May 9, 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

Voting information for Consolidated Elections

March 29, 2019

March 29, 2019

You can early vote Saturday, Sunday and Monday at these locations. Brookens Early Voting 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana •...

Group asking for feedback on community building proposal

January 27, 2020

January 27, 2020

Almost exactly a year ago, St. Joseph resident Jim Page presented the St. Joseph Village Board with a plan to...

Get to know Adam Niemerg, write in candidate in the 102nd district

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your family? I am a Teutopolis native, and my family and...

Trustees not sold on VeoRide plan

March 6, 2019

March 6, 2019

VeoRide was scheduled to present to the St. Joseph Village Board in February. The company asked to have its presentation...

Live Blog for April 27, 2021

April 27, 2021

April 27, 2021

I am here at St. Joseph Village Board.No one else is here besides IT Guru Mike Sennert.May 5 is bike...

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...

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 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...

Get to know Dave Kibler

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Dave is running for St. Joseph Township Trustee. Biographical InformationMy name is Dave Kibler. I have been married to my...

Village expected to accept bid for Boy Scout Building

September 13, 2022

September 13, 2022

The village is expected to accept a bid for the former Boy Scout Building tonight. Roche and Heather Cain submitted...

Mayor discusses administrators pay increase

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

The Village Administrator of St. Joseph is getting a raise. The annual salary for the position will be increased to...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, September 27

September 27, 2022

September 27, 2022

I am here so you don’t have to be. MX electric sponsors our live blogs. SO if you have an...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, March 8

March 8, 2022

March 8, 2022

I am here so you don’t have to be. VIllage Clerk Tiffany McElroy Smetzer is wearing a shamrock sweater which...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Oct. 8, 2024

October 8, 2024

October 8, 2024

I am a tad behind but Jayne Deluce is here from Experience CU to ask for money. She’s talking about...

Mayor to encourage board to allow trick-or-treating

October 1, 2020

October 1, 2020

St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges is going to encourage the village board to allow Trick-or-Treating. Fruhling-Voges said she had examined...

Comments
Leave a Reply