believe that the top issue would be communication between the City and the residents of our city.
Why should people vote for you? I have been in a leadership role for about 17 years. I am passionate about serving others and building strong relationships with the community.
Lenzburg Mayor
Marissa Village Board
Mascoutah Mayor
NAME: JOHN “JACK” WEYANT
Age as of April 1, 2025: 73
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Mascoutah mayor
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, I have served on Mascoutah City Council for 18 years.
Occupation: John Deere mechanic
Education: High school graduate with some college.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Member of Mascoutah Improvement Association, Mascoutah Rotary Club, Mascoutah Chamber of Commerce, Mascoutah American Legion, St John United Church of Christ in Mascoutah and Mascoutah City Council.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I’m funding my own campaign.
Why are you running? I love our city. I have seen so much that has been accomplished and many more accomplishments are to come. As your mayor, I would like to continue with the progress we have made. We are on to great things in the future.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Our infrastructure must keep up with the pace of growth.
Why should people vote for you? I have been a councilman for the last 18 years. My knowledge and experience of our city will make future projects run smoothly. The chance for errors will be greatly reduced.
NAME: WALTER “WALLY” BATTAS
Mascoutah City Council
You can vote for two candidates in this race.
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NAME: TROY GRYGA
Age as of April 1, 2025: 44
Campaign website or social media page: www.troy4mascoutah.com
Office seeking: Mascoutah City Council
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: Pilot
Education: Bachelor of science degree in aviation management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Board member for Holy Childhood School, voting member of Zion Lutheran Church and lifetime member of Mascoutah VFW.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I want to be sure that the people of Mascoutah are well-represented by our our city government. I will never forget that I work for the citizens!
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Transparency in the decisions made by the city is my top issue. The people of Mascoutah need to be aware of the choices and have involvement in the decisions made by the City Council and mayor. How do we do this? We do it by talking to the people and asking the residents questions to make sure we are doing the will of the people of Mascoutah!
Why should people vote for you? I’m an honest veteran who cares about this city and its people! I’m ready to put my 25 years of military experience to work for you. Vote for Troy!
NAME: MICHAEL “MIKE” VOEGELE
Age as of April 1, 2025: 36
Campaign website or social media page: Mike Voegele for City Council on Facebook
Office seeking: Mascoutah City Council
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: Manager of Electric/Gas Distribution Design
Education: Civil engineering degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and further credentials as Professional Engineer.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Mascoutah Athletic Commission board member and treasurer; Mascoutah Parks and Recreation Commission, member; Mascoutah Khoury League, volunteer; annual July 4th Don C. Voegele Memorial Benefit Softball Tournament, coordinator; and Mascoutah Homecoming, volunteer.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded campaign.
Why are you running? Mascoutah is a great community for raising a family. I want to help guide the business and residential growth opportunities of the future while preserving the character and charm of our city.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Creating a balance between infrastructure improvements, public safety and economic growth.
Why should people vote for you? As a longtime resident of Mascoutah, I have serviced our community through numerous volunteering endeavors. My education and work experience with utilities can help me provide guidance while serving on the City Council. I look forward to collaborating with city leadership, council members and residents to help guide the city into the future. I care deeply about our city and ask for your vote on April 1.
Millstadt Village Board
You can vote for three candidates in this race.
NAME: TRAVIS W. JONES
Age as of April 1, 2025: 44
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Millstadt Village Board
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, formerly served as Millstadt Township supervisor.
Occupation: Clerk
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Served as volunteer fireman for 13 years and as Millstadt Emergency Services Disaster Agency volunteer coordinator; organized men’s softball league for 20-plus years; initiated automated external defibrillators being installed at Millstadt Parks; volunteered at numerous picnics; coached Millstadt Sports Association baseball; and attend Zion Church in Millstadt.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running because I feel it is my civic duty to try and improve the village where I live.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Condition of infrastructure. I would work with the entire board and appropriate department to put together a plan to improve streets, water/sewer lines and drainage around town. I know it won’t happen overnight, but there needs to be a solid plan in place.
Why should people vote for you? I have lived my entire life in Millstadt. I worked for the village for almost 20 years, so I have first-hand knowledge of what needs to be done and how to accomplish it.
NAME: DUSTIN TRANKLE
Age as of April 1, 2025: 46
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Millstadt Village Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? No. I was appointed to my current position when there was an unexpected vacancy.
Occupation: Journeyman wireman/electrician with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 309
Education: Associate’s degree in electricity/electronics
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Active member of Millstadt Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years and served as battalion chief; and active member and parent at St. James Catholic Church and School, volunteering for many fundraisers throughout the parish and school.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 309
Why are you running? I am hoping to continue to help the growth and development of my community for years to come. This community is very important to my family and me. I would like to see it continue to succeed and work to improve on the foundation that has been around for so many generations.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? N/A
Why should people vote for you? I’ve had a proven track record of service to the community during my time as a trustee on the village board and as battalion chief for the fire department. I hope to continue to do my part to help lead our community to a prosperous future for my children and for generations to come.
New Athens Mayor
NAME: STEVEN NEWBOLD
Age as of April 1, 2025: 72
Campaign website or social media page: None
Office seeking: New Athens Mayor/Village President
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): School Board for two terms New Athens Unit District 60, Trustee New Athens Village Board
Occupation: Dentist
Education: SIU-Edwardsville majoring in Biology; Washington University School of Dental Medicine
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Positive influence on the community through the hiring of two of the current school administrators. The school currently holds Exemplary status in the state of Illinois.
With the Village, two major road development projects have been completed, as well as the revival of the Marina Campground area.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None
Why are you running? I view myself as an effective leader who listens to the concerns of the community, while acting in a responsible manner to do what is best for the whole.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? In my opinion, improving infrastructure in a systematic and fiscally responsible method. Obviously, there are other equally important issues that can be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Why should people vote for you? Trustworthiness and the ability to work effectively with others
New Athens Village Board
NAME: RYAN HEINECKE
Age as of April 1, 2025: 45
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: New Athens Village Board Member
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Occupation: Commercial Custodial Instructor
Education: Trade school graduate
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: New Athens little league and youth sports
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? This town needs to progress. I would like to contribute and give my input as a younger generation.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? New Athens is a dying village. I would like to find solutions to bring more revenue, businesses into town.
Why should people vote for you? I have lived in this town my whole life. I love this community and would like to be apart of its progression. I also think this town needs some fresh ideas which I hope to bring.
NAME: RICHARD A. STOOPS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 67
Campaign website or social media page: None
Office seeking: New Athens Village Board Member
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes, for Village Board
Occupation: Retired Navy veteran, retired coal miner
Education: New Athens High School, military schools and some college
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Lifetime member of New Athens VFW Post 7710, past commander of said Post
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None
Why are you running? To hopefully bring some common sense to town politics and policy
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Reduce taxes and improve infrastructure (streets, water, sewer and sidewalks)
Why should people vote for you? To bring traditional New Athens values and local representation to the taxpayers
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This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 3:30 AM.