Well, the time has finally arrived. As some are just looking forward to the signs being taken down around the BenGil communities, others are still undecided on whom they are voting for, and others will have their name on the ballot tomorrow. The consolidated election is tomorrow, Tuesday, April 9.
Community members have to make their voice heard tomorrow. These elected officials are the voice for us. We need to elect people we can trust and people who stand up for what they believe in. In less than 48 hours, races for city councils and school board will be decided.
But, the place to determine which candidates are “the fairest of them all” is at the election polls and you are the only one to determine which candidate you support. Polls are open from 6:00am to 7:00pm tomorrow.
School Board
Residents in the BenGil community will vote on three positions up for grabs on the district 7 school board. Five community members are on the ballot to confiscate the three seats currently held by Donald Dobrino, David Griffel, and William Carter Jr. All three of the current members are running for reelection with the addition of Tracy Hellmann and Stephen Koniak running in opposition.
Hellmann, Koniak, and Dobrino are all running from the Cahokia Township while Peyton Bernot is currently representing Cahokia Township on the board. A maximum of three people can serve from each township leaving it impossible for Hellmann, Koniak, and Dobrino to all be elected since one seat is currently filled.
Gillespie
In Gillespie, voters will decide municipal council positions based on what ward they currently reside in. Mayor John Hicks, City Clerk Frances Smith, and Treasurer Dan Fisher are predetermined winners without any opposition. In addition, board members Frank Barrett (Ward 2), Dave Tucker (Ward 3), and Steve Kluthe (Ward 4 – 2 Year term) are running without opposition as well and will remain aldermen on the Gillespie municipal board.
However, two positions are open on the Gillespie city council. Residents living in Ward 1 will vote for 1 of 3 candidates vying for the seat held by Jerry Doliger. Running against Doliger are Brenda Mix and William Roberson. Residents in Ward 4 will vote between Robert “Gus” Ottersburg and Stephen King to replace John Ronald as alderman for the 4 year term. Ronald is not running for reelection.
In addition to a series of township positions, Gillespie residents will also be voting on three ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions.
- The first question pertaining to public safety questions if Macoupin County shall be authorized to impose and increase on its share of local sales taxes by .75%.
- The second question allows State Legislature to enact a law allowing citizens to carry a concealed firearm, after a background check and training.
- The final question would give the City of Gillespie the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such program.
Benld
Voters in Benld will just have 1 position on the municipal board to fill, mayor. Other than the multiple township positions on the ballot, the mayor race is the only race with more than one candidate running for office. The mayor position, currently held by Micky Robinson, is being quested by Peyton Bernot and Gloria Sidar. Both Bernot and Sidar are currently on the municipal board.
City Clerk Wanda Bernot is not running for reelection, but Nadine Ferrero is running without opposition for the position while Mary Ann Scopel is the predetermined winner for the treasurer position. Lynn Fraelle and Gloria Sidar are currently representing Ward 1 on the council, but neither alderwomen are running for reelection as Sidar is seeking the mayor position and Fraelle is seeking Cahokia Township Supervisor.
In the case of Sidar winning the mayor election, Bernot will remain on the board as alderman of ward 3. On the opposite hand, Sidar will not have any position on the municipal board if Bernot wins the mayoral election which will leave the Peyton Bernot appointing someone to fill out the remaining two years as alderman of ward 4.
Teresa Tucker is running without opposition for the four year term in Ward 1 while Brian Frensko is running without opposition for the two year term in Ward 1. Current mayor Micky Robinson is seeking unopposed election in Ward 2 while incumbent Jim Kelly is seeking unopposed election in Ward 3.
In addition to a municipal board positions, Benld residents will also be voting on two ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions.
- The first question pertaining to public safety questions if Macoupin County shall be authorized to impose and increase on its share of local sales taxes by .75%.
- The second question allows State Legislature to enact a law allowing citizens to carry a concealed firearm, after a background check and training.
Polls are open from 6am to 7pm. Follow immediate polling updates right here on our website, on our Facebook page, or on our Twitter page. Let your voice be heard.
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