Painter ‘making a difference’ during his time in St. Joseph

Max Painter loves to serve his community.

Painter, who was appointed to the St. Joseph Village Board in August, said he enjoys the small-town feel and closeness of St. Joseph.

“You pretty much know everyone’s faces if you don’t know them personally,” he said, “and it’s comforting to live in a community that looks out for one another.”

Painter is the owner of  MX Electric, Inc. based in Ogden. After graduating high school in Villa Grove, he enlisted in the Army. He then attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated in 1994. He started working as an electrician in Local 601 and started his business in 2002.

In addition to being a business owner and a trustee, Painter is the co-organizer of the St. Joseph Santa 5K Run and Walk. Painter and his co-chair, Brenda Hixson, got the idea for the race after participating in a similar event in Indianapolis in 2017.

As of Wednesday morning, 370 runners had signed up for the race that starts at 9 a.m. this Saturday. The race begins by the St. Joseph Apothecary on Main Street, and Olaf, Elsa and Anna from “Frozen,” will be available for photos as will the Grinch and Santa.

Runners can sign up online and sign up the day of the race.

Painter moved to St. Joseph in 2002 and said it is important for people to serve their community.
“I believe we should all do our part to support our community that we love and contribute to its growth and economic development,” he said.

Part of that support is serving on the village board. Painter said he decided to apply for the trustee position that was open when Andy Gherna resigned because his neighbor is Trustee Art Rapp. Rapp would inform Painter about what the board was discussing.

“I found myself very interested in what’s going on,” he said. “I thought I could bring a lot to the table.”

Painter said he feels trustees have to have a long term vision for the betterment of the village.

“I just like the idea of being part of something bigger, making a difference,” he said. “I want to do what’s best for our community. I’m here to vote for what our community wants and needs and put my personal thoughts aside.”