The April 1 election focuses on the municipal pool and affordable housing in Peru. Incumbent Jason Edgcomb and challenger Tom Riordan face off for the 2nd Ward aldermanic seat. Edgcomb questions the use of hotel/motel funds for the pool, while Riordan insists on responding to residents’ demands. Both candidates recognize the necessity for affordable housing. Full candidate questionnaires are available online.
As the April 1 election approaches, the municipal pool remains a pivotal topic among Peru residents, particularly following the successful referendum in November. Incumbent Jason Edgcomb and challenger Tom Riordan are vying for the 2nd Ward aldermanic seat, with this being the only contested race in Peru.
In a recent inquiry from Shaw Local News Network, Edgcomb expressed skepticism about utilizing hotel/motel funds for a municipal pool, citing previous indications to the contrary. “However, that was the question on the ballot, and I will honor what the voters asked for,” he stated. His apprehension lies in the potential implications for future city projects.
Riordan acknowledged the need to respect the voters’ wishes and emphasized the urgency for elected officials to act on the municipal pool initiative. He remarked, “The city has gone long enough without a pool… It needs to return,” reflecting on his personal experiences growing up in Peru.
Edgcomb praised the city’s growth over the past years while managing to maintain a balanced budget. Nevertheless, he noted that accommodating the growing needs of the police and fire departments remains a significant challenge. “We need to find ways to pay for those needs without raising any of the taxes of our constituents,” he asserted.
Contrarily, Riordan viewed transparency as the primary concern within the city, claiming numerous financial matters are discussed behind closed doors. “When they tell us something is happening, most of the time it’s never been discussed in the open,” he stated, highlighting a lack of communication with officials.
Discussing the need for affordable housing, Riordan suggested recruiting a developer to create housing solutions, such as building smaller duplexes. He explained, “Other than trying to attract a developer for that, it’s really out of the city’s hands.”
Edgcomb concurred on the necessity for affordable housing and expressed interest in partnering with developers for diverse housing options. He cited successful models from other communities, stating, “Single-family residences like this have worked in other communities like Ottawa and been very successful.”
The candidates’ complete responses can be accessed online at shawlocal.com/illinois-valley.
In summary, the upcoming election highlights significant community interests, particularly regarding the municipal pool and affordable housing. While Edgcomb emphasizes the constraints of a balanced budget, Riordan prioritizes open communication and transparency within the local government. Both candidates acknowledge the need for affordable housing solutions, marking key points of contention and agreement leading up to the vote.
Original Source: www.shawlocal.com
