Kevin Wattelet: Candidate for O'Fallon City Council, Ward 1

Name:  Kevin Wattelet
Age:  38
Family:  Wife Debra Williams-Wattelet, step-daughter Trinity Williams, step-son Riley Williams
Education:  B.S. Engineering, Southern Illinois University Carbondal
Occupation:  Program Engineer, FlightSafety International, 16 years.
Previous elected offices:  None
Number of years living in O'Fallon:  8
Organizations:  Homefield Master HOA, City of O'Fallon Public Works Commission, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, The Crossing Church

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

1. What is the primary reason you are running for this office? 
The primary reason I am running for office is I have a huge place in my heart for O'Fallon.  I have always wanted to be on city council and after consulting my family this past fall we all felt the time was right.

2. What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?
My biggest priority is ensuring O'Fallon maintains our public works infrastructure and parks system.  We need to make it a top priority to ensure funding is in place to be able to keep the ever growing infrastructure of the city well maintained. 

3. What's your favorite thing about O'Fallon? 
I simply love living in O'Fallon.  Rascals ballgames are a must, along with our great top notch parks and shopping venues. 

4. What is the biggest problem you see in O'Fallon? 
O'Fallon is a great town that is just now starting to mature.  O'Fallon is going to face many new and unique issues in the coming years.  Those issues will take tax dollars.  I want to ensure that those tax dollars are being spent wisely. 

5. What is your vision for O'Fallon? 
My vision for O'Fallon is to be number 1.  I want O'Fallon to be a place where businesses want to locate and where people want to play and live.  We have a tremendous talent base in our city and I want to see more job opportunity's for this talent.  I want the residence of O'Fallon to keep spending in the "O" all while keeping our talent working in the "O".

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? 
I feel the many years I have spent on my Home Owners association along with the many years I have spent on the Public Works Commission have given me the incite needed to be a very affective council member.  I was also in the inaugural O'Fallon 101 class.  This class offered me the chance to get to know how all the different departments in the city work and function.  I know I am ready to do the job and will fulfill the 3 year term to the best of my ability.