Hamilton County residents have a finalized ballot for the April 1st election. The excitement is palpable; while many positions are running unopposed, there are seventeen contested races.
Four seats are up for grabs in the Hamilton County Unit 10 School District, with a diverse range of candidates competing. Steve Becker is up against Andrea Short, Rick Rubenacker, Michael Cunico, and Jeffrey Bowling.
In McLeansboro, the incumbent Mayor, Chad May, is looking to secure another four-year term; he’s got two challengers in Republican Rodney Campbell and Independent Derrick Hanson. Also, for the City of McLeansboro, Ward I Alderman Tom Maulding is up against Mike Scattone. Ward II will see Duke Griesemer try to take incumbent Thomas Murks’ spot. Finally, in Ward III, Jeff Johnson’s opposer will be Jody Braden.
For Dahlgren, Justin Hase and Artie Karch are on the ballot for a six-year term for the Fire Protection District.
Broughton residents can vote for David Essary to return as Village Mayor or be replaced by Robert Fletcher. The Village Clerk is also on the ballot, with present occupant Lisa Essary challenged by Brenda Griffin.
Three Trustee positions are available on the Village of Broughton board, with Carolyn Pruitt vying to hold her place against five adversaries: Laura Alley, Delaney Bandy, David Young, Christopher Flynn, and Fred Gholson.
Belle Prairie citizens have only one opposing category for Village Trustee; they can vote for Staci McGill or Megan Link.
Four Beaver Creek Township Trustee spots are available, and Caleb Miller, Nathan Birkner, and Jake Welch are striving to secure their seats against competitors Chad Flannigan and Justin Woodrow.
Highway Commissioner races exist in McLeansboro, Beaver Creek, Twigg, and Mayberry Townships. In McLeansboro, long-time and current Democratic Commissioner Bob Drake is being contested by Republican Wesley Renn. In Beaver Creek, Republican challenger Seth Thomas is trying to unseat Democrat Vuel York. The Township of Twigg will feature a race between Democrat Johnny Green and Republican James Stewart. Lastly, in Mayberry, newcomers vying for the position of Highway Commissioner are Republican Christopher Dorris and Democrat David Essary.
There are four vacant seats in the Townships of Twigg and Mayberry. In Twigg, voters will choose between Democrats Gerald Skelton, Ashley McPeak, and Richard Clevenger against Republicans Dave Harmon, Laura Lee, Jody Gray, and Ron Smith. In Mayberry, eight opponents are listed: four Democrats, John Anderson, Cody Essary, Kayla Essary, and Lisa Essary, and four Republicans, Savannah Dorris, Shannon Hankins, Michael Knight, and Brandon Pool.
