May 17, 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

Foundation wants Community Building at Woodard Park

July 22, 2024

July 22, 2024

A foundation has been created to bring a community building to St. Joseph. The St. Joseph Recreation Foundation was registered...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board Oct. 26

October 26, 2021

October 26, 2021

I am live at village board so you don’t have to be. Visit Champaign County is here. I feel like...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, June 13, 2023

June 13, 2023

June 13, 2023

No one is here in the audience. Are you all watching on Youtube? Anyway… Jim Wagner isn’t here, neither is...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, May 14, 2024

May 14, 2024

May 14, 2024

On the agenda tonight: approval of the street, sidewalks, curb and gutter projects and purchasing a mower deck. Reminder for...

Jack Flash asks village to create new liquor license so they can have video gambling

January 13, 2021

January 13, 2021

The Village of St. Joseph is revisiting creating a pour liquor license. On Tuesday, representatives from Jack Flash attended the...

Live at Ogden Village Board March 4, 2021

March 4, 2021

March 4, 2021

Tonight we will find out the fate of the Ogden Easter Egg Hunt. Philo, St, Joseph and Tuscola have canceled...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board on March 9, 2021

March 9, 2021

March 9, 2021

Bills. Fun paperwork stuff. No public comment. This could be a short meeting. Luke Fisher is getting an employee appreciation...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, April 23, 2024

April 23, 2024

April 23, 2024

Presentation on a potential community building.Todd Hitt and Jim Page In 2018-19 Tami and Jim Page put together a group...

Live at Ogden, Aug. 5, 2021

August 5, 2021

August 5, 2021

Discussing Rail to Trail intergovernmental agreement. Village would have to remove snow. Sue Esposito saying she wants them to plow...

Library releases statement about TIF

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

The St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library Board of Directors thought this was important information you should know about the village...

Get to know Greg Smith

March 22, 2025

March 22, 2025

Greg Smith is running for St. Joseph Township Trustee. Biographical information My name is Greg Smith, I am a current...

Vickers looks to the future of Ogden

April 5, 2021

April 5, 2021

Sonja Vickers considers Ogden her forever home.  “I just want to see good done for the village for now and...

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, June 14

June 14, 2022

June 14, 2022

Our live blogs are sponsored by MX Electric. I am the only one here besides the board, Mike Sennert and...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board

October 8, 2019

October 8, 2019

The past few meetings have been packed… not this one. Only two audience members. They approved the minutes, are going...

Comments
Leave a Reply