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2022/11/23 - Walter's Blog: Elections

Democracy on the Front Lines 
City Administrator’s Blog 
Walter Denton 
 

After living through the contentious mid-term national elections, most of us would rather not think about elections for a while. However, the municipal election process has already begun. Municipal elections do not receive as much attention or voter turnout, but I contend that your local elected officials have more impact on your life than Congress. 

On April 4, O’Fallon voters will elect the Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer, and seven City Council members. Election packets are available at the City Clerk’s Office that include petitions to get on the ballot. Interested individuals must collect the required number of signatures from registered voters and completed petitions can be submitted on December 19. The election is on April 4 and the winners will be sworn in on May 1. 

We are still looking for people to run for these important positions. Why should you consider running for local office? As I mentioned above, local government has the greatest impact on your life on a day-to-day basis. Let me count the ways: 

  • Public safety: The City operates Police, Fire, and EMS that protect O’Fallon families and businesses. 
  • Critical infrastructure: The City maintains your water, sewer, and streets that you use every day. 
  • Quality of life: All of the parks, trails, playgrounds, and recreation programs are run by the City of O’Fallon. 
  • Library: All O’Fallon residents have access to the excellent books, resources, and programs through the O’Fallon Public Library. 
  • Economic development: City staff works with developers and businesses to attract new businesses and jobs to O’Fallon. 

In addition to these important City services, here are some of the issues the next City Council will face: 

  • 2040 Master Plan: The City developed a comprehensive planning process to develop community priorities over the next 20 years. New elected officials will be critical to implementing the Plan. You can read the plan here. 
  • All-Abilities Playground: We are replacing the Community Park playground with an accessible playground that can be enjoyed by children of all abilities and disabilities. 
  • Community Park Enhancement Project: We are working on plans to replace the aging Community Pool, improve the Community Park event space, and update the Cavins Community Center. 

Other than being an O’Fallon resident, all that is required to serve on the City Council is to love O’Fallon and be committed to maintaining O’Fallon’s outstanding quality of life.