Politics & Government

O'Fallon Candidate Forum: Ward 4 Candidates Discuss Communication and Safety Issues

Jeff Schwentker is running for re-election, facing opponent Byron Ward.

Ward 4 Candidates answered questions about safety and communication at the annual candidate forum hosted by the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) on on Tuesday, March 19.

The MYAC is composed of juniors and seniors from local public and private high schools, chosen by their school officials to learn more about local government.

At the forum, each O’Fallon candidate gave a three-minute opening statement and closing statement. After that MYAC members questioned candidates, allowing a three-minute response time.

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Meet the Ward 4 Candidates:

Jeff Schwentker has been a councilman since 2006. A graduate of Fort Zumwalt North High School, he has lived and worked in O'Fallon all his life. Schwentker is a machinist and a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the O'Fallon Elks Lodge.

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Byron Ward did not attend the Candidate Forum and did not submit a Patch profile.

How have you dealt with people who do not share your philosophy or values?

"Communicate," Schwentker said. Seven years ago, when he first took office, communication at city hall was not good. "We've come a long way," he said.

Schwentker said he would not be popular with the rest of the council for suggesting they hold additional meetings, but he believed that once a month the city council needed to sit down and just hold an untelevised round table discussion.

How do you plan on continuing the safe environment in O'Fallon?

The city's reputation as a safe place is due to the programs that the police department initiates, Schwentker said.

One of the most common crimes is petty theft—leaving cars unlocked and garage doors open. "It takes education," Schwentker said. Police put door hangers on doors when they see them left open after 11 p.m.

If you see something going on, call the police department," he said. "Let them check it out. Tthat's how we keep crime down, by investigating."

Closing

Schwentker said he was grateful to be able to serve the city. "I said in 2006 I would start repairing the streets, and I've re-implemented the crack and seal program that had been taken out of the budget," he said. Street creep is an issue in O'Fallon neighborhoods, he said, and the crack and seal program has slowed that down.

As far as the local economy, Schwentker said, the city needed to bring the jobs in, "but bring the right jobs in," he said. "The right people will follow."

He said that vacant store fronts are there, but usually when one business goes out, another comes in to take its place.

Who has your vote for Ward 4 Councilperson? 

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