Candidates for Galesburg City Council and District 205 School Board participated in a Galesburg Candidate Forum on March 14 in Hegg Performing Arts Center at Galesburg High School. The event was co-sponsored by WGIL and Tri States Public Radio.
The 2023 consolidated election is Tuesday, April 4.
There are four seats up for election this year on the city council – including Wards One, Three, Five and Seven.
Incumbents Bradley Hix, Kevin Wallace, Jaclyn Smith-Esters and Larry Cox are all running for re-election and participated in the forum.
Also participating were Ward One challenger Champ Coleman, Ward Three challenger Evan Miller, Ward Five Challenger Heather Ziegler Acerra, and Ward Seven challenger Steve Cheesman. Ward 3 Challenger Thomas Roberts was unable to attend.
Moderators were Jay Redfern, content director at WGIL, and Jane Carlson, regional reporter for Tri States Public Radio.
Following is audio from the city council forum:
Opening comments
The role of a city council member
QUESTION 1: What is the role of a city council member? What do you see as the most important skill or attribute for serving on the council?
Voter turnout
QUESTION 2: Less than 25 percent of registered voters in Galesburg typically vote in municipal elections. Some years, it’s much lower than that. Why do you think turnout is so low for local elections? And have you always voted in municipal elections? Why or why not?
Infrastructure needs
QUESTION 3: Like most communities, Galesburg has many infrastructure needs. What do you think are the most pressing ones? How should the city prioritize infrastructure needs and find funds to pay for them?
Downtown Galesburg
QUESTION 4: What are your thoughts on the state of downtown Galesburg? What has been successful in fostering growth and development thus far, and what else can be done?
Community center
QUESTION 5: Discussions about a community center in Galesburg have been going on for more than a year. The current council approved funding for the center through a sales tax increase and bond issue. Do you think Churchill Junior High is the right location for a community center? What services and programs should the center provide?
Branding Galesburg
QUESTION 6: City administration is considering a branding campaign for Galesburg. Does Galesburg need to utilize an outside firm for this, and what ideas do you have to brand the city and region?
Closing comments
LISTEN: Hear from the candidates: District 205 school board
