2023 Voter Guide: Candidates running for city, village board elections in Clinton County
Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the mayoral, city council and village board races in the April 4 election in Clinton County.
The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested seats for mayor, city council and village board and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.
While this article has information about candidates in municipal races in Clinton County, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running for local and school board positions across the metro-east.
Here are the responses from the Clinton County candidates who have replied: (The candidates are listed alphabetically.)
Aviston Village Board
NAME: KURT A. SCHMITZ
Age as of April 4, 2023: 59
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/kurt.schmitz.942
Office seeking: Village trustee
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Previous offices sought: Village trustee, Aviston IL
Occupation: Program manager (retired)
Education: Bachelor’s Degree (BSBA) from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement:
PSR Instructor, St. Francis Church
Village trustee
“Vintage Hall” renovation, general chairman
25+ years of involvement in Aviston (all kinds of stuff!)
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self
Why are you running? I am running for village board because work done at the local level is incredibly important. From encouraging economic growth to managing the water and sewer utilities; from creating processes for road improvements to addressing drainage problems, I have a background of experience to address issues efficiently and professionally.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Aviston would benefit from continued economic growth. As Chair of the TIF and Economic Development Committee, I’ve helped put in place three separate TIF districts in the billage to encourage new businesses to locate here and to help existing business improve/expand.
Why should people vote for you? Service to the community is a big part of who I am and what I believe is important. I’m approachable and honest, and will do my best for the good of the town.
The BND has not received a response from Aviston Village Board candidates Kimberly Emig, Gerard “Gary” Litteken, Kyle Markus, Matthew Netemeyer, Kim Peek.
Trenton City Council Ward 1
NAME: ANDREW SIMS
Age as of April 4, 2023: 38
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: City Council Alderman Ward 1
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: City Council Alderman Ward 3
Occupation: Heating and Cooling
Education: Bachelor Degree In Business Administration
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement:
City Council Alderman Ward 3 for 6 years
Volunteer Nationally Certified EMT
Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A
Why are you running? I’m running because this is the town I grew up in and have spent the majority of my life here. I want my kids to continue having the safe, small town community I had growing up.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Financial responsibility with our taxpayers’ investment. I would approach very conservative and fiscally.
Why should people vote for you? I am a homegrown guy with nothing but the best intentions for our town.
The BND has not received a response from Trenton City Council Ward 1 candidate Scott Mohme.
Trenton City Council Ward 3
NAME: JEREMY RAKERS
Age as of April 4, 2023: 43
Campaign website or social media page: N/A
Office seeking: Alderman Ward 3 Trenton
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No
Occupation: Manager Hanks Bowl Lounge and Restaurant
Education: Associate’s arts degree SWIC
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I was the Clinton County coordinator for the Darren Bailey for governor campaign.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Me, Myself and I
Why are you running? I see the world and how scary it’s becoming. My Family, home and business is in this community. I want to stand on the front line to help anyway possible.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Not sure at the moment what the top issues would be. I will jump in with both feet and do what I can to help the folks in my ward, not the special interests.
Why should people vote for you? I am here to be transparent, informative and as helpful to my constituents as I can possibly be. I am an anti-new tax and fee candidate.
The BND has not received a response from Trenton City Council Ward 3 candidate James Kniepman.
