Politics & Government

Jeff Schwentker: Candidate for O'Fallon City Counci, Ward 4

Jeff Schwentker is running for a three-year term as an O'Fallon city councilman.

Name: Jeff Schwentker
Age:
48
Family:
Three children
Education:
Graduate of Ft. Zumwalt North
Occupation:
Machinist 33 years
Previous elected offices:
Councilman since 2006
Number of years living in O'Fallon:
48
Organizations:
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, O'Fallon Elks Lodge #2587, Kentucky Colonel

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

1. What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
I have been very successful in implementing, completing and moving things forward over the last 7 years.  However, I'm not quite finished yet as there are still items on my list.     

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2. What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?    Smart Growth, to continue moving the City forward in maintaining and generating new business.  So we can maintain City services that are needed for our residents.

3. What's your favorite thing about O'Fallon?
It is a wonderful place to raise a family and to call home. (Big city, small hometown feel) 

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4. What is the biggest problem you see in O'Fallon?   
As a current Councilman the issue I believe we struggle most with is speeding in subdivisions.  This has been reinforced by many of  my constituents during HOA meetings.

5. What is your vision for O'Fallon?    
As a City that has grown since our first resident in 1856,  and then when we incorporated in 1912 with 600 residents, and now today with our borders expanding 30 square miles and a population of 80,000, I want to take to the voters a full time mayor. And my reason for this is in 2009 when we we ask the residents of O'Fallon if they wanted to go to a charter city they said yes, giving more power to the people. I believe asking the voters to take it a step further and go to a full time Mayor will give even more power to the people of O'Fallon with a huge savings in money from a full time City administrator. I will always believe in the peoples voice!

6. If an incumbent, why do you think you should retain your seat? If you are challenging an incumbent, what do you think qualifies you for the position more than the incumbent?
As a lifetime resident of O'Fallon I have witnessed growth and change for over 4 decades.  As a Councilman I have played and intricate role in implementing many new programs and projects and have been effective in moving the City forward over the last 7 years. When I say I care about O'Fallon it's not politics it's a FACT! That is why I dedicate about 30 hours of my time a week to this position.


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