Two candidates are vying for the Hillsboro Ward 4 alderperson seat on April 7.
Incumbent Gerald Parrish is being challenged by William Scott.
The seat is a two-year term and alderpersons are paid $75 per meeting.
Other members of the Board of Alderpersons are running uncontested, including Richard Abel (Ward 1), Christopher DeGeare (Ward 2) and Kevin Bremer (Ward 3).
Scott did not return a Leader survey.
Ward 4
Parrish, 73, retired after 10 years with the Hillsboro R-3 School District. He served for 30 years in the United States Air Force. He attended two years of college. He served on the Planning and Zoning Committee from 2022-2025. He has been the Ward 4 alderman since 2025. He is a lifetime member of the De Soto VFW and has been an auxiliary trustee since 2023. He is a member of AMVETS Post 42. Parrish and his wife, Gwendolyn, have two grandchildren.
How would you encourage economic growth in the city?
Parrish: I would encourage businesses to look toward Hillsboro for our location and opportunities. We offer a small-town, neighborly environment where the people support our local businesses and take pride in their town. We offer youth a great school district and a college just outside the city limits. Hillsboro is a settled town where people stay once they have settled here. It is a great place to raise a family.
What is your assessment of the Board of Alderpersons’ performance in the past year?
Parrish: The Board of Alderpersons over the last year has done an exceptional job with the building of a new water tower, new equipment for our police department, as well as a pay raise, and worked with the school on special projects for the safety of our kids. We are all common people wanting the same things our neighbors want to see accomplished for the betterment of our town.
Why should voters elect you to this position? What are your goals?
Parrish: I am not a politician. What I am is a common-sense, Hillsboro-loving homeowner and neighbor who wants to make improvements toward the future for my grandchildren and the children of the residents now and those to come. Life is about the opportunities available for the future of Hillsboro.
