Election 2021 For Chester mayor: Tom Page and Richard Brueggerman
On April 2, Tom Page will seek a third term as Chester mayor. Eight years ago he defeated then-Ward 1 alderman Nancy Crossland for the top job, and four years ago he ran uncontested. His challenger in 2021 is Richard Brueggeman, a former Ward 2 alderman who ran for Ward 1 alderman two years ago but lost to Randy Dudenbostel. These profiles are based on the candidates' own words.
Mayor Tom Page
Tom Page considers it a great privilege to having been mayor of Chester for the past eight years and looks forward to continuing for four more. He and his wife, Lisa, grew up in Anna but raised their three daughters here. He says his family roots are deeply planted here.
Page says he is still amazed at the journey this office has been - at times heart-wrenching and always very humbling. The position brings difficulties, pleasures and challenges to his life but he enjoys the opportunity.
The mayor feels Chester is blessed by sitting on the great Mississippi River and it is also blessed with great business-minded citizens who have open minds with a willingness to change to make anything possible.
One recent project he is proud of is the construction of the three-way turn lane at Chester Center saying it was a collaborative project where the city convinced the Illinois Department of Transportation of the need and the cooperation which got it done. He looks forward to more improvements and projects in the days to come.
He adds it a great pleasure to work side by side with respectful and professional city leaders. He feels success is always built with a team approach which he says he proudly surrounds himself with everyday.
As mayor, leading the team when difficult decisions must be made - and they aren't always popular - are the most difficult, but Page said he tries to make the best decisions based on what is best for all the citizens of Chester.
He concludes by saying it is humbling to serve this great city and he would like to continue to serve for at least four more years.
Richard Brueggerman
Richard Brueggemann has lived most of his life here in Chester. He worked for more than 39 years at the Menard Correctional Facility - 8½ years as a guard, then a Supply Clerk, and he retired as a Supply Clerk 3, supervising the department.
He currently is working part-time at Walmart, which he said he enjoys it because it gives him the chance to see so many people and to be able to talk to them and hear their concerns about Chester.
Brueggerman said he is running to help make a difference in Chester, and has several ideas he would like to pursue if elected. He loves Chester's rich history and would like to see the city embrace it more, starting with the old Rock Creek Bridge, possibly raising private funds or seeking a grant to restore and preserve this century-old structure.
He also wants the city to create more recreational opportunities. In the last eight years, Chester has sold the roller rink, closed the swimming pool and the tennis courts and ball fields at Cole Park. Brueggerman said the swimming pool would be his top priority, seeking professional opinions and if the current pool is not feasible then look for alternatives.
He is concerned about seeing the Chester Dairy building sitting empty as well as the former St. Ann's Nursing Home. He wants to work with the owners to try to find new businesses for those locations, and bring jobs to Chester besides. He says he is also troubled by all the other empty buildings as well, particularly downtown, and wants to examine ways the city can help revitalize that area.
Brueggerman says he was never good in school but he has learned much in the real world. He says he has worked hard at everything he has done - including his four-year term on the city council eight years ago.
He hopes people who are looking for change will vote for him.
- Don Berry