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2018/12/11 - Mayor's Column: Upcoming Elections

“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
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The week of December 10th is important for the City of O’Fallon. Petition filing for the April 2, 2019 Consolidated Elected is December 10 – 17, 2019. When this week comes to an end, we will officially know who is registered to run for the O’Fallon City Council next spring. I am sure that there will be a number of great individuals sign up.

O’Fallon has seven wards, which each have two elected Aldermen, elected on rotating four-year terms. This means that every two years, at least one council seat for each ward is up for election. O’Fallon has been fortunate to have a forward-thinking, honest, and civil City Council for a number of years, which is one of the many reasons why this is such a great community.

The role of an O’Fallon Alderman is to represent the residents of their ward and make decisions for the greater good of O’Fallon. The O’Fallon City Council makes policy decisions and gives direction for the City.

While the next election is not until April. I am currently tasked with recommending three O’Fallon residents to fill vacant seats on the City Council until April. The vacant seats are a result of three recent resignations.

Newly elected St. Clair County Board Members Richie Meile and Matt Smallheer, and newly elected St. Clair County Treasurer Andrew Lopinot all resigned their seats on the O’Fallon City Council in order to focus on their new elected positions with St. Clair County. I am very sad to see them go, but I hope them all the best. If they operate with the same passion and expertise with the County as they did while on the City Council, I know they will do well! Thank you to these three individuals for donating their time and energy to help make O’Fallon better!

State law has set requirements on when and how a vacant position on the City Council is filled. I have 60 days to recommend a replacement to the City Council. The City Council must then vote to accept the recommendation. Regardless of who is chosen, each of the seats will be up for election in April. So, my recommendation will only be short-term appointments.

If you are interested in discussing the vacant positions, I encourage you to come and speak to me at City Hall. The vacant positions are for Wards 1, 4 and 5. You can find out what Ward you live in by visiting http://ofallon.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=3bf535e5c0....

As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!