Month: November 2010

Three primary races in city elections an increase from 2009

Posted by mhopf – November 24, 2010

After Monday’s filing deadline for partisan candidates in city elections, there are three contested primary races in for aldermanic seats in Quincy in the 5th Ward, 6th Ward and 7th Ward.

In the 5th Ward, Republican incumbent Jennifer Lepper will face off against challenger Steve Kennedy. Democrats Susan M. Peters and Steven DeMoss will face off in the 6th Ward, and Democrat Gordon Bold will face incumbent Rich Reis in the 7th Ward.

This is a change from the city elections in 2009, when there was only challenge for City Council races was Lee Mueller challenging Dave Bauer in the 2nd Ward Democrat primary. Bauer won the primary and won re-election against Republican William “Bill” Hrudicka. The only other primary race was for the Republican spot for mayor, with Dave Bellis slamming Roger Davis at the polls.

Of the three primary races, the 6th and 7th wards currently have an opponent for the April general election — Republican Jim Musolino in the 6th Ward and Terri Heinecke in the 7th Ward.

The only other contested race for the April election is the 1st Ward where Republican Glenda “LeXze” Mann is challenging Democrat Ben Bumbry.

It will be interesting to see if the parties slate someone in the open races, but that won’t happen until after the February election.

Update: Presentation on early retirement program to Quincy City Council

Posted by mhopf – November 9, 2010

The Quincy City Council received an update on the early retirement incentive that officials have said will save around $5.2 million through 2014.

Twenty-two employees took advantage of the program, which allowed employees to receive individual health insurance through the city for up to 48 months, with the city-paid premium not to exceed $628 for 48 months. Employees also had the option of receiving the money as a cash buyout instead of health insurance.

Here is a copy of the presentation that was presented to the City Council.

Early Retirement Incentive

Update: During Monday’s City Council meeting,  Alderman Dan Brink, R-6, questioned whether the $1,320 in labor overtime costs during the six months included any temporary transfers from the utilities department. Gary Sparks, director of administrative services said it did not.

Sparks said that there are seven employees within the city who can be transferred to Central Services if someone calls in sick or is on vacation. It is written into labor agreements with city workers.

Five of those workers are from the city’s water and sewer departments.

Sparks said between May 1 and Oct. 31 this year the two departments spent $24,053 on transfers and $22,375 during the same time period in 2009.

He said even if the city did not implement the early retirement, they would still have temporary transfers. In case of a longer term transfer, Central Services would pick up the tab for the transfer.

Party chairmen thoughts on election results

Posted by mhopf – November 3, 2010

The chairman of the Adams County Republican Central Committee was pleased with results from Tuesday night’s election — as he should have been.

Republicans did not lose any seats on the Adams County Board, and they won open races for Adams County treasurer, regional superintendent of schools and for judge on the Eighth Circuit Court. Phil Hare also was smoked at the polls as Republicans nationwide took back the U.S. House.

“We’re very happy with the way Terry Asher ran,” said Randy Frese. “He really did work hard.”

He also praised Debbie Niederhauser and Bob Adrian who won their races.

Frese talked about how difficult it can be to unseat an incumbent.

“They’ve got their campaign group — their committee — organized already, ready to hit the ground running when a campaign comes along, and it’s sometimes tough for a new guy to break in on that,” said Randy Frese.

Nick Peters, chairman of the Adams County Democratic Central Committee, said he was glad that Democratic candidates won re-election for Adams County sheriff and clerk/recorder, but was disappointed that voters didn’t look at others in the party who were on the ballot.

“If they had taken a closer look at our local candidates especially, I believe we would have taken treasurer and superintendent of schools,” he said. “Apparently, the people weren’t really looking at the issues that close or the candidates that close and just went with this maelstrom of what they thought would be new beginnings.”

Both parties are not going to get much time off, as city elections are approaching. Petitions can be turned in starting Nov. 15.

Durbin’s PAC drops some cash to local candidates

Posted by mhopf – November 1, 2010

The Prairie Political Action Committee, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin’s PAC, has made some late campaign donations to local candidates, according to reports filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Candidates are required to report contributions of $500 or more within 48 hours in the final 30 days of the election.

According to the reports filed, Democratic candidate for Eighth Circuit Court judge, Chris Scholz, received $3,000 from Prairie PAC on Friday. Democratic candidate for Adams County treasurer, Reg Ankrom, received $1,000 on Friday.

Brent Fischer, the incumbent Democratic candidate for sheriff, received $1,000 from the PAC on Friday as well. Fischer also received $2,000 from state Sen. John Sullivan’s Committee, and loaned his campaign $1,300.

Two Republican candidates reported receiving other sizable contributions before Tuesday’s election.

Republican candidate for sheriff, Jon McCoy, contributed $1,500 of his own money to his campaign last Thursday. Terry Asher, the Republican candidate for treasurer, reported receiving two $300 contributions from Marybeth Swigart for ad production.