April 18, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Election Survey: Ogden Village Board

JIM ACKLIN
1. Why did you decide to run for school board?
I ran initially and continue to run because I would like to make a positive difference in our community.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the district?
I think the biggest challenge facing the village will continue to be the upgrading of an antiquated drainage system. The village has made great strides in the last few years, but we still have a ways to go.

3. What are your goals for the next four years?
Goals for the next four years would include: completing the drainage system upgrade, adding more business in a controlled fashion, adding subdivisions for additional housing in a controlled fashion, and a general cleanup of property along the rails to trails path through town.

4. How would you describe the actual job of a school board member?
The role of a board member is to help run the village in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner. Decisions must be made based on what is best for the community as a whole, regardless of personal feelings regarding a given situation.

5. What do you want the public to know about you?
Although I was not raised in Ogden, I have lived here for 40 years as of this August, and so consider myself an “Ogden guy.” We chose to raise our three children here, and I retired as superintendent from St. Joseph-Ogden High School. I could not think of a better community to have lived and raised a family.

Banner
Related Posts

SJO School Board Candidate Les Hoveln Q and A

March 30, 2019

March 30, 2019

There are five candidates running for four open seats on the SJO School Board. Why are you running for school...

Get to know Lucas Charters

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Lucas Charters is running for ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE as a democrat. Can you please provide some biographical information?My name...

Get to know Jim O’Brien

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Jim is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?  I am...

Get to know Todd Albers.

March 22, 2025

March 22, 2025

Todd Albers is running for St. Joseph Township Trustee. Biographical Info:Hello my name is Todd Albers. I am a candidate...

5 questions with Republican Caucus candidate Max Painter

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

1. What made you want to run? I had initially planned to retire after this term, but I’ve reconsidered due...

SJO School Board Candidate Kevin Taylor Q and A

March 30, 2019

March 30, 2019

There are five candidates running for four open seats on the SJO School Board. Why are you running for school...

Get to know Scott Perkins

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Scott is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board? I’ve been...

Get to know Alicia Maxey

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Alicia is running for St. Joseph-Ogden School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?I have lived in the...

Server issue resolved in Champaign County

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons says a system failure that led to voting machines at polling places not working has...

Lewis wants to give back to hometown

April 5, 2021

April 5, 2021

Brandon Lewis has one goal as trustee—give back.  Lewis is running for Ogden Village Board on April 6.  “I want...

SJO School Board Candidate Susan McLain Q and A

March 30, 2019

March 30, 2019

There are five candidates running for four open seats on the SJO School Board. Why are you running for school...

SJO School Board Candidate David McDermott Q and A

March 30, 2019

March 30, 2019

There are five candidates running for four open seats on the SJO School Board. Why are you running for school...

St. Joseph Grade School Candidate Surveys

April 1, 2019

April 1, 2019

There are three people running for three seats on the St. Joseph Grade School Board. Jen Wagner Why are you...

Cunningham wants to help Homer grow

April 6, 2021

April 6, 2021

Ray Cunningham feels he has unfinished business.  Cunningham is running for reelection as Homer’s mayor on April 6.  “I am...

Van Buskirk’s love of St. Joseph inspires service

October 28, 2020

October 28, 2020

Jeff Van Buskirk loves St. Joseph. He loves the people the schools, the parks and the traditions and the local...

Comments
Leave a Reply