Election ’14-Fayette County Board Members
DISTRICT 1
TIMOTHY HILL-D
Age: 44 ?Occupation: Assistant manager at Rural King in Vandalia-26 years.
Education: Schram City Christian Academy, graduated high school.
Family: Wife, Melissa, married 24 years; and daughters, Cheyanne and Hayley.
Church, club memberships: New Life Assembly of God in Coffeen.
Offices held: Township board for 13 years: trustee for 12 years and supervisor for the past year.
Why did you decide to run for office?
Because I think I could do a good job.
What do you see as the key issues facing the position that you are seeking, and in what way would you address those issues?
N/A
What types of experience and/or qualities can you bring to the office you are seeking?
Thirteen years on the township board, including serving as supervisor this past year.
JACOB HARRIS-R
Age: 26 Occupation: Correctional officer at Vandalia Correctional Center.
Education: 2006 graduate of Ramsey High School, and currently enrolled in a criminal justice transfer program at Lake Land College.
Family: Wife, Heavenlee, married for almost seven years; daughter, Kenzie; and expecting second child at the end of March.
Church, club memberships: Member of Ramsey Christian Church for approximately 10 years and member of the American Legion.
Offices you have held in the past: N/A
Why did you decide to run for office?
I think that the citizens from District 1, as well as the rest of Fayette County, can benefit from a young, fresh perspective on the county board.
What do you see as the key issues facing the position that your are seeking and, in what way would you address those issues?
One of the key jobs of the county is ensuring security via the sheriff’s office while maintaining a balanced budget. I would see that the county board would provide the best services to the people of Fayette County within a reasonable budget. Another issue that is important to me is the lack of employment opportunities in Fayette County. As a member of the board, I would support business growth that would bring jobs to the county.
What types of experience and/or qualities can you bring to the office you are seeking?
While still in high school I joined the Illinois National Guard. I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008-09. There, I learned some invaluable lessons in regard to leadership and service. I have had a service-oriented mindset since a young age and am looking forward to using that outlook to the benefit the citizens of Fayette County.
DISTRICT 2
JOHN C. DANIELS JR.-D
—
No Republican candidate
DISTRICT 3
STEPHEN L. KNEBEL-R
—
No Democratic candidate
DISTRICT 4
JOHN L. BLYTHE-R
—
No Democratic candidate
DISTRICT 5
KEITH COLE-R
—
No Democratic candidate
DISTRICT 6
GLENN L. GURTNER
Age: 61 Occupation: Farmer
Education: Bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Southern Illinois University; associate’s degree in agriculture from Lake Land College in Mattoon; and graduate of Brownstown High School.
Family: Wife, Pamela; children: Lance, 30, Eric, 18, and Laura, 15; and grandchildren, Angelea, 12; and Jacey, 5.
Church, club memberships: Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Brownstown; and National Rifle Association, Moose International, Illinois Sheriff’s Association and Illinois Farm Bureau.
Offices held in the past, elected and otherwise: County Board member, District 6, 2010-present; Vandalia Levee and Drainage District commissioner, 2001-10; Greater Brownstown Park District commissioner, two terms; and Brownstown Civic Center board member, 1977-87.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I am a lifelong resident of the county, I have a good understanding of the requirements for the position and I believe that I can make a positive contribution.
What do you see as the key issues facing the position that you are seeking, and what are your stances on those issues?
The largest issue facing the county is our current financial crisis, which would appear to be with us for some time. The county board members will play a key role in deciding how to deal with this major issue. The board will have tough decisions to make, and I believe I have an understanding of the needs of the county and will be able to prioritize as necessary.
What types of experience and/or qualities can you bring to the office you are seeking?
I have been a farmer and independent businessman in the county for approximately 44 years. Over the years, I have served on a number of boards and held responsible positions. I have a good understanding of managing costs and as such, tend to be very conservative. Despite focusing on managing costs, I am open to innovative ideas to improve county government.
—
No Democratic candidate
DISTRICT 7
WADE WILHOUR-R
Age: 36 ?Occupation: Partner in farming and construction.
Education: Two years at Lake Land Community College.
Family: Wife, Emily; and children: Laney, Elly, Andrew and Carly.
Church, club memberships: Beecher City Church of Christ and Fayette County Farm Bureau.
Offices held: Currently serving on the Fayette County Board.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I feel that instead of being negative about how the government operates, it is best to have ideas to become part of the solution. Also, it is good to have people elected to any government position who have worked for or have owned a small business.?
What do you see as the key issues facing the position that you are seeking, and in what way would you address those issues?
It seems that a lot of the county issues have always come back to finances. I will continue to support balancing the budget without capitol improvement money reserves. I will continue being a proponent on any issue by following the saying, “if it looks like a rat, and smells like a rat, then it probably is.”
What types of experience and/or qualities can you bring to the office you are seeking?
I have been a partner in two family businesses, which has provided experience in making financial and common-sense decisions.
—
No DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE
