The 2nd Ward aldermanic race in Peru features incumbent Jason Edgcomb and challenger Tom Riordan, focusing on the municipal pool and affordable housing ahead of the April 1 election. Edgcomb is cautious about funding, while Riordan emphasizes the need for transparency. Both candidates acknowledge the importance of affordable housing solutions in the community.
The upcoming April 1 election in Peru features a contested race for the 2nd Ward aldermanic seat between incumbent Jason Edgcomb and challenger Tom Riordan. A key issue remains the municipal pool, which has become a focal point for local residents following a successful November referendum. Both candidates recognize the residents’ desire for a pool but have differing views on its funding and priorities.
Incumbent Jason Edgcomb expressed reservations about funding a municipal pool with hotel/motel tax revenues, stating, “However, that was the question on the ballot, and I will honor what the voters asked for.” He emphasized the importance of balancing city growth with maintaining a budget, particularly in relation to expanding public services such as police and fire departments.
Challenger Tom Riordan acknowledged the need to respect the residents’ vote on the pool and stressed the necessity of action from elected officials. “The city has gone long enough without a pool,” he remarked, emphasizing his personal connection to the facility from his childhood.
While Edgcomb focuses on fiscal responsibility, Riordan cites transparency as the crucial issue in Peru, claiming that residents are often left uninformed about city decisions. “When they tell us something is happening, most of the time it’s never been discussed in the open,” he criticized, advocating for more responsive communication from elected officials.
Riordan also identified a significant need for affordable housing in the city. He proposed initiatives such as constructing small duplexes or collaborating with developers to create residential areas. Edgcomb concurred on the importance of affordable housing and expressed interest in exploring options for single-family residences that have proven successful in other communities.
Voters can access the full questionnaires of both candidates at shawlocal.com/illinois-valley.
In conclusion, the April 1 election for the 2nd Ward aldermanic seat in Peru places the municipal pool and affordable housing at the center of discussion. Candidates Jason Edgcomb and Tom Riordan represent differing approaches, with Edgcomb prioritizing fiscal management and Riordan advocating for transparency and swift action. Both aim to address the challenges facing the community while respecting residents’ desires expressed in recent ballots.
Original Source: www.shawlocal.com
