Five seats on the Hillsboro Board of Alderpersons will be up for election on April 3 and another one is vacant, but only voters in Ward 2 will have a choice of candidates, and that for only one of the ward’s two representatives.
In Ward 2, Christopher DeGeare is running unopposed for a second two-year term. Voters in that ward, however, will select a replacement to serve out the final year of a seat held by Jeffery Scanlon, who resigned. After Scanlon stepped down, the board appointed James L. Gowan, a board member from 2006 to 2015 when the board appointed him to replace the late Mayor Frank Roland. Gowan then lost the April 2016 election to retain the mayoral seat to Dennis Bradley, who recently resigned.
Gowan is seeking to return to the Ward 2 seat, but must first defeat Daniel Ray Thess and Tim Polkinghorne.
Thess did not return a Leader candidate questionnaire.
In Ward 1, Joseph Phillips, who never faced an opponent since he was elected to the board in 2006, had filed for a sixth two-year term but since has been appointed as mayor to replace Bradley.
Phillips said he would recommend the person who gets the most write-in votes on April 3 to succeed him; the board then must vote on his recommendation.
The CountyClerk’s office will only tabulate registered write-in candidates for Ward 1.
In Ward 3, Scott C. Gowan, who was elected in 2016 as a write-in candidate, appears on the ballot for the first time this year but faces no opposition. He is James L. Gowan’s son.
In Ward 4, Kevin Payne opted not to run for a second full term and he will be replaced by Ronald A. Belcher, who is running unopposed.
WARD 2
GOWAN, 79, lives at 10296 Micah Lane. He and his wife, Barbara Ann, have three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He has a bachelor’s degree in industrial management and engineering from Washington University School of Engineering. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Ponca City, Okla., and is a veteran of the U.S. Army.
POLKINGHORNE, 55, lives at 5128 Jeremiah Blvd. He and his wife, Belinda, have three children and one grandchild. He is a retired insurance agent from Millers First Insurance Companies. He attended HillsboroHigh School. He has been on the boards of the Cedar Hill Fire Protection District (1990-1993) and the Rock Township Ambulance District (2001-2002). He is a member of PeaceTabernacleChurch in Hillsboro. He was president of the Arnold Chamber of Commerce and Arnold Kiwanis, treasurer of Friends of the Arnold Community Rec Center Campaign Committee, and was on Arnold’s building appeals board and Tax Increment Finance Commission.
What are the biggest problems facing the district and how would you address them?
Gowan: Our city has had economic problems due to business closings like Queen’s Market. Thank God we have a new market that replaced Queens. I will serve the city as I have in the past – honorably.
Polkinghorne: After moving to the Eagle Ridge subdivision, I soon discovered that my concrete street was repaired with asphalt more than five years ago. Why has the street not been fully repaired with concrete? Why is it taking so long to repair our streets? The city has spent a lot of taxpayers money to install new sidewalks and new streetlights on Business 21 on the south end of town. Great, except the streetlights have been out since last October. Why didn't the city install LED lights like St. Louis? Did we miss out on AmerenUE grants by not using LEDs?
Why should voters elect you to this position? List your goals, if elected.
Gowan: I would do my best to have city employees – our best asset – treated fairly and increase their pay according to their abilities.
Polkinghorne: I will pay attention to our streets and be responsive to the residents of Ward 2. The city already has and will continue to have a tight budget. The city needs to be proactive in developing the property along and near New Hwy. 21 to bring in jobs and much-needed revenue. I will see that our police officers have the weapons they need to protect us.
The city is asking voters to approve a 1/2-cent sales tax to help fund the police department. How will you vote on this measure and why?
Gowan: I intend to vote yes for this sales tax because it will be used to reward our police and get better equipment.
Polkinghorne: I generally vote against tax increases. I prefer sales taxes. I like the idea that those who visit our city and use our services can also help pay for the service. I am concerned about our children and grandchildren’s safety while attending school. Let’s not forget we have a county jail. I have noticed that we have people hanging around town after being booked and released from the CountyJail. I will vote yes on this one.