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Wallace challenging Crossland for Chester City Council spot

Posted March 31, 2015 11:00 pm

By Pete Spitler The Herald Tribune

Former Chester Alderman Steve Wallace is challenging incumbent Nancy Crossland for alderman of Ward 1 on the Chester City Council in the April 7 election. In the interest of fairness and neutrality, each candidate was asked the same list of questions. Here are their responses.

Question: What do you feel are the challenges facing your ward?

Steve Wallace: The biggest challenges I see in Ward 1 are the same problems that are throughout Chester.

One of these challenges is the many vacant houses and buildings that make our city less appealing. I would assist by continuing the process of pursuing owners of these properties to make the necessary repairs to bring the property up to codes.

If all legal avenues are exhausted then the city should pursue condemnation.

Nancy Crossland: Since Ward 1 is an older city ward, the challenges usually have something to do with infrastructure. One example of that would be the water plant.

Even though it is a fairly recent city project, we already have serious issues, which translate into additional financial requirements.

Another challenge would be the continued push to revitalize downtown. As far as attending an open line of communication, I can be reached at home, by word of mouth or by contacting the mayor's secretary.

Question: If elected/re-elected, what would your goals be for the upcoming term?

SW: I would like to see the city continue with the process of securing funding for building new city pool for our youth and swim team to utilize.

I also would like to see continued infrastructure improvements such as maintaining and upgrading our streets, water and sewer service extensions, and additions to our recreational facilities.

NC: If re-elected, my goal would be to continue to be a solid Chester representative, raising questions when needed, pushing forward to advance an issue and/or looking out for the taxpayer's interests.

Of course, economic development is on every small town's agenda these days given the state's financial crunch. As Chester's representative to the Randolph County Progress Committee, I am well aware of the good works that happen behind the scenes to advance economic development in our city and county.

I have served as president of the Progress Committee for the previous three years.

Question: What do you feel will be the key challenges for the city in the next fiscal year?

SW: I can see there are many challenges ahead for the city of Chester. The possibility of reduced revenue received from the State of Illinois due to possible budget cuts, and what this reduction in revenue would do to the city services they fund.

Also the maintaining or improving the roads damaged by increased truck traffic, and providing needed repairs to our existing infrastructure would also be challenging.

NC: Crossland elected to answer this question and the following question combined. Her full answer is in the next question.

Question: If elected/re-elected, how do you hope to address those challenges?

SW: I would assist Mayor (Tom) Page and other elected officials in aggressively pursuing funding sources like the state and federal officials.

I believe my experience with writing actual appropriation requests for the state and experience in the actual process would be an asset to the city.

NC: Financial issues are the toughest challenges facing our city. I would hope to keep our city financially sound.

Unfortunately, state cuts - combined with deteriorating infrastructure - are crippling our options. Repair and/or replacement of parts and machines vital to how the town functions are always cropping up.

Money needed for these fixes can sometimes be in the millions of dollars. It is mandatory that these types of consequences are attended to in a timely manner.

Financial issues will affect how we attend to the pool issue. It's not a matter of want. It is a question of where and how will the money will be obtained.

I am only one vote of eight. As your aldermen, we hope to make decisions that reflect the best interests of the taxpayers.

Question: What is the most important thing people should know about you as a candidate?

SW: I enjoyed being alderman when I was elected 10 years ago. Some of the various projects I am proud that I assisted with are the Cohen (Complex) field expansion (in 2006), providing city water availability to rural customers, and various other city infrastructure improvements.

I believe I am the most prepared and qualified candidate for the position of Ward 1 alderman. My current position as chief engineer of Menard Correctional Center and previous work experience as a State of Illinois construction project manager would be beneficial to the city council.

I have negotiated and written architectural/engineering contracts and have overseen millions of dollars in previous construction projects in this local area. I would strive to seek new business development in Chester and to see that Chester continues to proceed in a positive direction in the future.

If elected, I would represent all citizens of Ward 1 and the entire city of Chester to the best of my ability.

NC: I have worked hard to be a community leader; at monthly meetings, in the streets and in my areas of responsibility. I have tried to be a solid representative for the City of Chester.

I care what happens to this town. Lastly, in my eight years of service, I have been a knowledgeable contributor to Chester's governmental process.

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