The Peru 2nd Ward aldermanic race features incumbent Jason Edgcomb and challenger Tom Riordan, focusing on the municipal pool, transparency in city finances, and affordable housing. Both candidates aim to address the needs and desires of local residents following a recent referendum on the pool’s future.
In anticipation of the April 1 election, the municipal pool remains a key topic for Peru residents, following a successful referendum. Incumbent Jason Edgcomb faces challenger Tom Riordan in the only contested aldermanic race for the 2nd Ward. Edgcomb expressed concerns that a municipal pool may not be the best use of hotel/motel funds but pledged to honor the voters’ choice. He stated, “My concern is how this affects city projects down the road, but we will figure that out when we get to it.”
Riordan, on the other hand, insists that it is the elected officials’ responsibility to implement the residents’ wishes regarding the pool. He emphasized his personal connection to the pool, asserting that attending it was a significant part of his childhood. “The city has gone long enough without a pool,” he said. “It needs to be put back in the same spot as it was.”
Edgcomb highlighted the city’s growth while also focusing on the importance of maintaining a balanced budget. He considers addressing the needs of police and fire departments without raising taxes a significant challenge. “As the city grows, the need for growth in the police and fire departments grows,” Edgcomb noted.
Conversely, Riordan believes transparency is the city’s foremost issue, citing a lack of open discussion on financial matters. He expressed concern over decisions that aren’t communicated publicly. “When they tell us something is happening, most of the time it’s never been discussed in the open,” he stated.
Riordan asserted his commitment to transparency, prompting timely communication with residents. He also highlighted the pressing need for affordable housing, suggesting the city attract developers for new projects or small duplexes in existing vacant lots. “Other than trying to attract a developer for that, it’s really out of the city’s hands,” he explained.
Edgcomb agreed that affordable housing is necessary and proposed collaborating with partners interested in creating single-family residences, which have proven successful in other communities. Both candidates’ complete questionnaires can be accessed online at shawlocal.com/illinois-valley.
The upcoming election for the 2nd Ward aldermanic seat in Peru highlights key issues such as the municipal pool, transparency, and affordable housing. Jason Edgcomb and Tom Riordan present differing views, with Edgcomb focused on budgetary concerns and Riordan advocating for transparency and addressing housing needs. Their proposals and commitments reflect the priorities of the residents ahead of the April election, with tangible strategies for community improvement.
Original Source: www.shawlocal.com
