May 16, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

5 questions with Republican Caucus candidate Max Painter

1. What made you want to run?
I had initially planned to retire after this term, but I’ve reconsidered due to my commitment to our village’s progress. Despite support from many villagers for our board’s efforts, some individuals, particularly on social media, criticize without understanding our work. This is why being a village board trustee is often unappreciated, initially leading me to step down. However, to support Tami and our new mayor, I’ve decided to run again. I’m concerned that replacing most of the board and the mayor simultaneously could undo our achievements. I’m running for a 2-year term, maintaining my core values and support for growth, new businesses, and alternative funding sources like business taxes over homeowner taxes. I advocate for our village administrator, whose contributions are invaluable, especially considering the budget constraints. His role is crucial in managing the village’s complexities and generating revenue. With ongoing projects and momentum, I aim to contribute positively, aligning with the village’s desires.

2. What are the major challenges you believe are facing the village?
Biggest challenges- new Mayor and new board. On going large projects that have been started. Trying to grow the village to attract more homeowners and more businesses.

3. What would be your four year goal for the village?
I believe in continuing the progress initiated by the current Mayor, board, and village administrator, particularly with the sewer plant project and addressing monthly challenges.

4. What should people know about you?
I am a one of the founders of the SJ Santa Run! Love this event every year and the fun and excitement it brings to our community every year! I’m also a 20-plus year resident of Saint Joseph, a dedicated husband, father of two wonderful grown boys, pickleball enthusiast, hard worker, and business owner with 6 years on the board.

5. How would your previous experiences benefit the board?
My business experience and I’m also the longest-serving member among the re-election candidates.

Banner
Related Posts

VeoRide hopes to expand to St. Joseph

February 11, 2019

February 11, 2019

Soon there could be shareable bikes in St. Joseph—if VeoRide has it way. Linda Jackson, spokesperson for VeoRide said the...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026

I am here so you don’t have to be. But if you have an opinion on the village hiring an...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Aug. 24, 2021

August 24, 2021

August 24, 2021

I am here at village board. There are four people in the audience. The lawyer and Mr. Sennert doing IT....

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...

Get to know Steve Peters

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Steve is running for the St. Joseph Village Board. What is the best thing about St. Joseph? I have been...

Administrator stops work for Arndt Municipal Support

June 19, 2024

June 19, 2024

Village Administrator Joseph Hackney is no longer doing work for Arndt Municipal Support. In an email dated May 27, 2024...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Nov. 14, 2023

November 14, 2023

November 14, 2023

I am here so you don’t have to be. Doing the consent agenda. Basically, they approve the minutes, ect. all...

Live at Village Board, April 25, 2023

April 25, 2023

April 25, 2023

We are here. On the agenda, the festival committee, the Fourth of July parade, outdoor dining for Roch’s and El...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Oct. 11, 2022

October 11, 2022

October 11, 2022

We are live at village board. The news everyone is waiting for. Halloween Trick or Treat hours are Oct. 31...

5 Questions with Republican caucus candidate Matt Walsh

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

1. What made you want to run? I’m a lifelong resident of Saint Joseph and at the end of the...

Village to take vote on dispensary Sept. 10

August 27, 2019

August 27, 2019

Residents have until Sept. 10 to make their opinions on a dispensary within the village known. During the August 27...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, June 8 2021

June 8, 2021

June 8, 2021

I am live with my closest 20 plus friends here at St. Joseph Village Board. Jumping right into WCIA. “Due...

‘Being the first of anything comes with challenges, but also a lot of opportunity’

July 13, 2021

July 13, 2021

St. Joseph Village Administrator Joseph Hackney likes challenges. “Being the first of anything comes with challenges, but also a lot...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, June 28, 2022

June 28, 2022

June 28, 2022

I am here early and we are discussing the lines to vote today. Today at 5 p.m. there was a...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Jan. 24, 2023

January 24, 2023

January 24, 2023

I am here live so you don’t have to be. Jim Wagner just said it will be a short meeting...

Comments
Leave a Reply