BND 2025 Voter Guide: See municipal candidates in O’Fallon, Shiloh & Swansea
Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the municipal races in the April 1 election in O’Fallon, Shiloh and Swansea.
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 O’Fallon, Shiloh and Swansea, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running for local and school board positions in Belleville and across the metro-east.
Here are the responses from the candidates who have replied: (The candidates are listed alphabetically.)
O’Fallon City Clerk
NAME: OPAL “CAROLINE” MALARE (write-in)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 75
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: O’Fallon city clerk
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: Retired
Education: Some college
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Church and O’Fallon Historical Society
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None
Why are you running? I would like to see more transparency, and I want to know how and why decisions are made and who makes them and what could be done to better benefit the residents of O’Fallon. Also, I want people to know that, if they’re not satisfied with what is happening in our city, they can do something. Attend meetings, run for office, make your voice heard.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Transparency. I think the public needs to be aware of all that is going on in the city before decisions have been made without the voice of the people.
Why should people vote for you? I care about O’Fallon and the people who live here. I would use the city clerk’s office for the betterment of the town and the people and keep the people better informed on issues that would affect them and their lives.
NAME: JERRY MOUSER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 77
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: O’Fallon city clerk
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, elected as city clerk and Ward 3 alderman.
Occupation: Retired business manager
Education: High school and some college
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: American Legion, O’Fallon Sportsman’s Club, Caritas Family Solutions, Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals and Municipal Clerks of Illinois
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? To continue to serve the community and improve the clerk’s office.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Eight years prior experience.
Why should people vote for you? I have served approximately 27 years as an elected official for the city of O’Fallon.
O’Fallon City Treasurer
NAME: DAVID H. HURSEY
Age as of April 1, 2025: 75
Campaign website or social media page: David Hursey O’Fallon Treasurer on Facebook
Office seeking: O’Fallon city treasurer
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, elected as O’Fallon city treasurer.
Occupation: Supply chain, transportation and distribution
Education: Bachelor of arts in political science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
- O’Fallon city treasurer
- Former board member at First United Methodist Church in O’Fallon
- Transportation Club of St. Louis
- Member of Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and Shriners International
- Treasurer of Southwestern Law Enforcement
- Lifetime member of SIU Alumni Association
- Treasurer of O’Fallon Police Department and the O’Fallon Fire Department pension boards
- Married to my wonderful wife, Susan, for 39 years, and we have been blessed with four great-grandchildren and six beautiful grandchildren
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None
Why are you running? As treasurer and as a citywide office holder, it is imperative to continue to protect the investments and reserves of the taxpayers/citizens of O’Fallon.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Same as my previous answer on why I am running.
Why should people vote for you? I am honored and blessed to have served the citizens of O’Fallon as treasurer for many elected terms, and I ask for your vote on April 1 to continue to do so.
NAME: RONALD “RON” ZELMS
Age as of April 1, 2025: 71
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: O’Fallon city treasurer
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: Retired from U.S. Air Force and teaching
Education: Bachelor’s degree in education and master’s in business administration
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: My service in the Air Force and teaching high school mathematics, that kept me pretty busy for the better part of 38 years. Ten years ago, I became involved in city politics as an actively engaged citizen. That was when the city was contemplating privatizing the city’s water and sewer system, what I fondly refer to as the “water wars.”
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Me, myself, and I. I will not be spending any funds.
Why are you running? Ten years ago, I learned to follow the mantra that if you want to know what’s going on at city hall, you have to follow the money. So that’s been my interest, and it’s also why I’m running for treasurer.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My main focus would be getting the next mayor and O’Fallon City Council to address the need to even have a treasurer. In 2003, when city officials created the director of finance position, they eliminated the deputy treasurer position and superseded all the duties of an elected treasurer by turning them over to the director of finance. In 2010, the city went to the voters with a referendum asking to eliminate the treasurer position; it failed by 21 votes. So the position of city treasurer lives on to this day, and the city budgets $11,000 a year for compensation.
The only real responsibility of the treasurer is to serve as one of five members on the investment committee. The current job description, as stated on the city’s website, shows that the treasurer is required to submit monthly reports and an annual report. Those reports are, in fact, produced and published by the director of finance and staff. If anyone from the city council or public has questions about anything in those reports or any other question of a financial nature, they are directed to contact the director of finance for answers, not the treasurer.
Why should people vote for you? Vote for me and I will do everything in my power to eliminate the treasurer’s position and save the taxpayers $11,000 a year. I’ll also use my voice to speak up when I think the city is not using tax dollars wisely. From the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to how the city should handle the money it received from the state for the disabled veteran property tax exemption, I’ve never been shy about speaking up as a citizen. Maybe my voice will carry more weight if I’m elected to a citywide position.
O’Fallon City Council — Ward 3
NAME: ROY CARNEY
Age as of April 1, 2025: 76
Campaign website or social media page: None
Office seeking: O’Fallon City Council Ward 3
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, for O’Fallon Ward 3 alderperson.
Occupation: Retired
Education: Two years of college
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Member of O’Fallon City Fest Committee; Freemasonry Gothic Lodge 852; Ainad Shriners; Shriner “Krazy Klown;” and O’Fallon Sportsmen’s Club.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Me, myself and I.
Why are you running? To represent the citizens of Ward 3 and O’Fallon. To ensure the welfare of the city in growth, public safety and a balanced budget. To be a pro-active voice, someone who listens to the residents. To put honesty and transparency in the forefront. This is my goal at all times. Responsible growth is my main concern.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Responsible growth. I believe a city that stops growing starts dying. Change is inevitable, but the key is the right kind of growth or change. Let’s be honest, builders can’t build starter or entry level homes. So what do we do to keep our young people and retired people that are downsizing in O’Fallon? We should develop other types of residential areas in their price range and meet their needs but still support the growth of our city.
Growth in our residential areas is not the only way we need to grow. Other ways are attracting new businesses and developing the industrial area on the east side of O’Fallon. We need to generate new jobs for a better economy and improve the lifestyle of the residents who live here now and the people who will want to live here in the coming years.
Why should people vote for you? For me, Ward 3 is the past, present and future all in one ward. It’s the heartbeat of O’Fallon. I know I have the qualities needed to continue being a true asset to this city. I’ve had your trust for four years. Please support me, Roy Carney, for four more. Thank you.
NAME: VERN MALARE (write-in)
Age as of April 1, 2025: 75
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: O’Fallon City Council Ward 3
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Yes
Occupation: Retired
Education: Associate’s degree in construction management
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I attend all meetings of O’Fallon City Council and others.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? None
Why are you running? I don’t like the way some things are being done and not enough communication or Interaction with the public.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Transparency. I would like to see the public get notification of what is happening in O’Fallon by having scheduled town meetings in my ward.
Why should people vote for you? I care about the opinions of the residents in O’Fallon, but I can only serve the people in my ward. The people need to have a voice about what happens in O’Fallon. I would be that voice for them.
Shiloh Mayor
NAME: JULIA WARCHOL-BLACK
Age as of April 1, 2025: 29
Campaign website or social media page: Juliawarcholblack.com
Office seeking: Shiloh mayor
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? I successfully ran for village trustee in the 2019 election and the 2023 election.
Occupation: Paralegal
Education: Associate degree in paralegal studies
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have actively volunteered at several community events, including assisting with the Shiloh Homecoming, preparing eggs for village Easter egg hunts, serving chicken dinners at Corpus Christi Catholic Church and assisting with the St. Clair County Expungement & Sealing Summit.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Daniel J. Weidenbenner, James A. Vernier and and Archview Developers, LLC
Why are you running? I’ve been proud to call the village my home for my entire life. It’s a place where I’ve always felt deeply connected to both the people and the community. My love for this town runs deep, and I truly believe in its potential. I envision a future where our streets are safe, our economy is thriving and our neighborhoods are supported. Most importantly, I want to make sure that every voice is heard and that we build a future together that reflects the values we all share.
Like many of our residents, I’ve seen the challenges we face — whether it’s creating better job opportunities, improving our infrastructure or ensuring every family has the resources they need to thrive. These challenges matter to me because they impact all of us and the future we’re building for our children.
To me, running for mayor is about giving back to a village that has given me so much. I want to be a mayor who listens, works hard and leads with integrity. I’m ready to put in the effort because our community deserves a future where their voices truly matter and where we all share in the success of our beloved village.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue in this election is the urgent need to address our village’s aging infrastructure. Many of our roads, buildings and utilities are in desperate need of repair or modernization. These issues impact not only the daily lives of our residents but also our economy, public safety and overall quality of life. We can no longer afford to delay these vital improvements.
Revitalizing our infrastructure isn’t just about fixing roads — it’s about creating a foundation for a prosperous, safer and more sustainable future for every resident. As your mayor, I will make revitalizing our infrastructure a top priority, implementing a comprehensive plan that balances both short-term and long-term solutions.
We will start by conducting a thorough assessment of our village’s roads, buildings and utilities to pinpoint the most urgent needs. From there, we will roll out a phased approach to repairs and upgrades, addressing the most critical areas first while ensuring lasting improvements for the long haul.
Why should people vote for you? I’m asking for your vote because I have unwavering faith in the future of our village and in the incredible people who call it home. My commitment is to serve each and every resident with dedication and care. This village means everything to me, and I am driven by a deep desire to ensure that everyone who lives here has the opportunity to thrive.
I am fully committed to creating a balanced, forward-thinking approach that will help our village continue to be a wonderful place to live, work and raise families. Together, we can build a future that reflects the values and aspirations of our entire community.
NAME: ROBERT “BOB” WEILMUENSTER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 66
Campaign website or social media page: Weilmuenster for Mayor on Facebook.
Office seeking: Shiloh mayor
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, served two terms as a Shiloh Village Board member and one as mayor.
Occupation: Business owner; own computer consulting firm
Education: Associate’s degree in computer science
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Attend meetings of Scott Air Force Base military affairs, O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois and member of Southwestern Illinois Council of Mayors.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? In my first term as mayor of Shiloh, I started a number of projects to improve the infrastructure and the financial stability of the village. I have secured funding for the construction of a new and much needed police station, as well as funding for the replacement of the bridge and lane expansion on Green Mount Road. I have also expanded the business district for Green Mount Crossing and annexed approximately 2000 acres of property. I would like to see these open projects through to completion while continuing to promote both commercial and residential development in the village.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Growth in the village and the region is inevitable as the Frank Scott Parkway corridor expands. The challenge will be determining how to manage the growth while preserving the connection among our community members, supporting our schools and ensuring that the growth is compatible with our residents’ interests and way of life. I believe that it is my responsibility as the mayor to be proactive in establishing the infrastructure that is needed to support this growth.
I will continue to collaborate with local, regional and state leaders to promote Shiloh’s interests. I will keep an open line of communication with the leadership at Scott Air Force Base to ensure that our community supports the needs of the military families stationed at SAFB. I will continue to work with area leaders to promote business development in the village. I will continue to serve as a liaison between the residents and the Shiloh Board of Trustees to understand and promote the residents’ interests and needs related to our community, our schools and our model of government.
Why should people vote for you? I am honored that I have been able to serve the Shiloh community as a trustee for eight years and then as mayor for the last four years. I think that I have proven myself as a competent leader with a reputation for getting things done. I am open to new ideas, I understand the importance of working with regional and state leaders to accomplish our goals and, above all, I understand that I am here to represent the interests of the residents while working to ensure a sustainable future for the village of Shiloh.
Shiloh Village Board
You can vote for three candidates in this election.
NAME: JASON HOLZUM
Age as of April 1, 2025: 45
Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/HolzumforShiloh
Office seeking: Shiloh Village Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, for Shiloh Village Board.
Occupation: Category manager/sales
Education: Bachelor of science in political science with a business minor from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Current village trustee
President of Shiloh PTO
Youth baseball and basketball coach-volunteer
O’Fallon Township High School Marching Band and Color Guard Transportation Team volunteer
St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church volunteer
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I am running for reelection to continue the work I laid out four years ago in my Vision for Shiloh, which included providing safety and security for the village, improving and repairing parks and infrastructure and recruiting new businesses to increase revenue. We have made some great progress toward these goals, and I would like to see them through to the end.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Shiloh is a growing community, and we need to be diligent in how we handle this growth. It is important that we balance our sense of community and preserve our neighborhoods as we work to attract new business and stimulate economic growth. As chair of the Planning and Development Committee, I have heard the concerns of residents during public hearings while listening to prospective businesses outline their visions. I understand what it takes to be pro-business while also protecting our neighborhoods.
Why should people vote for you? I am dedicated to the village of Shiloh and building a better tomorrow for our families. I have the experience and leadership skills it takes to be village trustee. Whether I am working with the mayor or the other trustees, my goal is always the same, to do what is best for Shiloh.
NAME: RUSSELL McCULLOUGH III
Age as of April 1, 2025: 59
Campaign website or social media page: None
Office seeking: Shiloh Village Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, for Shiloh Village Board.
Occupation: Business owner
Education: High school
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Various Shiloh events
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded
Why are you running? My main goal is to give back to the community. I want to help make sure our village is safe and welcoming for families. I will support businesses that truly benefit our community. With 33 years of experience as a business owner, I believe I can make a meaningful contribution. I have dealt with many challenges and know how to overcome them, and I’m ready to use that experience to continue to serve our community effectively.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? A major concern for the residents of Shiloh is the building of a new police station. Since we have already bought the property, we are excited to get started and make this plan a reality. This project is very important for keeping our community safe and secure. As a business owner with experience in construction and expansions, I believe that my knowledge will be valuable in helping make the best decisions for this project.
Why should people vote for you? If elected, I will continue to do my best to ensure that we meet the needs of the residents. I will only approve matters that I believe are in the best interest of the residents and the community as a whole.
NAME: MATTHEW WILKE
Age as of April 1, 2025: 35
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Shiloh Village Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, for Shiloh Village Board.
Occupation: Senior business intel manager for Charter Communications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: The highlight of my civic involvement was judging this year’s Trunk or Treat contest at Shiloh Park. It was a fantastic community event, and the Golden Girls were outstanding!
On a more serious note, I believe my most meaningful contribution has been working with the local business community to foster connections and strong working relationships. Building these partnerships is essential for shaping a thriving future for Shiloh, and I take great pride in being part of that effort.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Illinois Realtors Association and Citizens for Matthew Wilke
Why are you running? First and foremost, I’m a proud father of two young boys, Ethan and Ollie, who are 2 and 5 years old. Like any parent, I want to ensure they grow up in a community that is safe, vibrant and full of opportunities.
I’m running for trustee because I believe in investing in our future. It’s important to have fresh perspectives in leadership — voices that represent the younger generation and the families who are building their lives here. While some politicians may hesitate when it comes to spending on schools, parks and other vital community resources, I see these as investments, not expenses. These are the foundations of a thriving community and the key to long-term growth.
I believe that making Shiloh a great place to live will naturally attract employment and investment opportunities — without relying solely on tax incentives. Strong schools, safe neighborhoods and well-maintained public spaces create a community where businesses and families want to be. As a trustee, I will work to ensure that every decision made today strengthens the future for our children and future generations.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? My primary responsibility as trustee would be to guide the village toward fiscal responsibility while ensuring that we invest in forward-thinking projects. This means making smart financial decisions that support growth — without burdening taxpayers. I believe we should focus on building a strong local economy, maintaining high-quality public services and prioritizing initiatives that enhance our schools, infrastructure and recreational spaces.
Why should people vote for you? I’m running for village trustee because I want to ensure that Shiloh remains a great place for families to live, work and grow. As a father of two young sons, Ethan and Ollie, I want them to have access to the best education, parks and community experiences possible. The decisions we make today will shape the kind of community they, and future generations, will inherit.
What sets me apart from other candidates is my commitment to long-term, sustainable solutions. Rather than relying on short-term thinking or excessive tax incentives, I want to make Shiloh a place where businesses and families choose to be because of the community we’ve built. I bring a fresh perspective, a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that our village remains a place where families can thrive.
Swansea Mayor
NAME: JEFF PARKER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 71
Campaign website or social media page: Jeff Parker for Swansea Mayor on Facebook
Office seeking: Swansea mayor
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, I’ve served as a Swansea Village Board trustee for six years; formerly Granite City school board member for 20 years.
Occupation: Retired from Granite City Police Department as detective sergeant; also worked as warden with Illinois Department of Corrections and violent crime investigator with St. Clair County state’s attorney’s office.
Education: Granite City High School and Belleville Area College (now Southwestern Illinois College).
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
- Past president of Rotary Club of Swansea
- Chairman of Rotary Club of Swansea’s Flags Program
- Part-time security at Wolf Branch School
- Safety Talks to Kids at Swansea schools with support dog Homer
- Homer’s handler (he was used at Madison County Child Advocacy Center to sit with children being interviewed after suffering abuse or observing violent crimes)
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded so far
Why are you running? I’ve always been involved in the community I reside in. I have been chairman of Swansea’s Public Safety Committee for six years, so I am deeply committed to maintaining the high standards that our police and firefighters maintain to protect all our citizens. I also want to bring additional retail businesses to our village to help keep our tax rate as low as possible.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I have more than one top issue and will try to be brief: Maintain public safety; use remaining federal funds, which have to be spent; try a business coordinator for a year; seek additional retail stores; maintain our existing store owners in conjunction with starting a committee of existing business owners to brainstorm with the coordinator; and explore hiring an additional code enforcement officer to handle problem properties and follow up with Court appearances.
Why should people vote for you? My time in law enforcement has given me conflict-resolution skills to fix issues. My time as an Illinois Department of Corrections warden taught me management skills such as budgeting and personnel handling and the ability to surround myself with good staff and oversee the functioning of their duties.
I learned positive-management skills to get the best out of staff while treating all with the respect due to them. I was taught to be firm, fair, consistent and respectful in leadership, and staff will respond with good output. The same will be applied when I deal with our citizens, and I promise to have an “open door” to all. .
Lastly, I will be a positive cheerleader for our community. I have the connections with local leaders to help bring money and grants to Swansea. And I have the time, energy and drive to keep Swansea always moving forward as an involved mayor.
NAME: BRIAN D. THOUVENOT
Age as of April 1, 2025: 51
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573550512974
Office seeking: Swansea mayor
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, elected in 2023 to Swansea Village Board.
Occupation: Chief community officer
Education: Bachelor of arts degree in mass communication from Illinois State University in 1995
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Board member for Catholic Urban Programs in East St. Louis; Ainad Shriners; O’Fallon Lodge No. 576, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons; and St. Teresa Catholic Church parishioner and former member of parish council and finance committee.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded
Why are you running? To utilize my leadership abilities developed in the for-profit and non-for-profit business sectors to help Swansea become the best version of itself in the metro-east region. My current position involves cultivating strategic business partnerships for a $100+ million social services organization in the 11 counties of the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis. It also entails negotiation, funding and development of affordable housing projects, which requires involvement with municipal governments and their elected leaders in both urban and rural areas.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? A comprehensive strategic plan. As Swansea mayor, I will put into motion a strategic planning process for the village. Our last plan was developed in 2017, which is ancient for a municipality that needs to remain relevant in a competitive region. Depending on where you live in Swansea, you can see a very different view of how things are going. That is not right! We need to be accountable and make sure all parts of the village enjoy safe, clean neighborhoods, maintained roads and places of enjoyment.
It boils down to money. A strategic plan that focuses on economic growth will prioritize developing a good mix of taxes to support village services. Sales-tax-generating businesses are declining in Swansea. That means the tax burden shifts to property owners, which is not sustainable when our annual budget is consumed by personnel/pension costs, and tapping limited cash reserves to pay operating costs will only lead to a significant property tax shock down the road. To bring in tax-generating investment, Swansea needs a team of leaders who have done it, versus those with a history of only spending taxpayer dollars.
Swansea is not a correctional facility, as has been inferred by my opponent. Our police department works very hard to protect and serve our citizens so we do not have the types of crime that lead to incarceration. I have been vocal on public safety focused on enforcement of quality-of-life issues like speeding, no insurance and expired license plates/temp tags. It may not seem like much, but these can cause harm to you and your family.
That’s ultimately my concern, to ensure our loved ones, our children, get to and from where they’re going safely, especially while in Swansea. We have a lot of hard work in front of us to return to a culture of “Swansea First.” Solid leadership, with good strategy and strong public involvement will get us there! Thank you.
Why should people vote for you? I put in the work required to do the very best for Swansea residents in my position as trustee. I read the packets, understand the issues, ask a lot of questions and try to do my part to maintain a positive, respectful culture among staff and other elected officials. I will do that and more as mayor. I am a man of honesty, integrity and faith, and you’ll get the same version of me whether in the middle of a random month in a non-election year or right before votes are cast. I’m not running to earn personal accolades; I am running to put “Swansea First” and ensure all of us have safety, happiness and prosperity.
Swansea Village Board
You can vote for three candidates in this election.
NAME: MICHAEL ANDERSON
Age as of April 1, 2025: 57
Campaign website or social media page: Mike Anderson for Trustee Village of Swansea, IL on Facebook
Office seeking: Swansea Village Board
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: President of Classic Auto Body & Towing
Education: High school diploma
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Member of Fairview Heights Knights of Columbus and Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge; support Swansea police and fire departments, including restarting the police K-9 program.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded
Why are you running? I am running for office because I am committed to prioritizing the needs of our community, ensuring Swansea becomes a place where people stay and want to live, work and play. My focus is on creating lasting, meaningful change that benefits all residents — not just those in leadership.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I was raised in Cahokia, a once-thriving town built on the values of hard work, honesty and faith. The lessons I learned there years ago have shaped me throughout my life in ways I never expected. Today, it is not anything close to what I remember. More than 35 years ago, I moved to Swansea to start my business, and I’ve been proud to call it home ever since. My wife and I have raised two wonderful daughters here, and we’ve built our lives in this community.
The top issue for me is the future of Swansea. I see a similarity in Swansea’s trajectory to what has happened to so many communities in the metro-east. Businesses close, people move away, properties are abandoned and boarded up and village revenue is not able to provide for public services, let alone things like parks and recreation. Through the years, I’ve come to understand just how crucial elections are, as they directly impact our families, businesses and overall community. I believe in transparency, open communication and active civic engagement. Hosting town hall meetings and encouraging public participation allow residents to voice their concerns, understand different perspectives and see the real impact of leadership decisions.
As a leader, my priority will always be the well-being of our community — its safety, schools, businesses and economic growth. I am committed to 100% honesty, transparency and being a strong voice for the people. Swansea residents, we are at a critical crossroad in our history. I believe in my business acumen and those of the candidates I support (Brian Thouvenot for mayor and Rocky McDonald and Sherman Pochek for trustees) to make sure our future is vibrant for all, instead of depending on where you live in our village.
Why should people vote for you? I am running to serve the community, not myself. My priority is ensuring a safer village where all residents feel heard, valued and supported. I have no personal agenda — only a commitment to making Swansea a better place to live. I will listen to the concerns of our community and work diligently to find solutions that benefit everyone. My goal is for all of us to succeed together.
NAME: NATALIE JABLONSKI
Age as of April 1, 2025: 47
Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/VoteNatalieJablonski
Office seeking: Swansea Village Board
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: Director of communications for Schnuck Markets, Inc.
Education: Graduated from Belleville West High School (Class of 1995) and earned a bachelor of arts degree at McKendree College, now McKendree University (Class of 1999) and master of arts degree from Webster University (Class of 2004).
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Village of Swansea Business District Development Commission, member
United Way of Greater St. Louis and its Southern Illinois Division, board member
Leadership Council, It’s Your Birthday, Inc.
Rotary Club of Swansea, PR and public image chair
Leadership Belleville Graduate, Class of 2016-17
Ponies for Polio (Rotary District 6510), PR and emcee
Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge #1221, member
Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, former board member
American Cancer Society, former Wine & Witches Committee member
Toastmasters Club #2967717, former vice president of PR
Belleville East Band & Orchestra Parents, former volunteer
St. Louis Planned Giving Council, former board member
Small Business Week of Southwestern Illinois, former networking chair
Parish School of Religion (2011-18), former teacher
Who are your top three campaign contributors? I am solely funding my campaign, ensuring complete independence from special interests or outside influence.
Why are you running? I’m running for trustee because I’ve become deeply connected with the Swansea community since returning in 2015. I believe in our potential to achieve great things together. My goal is to serve the residents by actively listening, asking important questions and ensuring that village decisions truly reflect the best interests of Swansea, ultimately promoting it as a place where people can work, live and thrive.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? One of the top issues in Swansea is the lack of consistent community engagement and participation in local government by our residents. My goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, aiming to foster a culture where residents feel valued and encouraged to participate in government meetings, regardless of specific agenda items. This involves making our residents feel their voices count and their concerns matter year-round, not just during elections. I also want to encourage active involvement by our residents, supporting them as active partners in shaping the future of Swansea while discovering and breaking down barriers that currently may discourage residents from communicating with Swansea officials or participating in government meetings.
Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I will ensure their voices are heard and valued, not just during elections, but year-round. I’m committed to creating a transparent and inclusive local government where residents actively participate in decision-making. I want Swansea to be a place where people want to engage with their government. I’m committed to serving the residents by listening, asking critical questions and ensuring village decisions truly reflect our best interests. I want to help Swansea thrive as a place where people can work, live and raise their families. Furthermore, I bring a unique and important perspective as a woman, adding to the diversity of our village leadership. I believe diverse representation is essential for a well-rounded and effective government. I will champion Swansea’s future by placing the community at the heart of every decision.
NAME: MATTHEW LANTER
Age as of April 1, 2025: 51
Campaign website or social media page: www.facebook.com/VoteMattLanter
Office seeking: Swansea Village Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, for Swansea Village Board.
Occupation: President of Fulford Homes
Education: Bachelor of science degree in business administration from Illinois State University
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Swansea Fire Department, volunteer firefighter for 30 years
Swansea Fireman Civic Association, member and former treasurer for 20 years
Swansea Foreign Fire Insurance Board, treasurer
St. Teresa’s Parish member and co-chair of Finance Council
Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge, member
Knights of Columbus, member
Swansea Planning & Zoning Board, former chairman
Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout and former leader
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded
Why are you running? I’m running because I’m deeply invested in the future of Swansea. Having lived here for 30 years, I’ve seen both the challenges and the potential in our community. I believe we need strong, proactive leadership to address issues like improving our infrastructure, enhancing public safety and growing economic development. I want to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard and that decisions are made with the best interests of all residents in mind. My vision is to create a community that is not only thriving today, but also set up for success in the years ahead.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Finances. It is a constant struggle to balance the available funds with the needs and expectations of the citizens. Economic development is the only way to fix this problem. We must continue to recruit businesses to fill vacant buildings and work diligently to pursue new retail development. New sales tax revenue is really the only way to fix the constant financial pressures.
Why should people vote for you? I love Swansea! I have dedicated the last 30 years to the people of Swansea as a volunteer firefighter. I work as a home builder and have built homes and neighborhoods for hundreds of Swansea families. I am a small business owner so I bring a business sense to the board. I am proud of major accomplishments made during my tenure, which include hiring a school resource officer; providing major fleet updates for police, fire, and public works departments; re-paving miles of roads; adding a bike trail, exercise area, playground updates and additional land to Melvin Price Memorial Park; creating Clinton Hills Conservation Park; adding miles of bike trails all over the village; and demolishing derelict properties.
We have annexed new land and recruited many new businesses. I am most proud that we have accomplished all of this while maintaining balanced budgets. But there is still much work to do, and I would like to continue to work hard for the people of Swansea. I would greatly appreciate your vote!
NAME: CARY LEWIS V
Age as of April 1, 2025: 34
Campaign website or social media page: Cary Lewis V Trustee for the Village of Swansea on Facebook
Office seeking: Swansea Village Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, for Swansea Village Board.
Occupation: Case manager/employment specialist and nonprofit program director
Education: Bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Lindenwood University and master of education with emphasis in special education candidate.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Love Church STL in Belleville (formerly in Swansea) is one of my greatest highlights; Skills to Pay the Bills; sponsored three Swansea youths to take a financial literacy course for free; and former Rotary Club of Swansea member.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? My family, Swansea citizens and myself.
Why are you running? I wish to finish what I started. Four years ago, I was able to work toward the things I believed the community needed. I believe with the experience that I have gained from being on the village board will help in this endeavor. In short, I’m running for the Swansea community, and I have the desire to make it a stronger “village.”
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The issue is whether or not we wish for Swansea to go backwards. I wish for Swansea to move forward as we preserve its history but allow it to be open for change.
Why should people vote for you? I bring a unique perspective to the table, grounded in my deep understanding of what it means to be part of our Swansea community. Over the last four years, I’ve dedicated myself to ensuring that Swansea citizens are informed and engaged. I have launched several campaigns aimed at keeping you updated on local issues and initiatives. What truly sets me apart is my commitment to being present in our community. I’ve taken the time to walk door-to-door, listening to your concerns and addressing them directly — even when I’m not running for office.
My goal has always been to make myself available to you because I believe in open communication and genuine connection. I love Swansea and believe it deserves a leader who prioritizes service above all else. I am committed to being that servant leader, someone who will put the community first in all decisions. My record reflects this dedication, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.
As an educator and social worker, I have been dedicated to assisting others since I was 18. My life has been a testament to sacrifice for the benefit of others. I understand the value of each and every citizen, and I am passionate about representing your interests and needs. If you’re looking for someone who will uphold the principles of community, values every voice and has a proven track record of service, I ask for your vote. I have served faithfully over the past four years, and I am eager to continue this journey with you, making our community stronger and more connected. Thank you for considering me as your representative!
NAME: RICHARD “ROCKY” McDONALD
Age as of April 1, 2025: 68
Campaign website or social media page: Richard Rocky McDonald for Trustee Swansea, IL on Facebook
Office seeking: Swansea Village Board
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? Yes, for Swansea Village Board.
Occupation: Assistant state’s attorney and owner of a family business, McDonald Mobile Homes.
Education: Graduated from Belleville East High School and earned a business degree at University of Missouri in Columbia and a law degree at St. Louis University.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Former board member for Violence Prevention Center and volunteer for Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded
Why are you running? I am committed to providing solutions for economic growth and stability, improving infrastructure and ensuring safe neighborhoods through effective code enforcement and collaboration with our police and fire departments. With my education, work and life experiences, I am equipped to make sound business decisions for the benefit of Swansea residents. Citizen involvement is essential for the process to work because each area of Swansea has different needs and concerns. I’ve been a trustee for eight years, and one thing that would help is be citizen input. We need to prioritize their needs and concerns so they can be resolved as fast and efficiently as possible.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Protecting property values and public safety is my top issue. Swansea is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, nestled between Belleville, Fairview Heights, Shiloh and O’Fallon. While we may not have the same retail economic centers as our neighboring municipalities, we boast two outstanding schools: Wolf Branch and High Mount. It’s crucial to protect our property values and prioritize public safety. Supporting the Village of Swansea Property Inspection and Occupancy Program is key to maintaining and improving our property values. The village implemented a voluntary crime-free program for rental property owners that needs to be updated to encourage all property owners to participate. Properly maintaining public parks, streets, roads, storm sewers, curbs and sidewalks is also essential to protecting property values.
Why should people vote for you? When serving in public office, it’s essential to do what’s best for all citizens. This means listening to different opinions, gathering facts, exploring multiple options and making decisions that best serve the residents of Swansea. As an assistant state’s attorney, I support law enforcement. As a business owner, I understand financial statements and the importance of being fiscally responsible. It’s crucial to balance the budget and decide which products and services provide the best value for taxpayers.
I’m deeply invested in the village of Swansea as both a business owner and a resident. Over the years, I’ve seen many well-intentioned people make poor decisions, and we’ve had to live with the consequences after they moved on. As a business owner and prosecutor, I know people are counting on me to do the right thing, and I have the skills and experience to find the best solutions. Thanks for your consideration and vote on April 1!
NAME: SHERMAN POCHEK
Age as of April 1, 2025: 70
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Swansea Village Board
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? No
Occupation: Retired food broker
Education: Bachelor of science degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Swansea Fire Department chaplain, Swansea Senior Van driver and minister to Grand Manor, Cambridge House and Bradford Place.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded
Why are you running? To serve the community by helping to grow and attract businesses, promote safety and make Swansea a great place to live, work and play.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Empty retail spaces that need to be filled and neighborhood areas that need renovation; and increasing business revenues to implement and improve public services for the citizens of Swansea. I would take the experience that I gained in my sales management career to attract profitable businesses and develop a growth model for the village that would enhance revenues to facilitate improving neighborhoods and public services.
Why should people vote for you? I have a strong faith and work ethic and a genuine desire to give back to and serve the citizens of the village of Swansea.
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 4:00 AM.