Chester candidates speak at forum

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ In the first ever Chester political forum hosted by the Moose Lodge on Sunday afternoon, 11 candidates took part in answering questions from moderators Carrie Myers of the Randolph County Herald Tribune and Greg Myers of the County Journal.

Each candidate participating was given time for a brief introduction of their background and then were asked two questions each. Taking part in the forum were incumbents, mayor Marty Bert, treasurer Donna Clendenin, aldermen Stephen Wallace (ward one), Dean Cook (ward two) and Bob Fleming (ward three) along with challengers Joe Eggemeyer (mayor), Dan Colvis (ward one), Ken Dillman (ward one), Earl Twitty (ward two), Richard Brueggemann (ward two) and Carole Abernathy (ward three). The only candidate that was invited and did not participate was Dawn Frazer (treasurer).

Bert has served the last four years as mayor after serving the previous four years as an alderman.

"Chester has been my whole life," said Bert. "I was born and raised here and I care about the city. In my term as mayor the city has brought in more money than it spent and maintained a balanced budget."

Bert described the past four years as productive and listed many accomplishments including: updating a comprehensive plan that was used to secure many grants, helping bring in the Manor at Craig Farms Assisted Living Facility, completing the lower portion of the Buena Vista Street project, adding approximately 100 new rural water customers at no cost to the city, securing a grant for the Welcome Center, and securing a $440,000 grant for the Cohen Complex.

When asked about his skills and qualities that would make him the right man to lead the city, Bert referred to his business background and his ability to work hard for the city.

"I am used to working long hours and I learned a lot from my dad," added Bert. "I care about the citizens of Chester. I don't have all the answers, but I am willing to go find the answers."

In response to a question about bringing new businesses into Chester, Bert said that many hours go into researching and finding business willing to relocate.

"We have to keep the businesses we have here," said Bert. "My focus is to make sure our businesses stay, while looking for the right businesses that suit our town. We have prioritized bringing jobs to the area and hopefully the comprehensive plan can help us with that. It is hard to expand Chester since we are landlocked, but we have to have incentives for businesses to want to come here."

Clendenin has served as treasurer for over seven years and is seeking reelection for the second time. The retired accounting teacher touched on her past in regards to finances including working in the accounts office for the athletic department at Southern Illinois University and having a degree in business.

"My main focus as treasurer will be to try and continue helping the city stay in the black with its finances," said Clendenin. "My job is to invest the city's surplus funds, and it is really necessary to research banks to find the best interest rates we can get. I also take care of the police pension fund and make sure they get the best rates as well."

In response to a question asking about keeping city funds locally or going outside the town for better interest rates, Clendenin said that she always goes locally first, but has gone outside of Chester if the rates are significantly higher somewhere else.

"I did invest funds outside Chester once and it was a hard decision for me," said Clendenin. "But the interest rate difference meant a lot in terms of added money for the city and as treasurer I had to do what was best for the city financially. Since that decision the three banks in town have really stepped up and given good rates and all of the investments are now in town."

Wallace is just wrapping up his first term as alderman in ward one and believes his experience on the council will be a factor in upcoming years.

"I have experience with a lot of the projects that the city has going on now and I can hit the ground running with no learning curve," said Wallace. "I served on the OSLAD grant committee and also dealt with the various water extension projects."

When asked about his skills and qualities that would be beneficial to the council, Wallace feels that his management experience and his willness to get involved in issues are key.

"I wanted to be involved and I have no preconceived notions on various issues," added Wallace. "I have experience with managing multi-million dollar projects and I don't have any ties to the Chester political machine."

If reelected Wallace said he has a number of top priorities that he will try and see through.

"I will work to see that the city stays within its budget and continues its infrastructure upgrades," said Wallace. "I want to see that the next phase of the Cohen Complex improvements is lights at the new softball fields, and I would also like to see through the building of a new pool that could bring in more people to town who would spend money here. I would also like to see more entertainment, dining and shopping."

Cook is also wrapping up his first term as alderman in ward two where he was involved with a lot of projects.

"As alderman I have been involved in numerous projects involving the state, internet, the phones, painting of the water tower, sludge removal, new Christmas lights, Manor at Craig Farms, and negotiations with the prison," said Cook. "We do not want to raise fees on water, sewer and gas, and the city has been working on its financial condition so that we don't have to do that."

When asked about his skills and qualities that would be beneficial to the council, Cook believes his business background and his common sense are the biggest assets.

"I am able to keep a level playing field with every Chester citizen and employee," said Cook. "I have the time and ability to spend a lot of time on new projects, and I am always looking for new grants that the city can take advantage of."

If reelected, Cook wants to continue looking for potential new businesses and industry to come to Chester.

"I am currently working with a company that can help us target potential developers and I would like to continue my work with that," said Cook. "There is also a program on the state level that can allow the city to buy up and fix some eyesores. I would love to see a new pool in Chester, but we have to figure a way to pay for it and maintain it. I would love to start a fundraising program that could make a new pool a reality."

Fleming has been an active member of the community for many years and has worked for the city as alderman and public works director.

"I came back on the council because I wanted to see the city go forward, and I think it has in the past four years," said Fleming. "Everyone wants to bring new businesses into town, but first you have to have attractive spots for them and sometimes even give incentives for them to get here."

When asked about his skills and qualities that would be beneficial to the council, Fleming felt that his sense of business and his ability to talk to people would be a plus.

"I have served as alderman off and on for a number of years and I have time to devote to the position," said Fleming. "I have a good repore with people and as alderman that is helpful. I also like to question things and I am not afraid to vote against the majority."

If reelected, Fleming would like to see the city continue to move forward, especially financially.

"The city is blessed to have a good financial foundation now," said Fleming. "I have been working with the buying of gas futures and I really believe that natural gas is the fuel of the future. I want to finish the projects we have already started and keep going forward. I will also look for ways to get additional revenue for the city."

Former Chester mayor Joe Eggemeyer is looking to get back into office and is hoping for a team effort to get things done.

"A lot of people had a hand in getting these recent accomplishments done," said Eggemeyer. "It was a team effort that lasted through two administrations. The city council and mayor are working for the people and we need to answer to the people. I want to see that all residents get equal treatment and would like to see better communication."

When asked about his skills and qualities that would make him the right man to lead the city, Eggemeyer responded that his experience with the city as well as experience with managing major projects are traits people have to look at.

"I served as mayor and worked for eight years as a city employee," said Eggemeyer. "I have been a project manager for 15 years and I know what it takes to manage budgets and deal with problems. I meet deadlines on a regular basis and I have to do problem solving every day. I am currently the manager of $2 million construction project and I still know how the city of Chester runs."

In regards to attracting new businesses and industry, Eggemeyer believes that the infrastructure work needs to be done first.

"The infrastructure work has to be a priority before any new business or industry will even look at Chester," said Eggemeyer. "We are landlocked and don't have a lot to offer in terms of land, but if our water, sewer and road work can be done to accommodate some new businessess, then we can move forward."

Colvis is a former alderman of ward one and is seeking a return to the council after being off of it for the past two years.

"My family believes in hard work and so do I," said Colvis. "I am active in the community and I own my own business. "This election should not be a popularity contest, it should be about who is the best man for the job. I am proud of my work while I was on the council. When I took office the city was in the red, but the next three years we were able to turn it around and get back into the black."

When asked about his skills and qualities that would be beneficial to the council, Colvis cited his strong work ethic and his financial background.

"I have 15 years of experience in the financial services field and I do feel that the city's finances should be run like a business," said Colvis. "As alderman you have to be willing to take the bad with the good and I am willing to that, because I love Chester. I am accessible anytime and willing to listen to problems."

If elected, Colvis has a list of priorities he would like to address.

"My first goal will be to keep the city in the black," said Colvis. "I would also like to start a 'shop Chester first' program so that we can keep the business in town that we do have. I would also like to look into creating an industrial park for the city as well as expanding the TIF district to get better use out of it. I think we have one of the best recreation facilities around with the Cohen Complex and I would like to see us expand that even more."

Dillman is making his first attempt at public office and is willing to learn about how Chester is run.

"I am an Army veteran and I worked 29 years at Menard," said Dillman. "I will do my best for the city. I don't know everything about how Chester is run as a city, but I am willing to learn. I will work hard and I am willing to listen to anyone."

When asked about his skills and qualities that would be beneficial to the council, Dillman feels that his common sense and love for the city make him an ideal candidate for the council.

"I am not scared to work hard and I have good common sense," said Dillman. "I love the city and I want to see it grow and prosper."

If elected, Dillman would like to see the TIF district expanded to cover more businesses and provide more activities and things for the kids.

Twitty is also making his first attempt at office and has lived in Chester since 1993.

"I am a Vietnam era veteran of the Army and have 11 years experience as an office and sales manager for the Electrolux Corporation," said Twitty. "I have operated my own home-based internet business selling antiques and collectibles. I have a strong desire to see Chester succeed in these tough times and to make it a place our youth can be proud of."

When asked about his skills and qualities that would be beneficial to the council, Twitty believes that his business background and willingness to work hard is crucial.

"I will work to bring small businesses into town and to provide more things for our youth to do," said Twitty. "We have to offer a city where our youth will want to stay and live. The youth is our future."

If elected, Twitty will work to keep the city within its budget, while trying to entice businesses into town and providing recreation for the youth.

Brueggemann is another alderman candidate who is making his first attempt at public office.

"I am the supply supervisor at Menard and have experience working within a budget," said Brueggemann. "I own my own tree-trimming business and I am the precinct five committeeman of the Democrat party. I have been active in talking to politicians on the state and federal level. I believe everyone should be treated fairly and I will work hard for all residents of Chester."

When asked about his skills and qualities that would be beneficial to the council, Brueggeman feels that his political connections can be put to good use.

"I am not afraid to talk to people and I will go to the state or all the way to Washington D. C. to see that funds can come to Chester. I love Chester and I will work my hardest to see it grow and succeed."

If elected, Brueggemann wants to work to bring industry to Chester, while making sure the current businesses are happy.

"As alderman I will look into bringing a hydro power plant or windmills to Chester," said Brueggemann. "We are in the perfect spot for both of those projects. We also need to work with the businesses we do have and do what we can to keep them here."

Abernathy is seeking election in ward three and wants to see Chester thrive like it once did.

"I ran a family with a limited budget, so I know how to work with a budget," said Abernathy. "I worked at Menard full time and still went to school to get a nursing degree. I have been a volunteer my entire life, including working on the very first Popeye Picnic committee. I also served as the Chester welcome wagon for many years promoting this town to new residents."

When asked about her skills and qualities that would be beneficial to the council, Abernathy feels that her ability to relate and talk to people along with her love of the youth are key.

"I chose to move to Chester because I loved this town," said Abernathy. "I will answer my telephone and return calls because I have a good work ethic. I am willing to talk to the citizens and I do not hold a grudge. I am not afraid of hard work and I am for the youth in Chester."

If elected, Abernathy's main goal will be to get an indoor pool for the city.

"An indoor pool is not only for the youth, but for the elderly as well," said Abernathy. "I will also work to see that our streets and sidewalks are not put on the back burner and do something with our empty stores so that residents can shop Chester first."

Frazer did not attend the forum Sunday afternoon, but was contacted for a phone interview Monday night.

Frazer is running for treasurer and this is her first attempt at public office.

"I have extensive experience in the banking business and am educated in financial investments," said Frazer. "I am available for any questions, concerns or input and am willing to dedicate my time to serving Chester."

Frazer's financial background comes from her working at two banks over the course of eight to nine years.

"I worked as a teller, balanced ATM machines and dealt will CD rates," said Frazer.

If elected, Frazer's main focus will be to make sure that all investments are done locally.

In response to a question asking about keeping city investments in Chester even if the interest rates are better somewhere else, Frazer said that she will keep the funds in Chester no matter what.

"Granted we might miss out on some better interest rates, but I feel that it is very important for Chester funds to be kept in Chester," said Frazer. "I have researched Red Bud and Perryville's policies and they keep their investments locally and it has been a success for them. I feel if we don't check out banks in other towns, we won't even know that we're missing out."