BND 2026 Voter Guide: Monroe County commissioner Republican primary
Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the Monroe County commissioner Republican primary that features George Green, who is an incumbent, and Marvin Wittenauer.
The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested races in the March 17 Illinois primary and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.
While this article has information about candidates in Monroe County, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running in the primary.
Below are the responses from Green and Wittenauer. They are the two candidates running to be the Republican nominee in the Nov. 3 election. (They’re listed alphabetically.)
NAME: GEORGE GREEN
Age as of March 17, 2026: 74
Campaign website or social media page: Elect George Green County Commissioner - Google
Office seeking: Monroe County commissioner
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes, Monroe County Commissioner in 2020
Occupation: Retired after 35 years with Unimin Corporation, Retired as operations general manager. Semi retired real estate broker
Education: Bachelor of Science (BS) in environmental technology from SIUE and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I serve on the Board of Directors for the Monroe County YMCA, as a member of the Waterloo Rotary Club, as a member and trustee at St. Mary Parish (Valmeyer), and I’m a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Maeystown Preservation Society, Maeystown Sportsman Club, life member of the NRA.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? ME, RPAC, Monroe County Republican Century Club
How much money have you raised for your campaign? To date $5,400
Why are you running? My priorities include continued support of public safety, investment in infrastructure, maintaining fiscal discipline, ensuring a smooth implementation of the Oak Hill Operations Transfer Agreement with Accolade Healthcare and establishing the Monroe County Veterans Assistance Commission.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Maintain balanced and approved budgets with very little impact to taxpayers.
Ensure a smooth implementation of the Oak Hill Operations Transfer Agreement with Accolade Healthcare through quarterly reviews of the operation.
Establishing the Monroe County Veterans Assistance Commission by meeting and working with the veterans to establish a budget and provide office space and support.
Why should people vote for you? I have over five years of experience in this role, giving me invaluable insight into the workings of the county government. I have both the respect and support of all the county’s elected officials and the Monroe Republican party endorsement. I’m action oriented, meaning when an issue is presented, I work to find and implement a sound solution that will benefit Monroe County residents. Key items include addressing Medicare billing issues at Oak Hill and implementing a strategic plan to preserve the Monroe County Nursing Home, Oak Hill, for the next generation. Personally directed the repair of the Scour Hole threatening the levee integrity saving 45,000+ acres of farm land and 500+ families from imminent flooding.
I won’t “kick-the-can down the road’ I’ll deal with it!
Did you use AI to write your responses to these questions? No
NAME: MARVIN WITTENAUER
Age as of March 17, 2026: 58
Campaign website or social media page: Marvin Wittenauer for Monroe County Commissioner (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583402979949)
Office seeking: Monroe County commissioner
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No
Occupation: Owner of MW Electric/Construction
Education: Graduated from Gibault High School, Waterloo
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Member of Monroe County Farm Bureau; Member of SS Peter & Paul Parish in Waterloo
Who are your top three campaign contributors? There are none; only myself.
How much money have you raised for your campaign? N/A
Why are you running? As our Monroe County community continues to grow, I want to get involved and help make decisions that affect all of us. I believe the voices of our residents are not always being heard. Voters deserve choices in our elections, and I did not see that happening. I am stepping up to provide that choice and to serve our community in a responsible and transparent way.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? As a member of the county board, I would work to help stabilize taxes and encourage responsible growth. I also want to listen to residents and ensure transparency in county decisions.
Why should people vote for you?I am open and transparent, and I listen to people.
I am a lifelong Monroe County resident, and my parents and grandparents were as well.
I have worked in Monroe County for over 40 years.
I have been a business owner in Monroe County for over 20 years.
Did you use AI to write your responses to these questions? No