February 18, 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

Live at Ogden Village Board, June 3, 2021

June 3, 2021

June 3, 2021

We are live in Ogden. Discussing the village resident who has four dogs according to his neighbor. The resident says...

Village reminds residents not to dump at burn site

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2020

St. Joseph Public Works is reminding residents that it is illegal to dump brush or garbage outside of the St....

St. Joseph Public Works quarantining

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

The St. Joseph Public Works Department is quarantining until the first of next week. Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges made the decision...

Sewer rates set to increase

April 23, 2019

April 23, 2019

Soon St. Joseph residents will receive a postcard in their mailbox. The postcard will explain the upcoming sewer rate increase....

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, May 23,2023

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

It’s a big night. They are going to approve the sewer plant expansion and upgrade. (unless someone totally throws me...

Village to hold public hearing on marijuana dispensaries

July 26, 2019

July 26, 2019

The Village of St. Joseph will hold a public hearing to discuss allowing marijuana dispensaries in town. The hearing will...

Wakefield wants to serve community

April 5, 2021

April 5, 2021

Allison Wakefield knows Ogden.  Wakefield has lived in the community for more than 18 years and is now raising her...

Mayor urges residents to think about neighbors and loved ones during pandemic

November 25, 2020

November 25, 2020

St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges is encouraging residents to wear their masks. Fruhling-Voges told village board members that a resident...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Nov. 9, 2021

November 9, 2021

November 9, 2021

I am here at village board. Terri Cummings, Jeff Van Buskirk are not here. Wagner is on zoom. The Hitts...

Chittick Eye Care to open in early March

February 24, 2020

February 24, 2020

Chittick Eye Care will open its ninth clinic in downtown St. Joseph in early March. The clinic will be staffed...

Get to know Dan Thompson

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

Dan Thompson is running for St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board? I was...

Get to know Matt Walsh

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Matt is running for St. Joseph Village Trustee as a Republican. What is the best thing about St. Joseph? I...

Village asks residents to complete community survey

January 5, 2022

January 5, 2022

The Village of St. Joseph wants to know what its residents think. The village has created a community survey, which...

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