May 24, 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 St. Joseph Village Board, Aug. 12, 2025

August 12, 2025

August 12, 2025

They honored Lowell Suits who is retiring as Zoning administrator. I interviewed Lowell and will have a story later this...

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...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board March 23, 2021

March 23, 2021

March 23, 2021

We are here. This could be a pretty amazing meeting. LIQUOR LICENSE TIME. We are moving the agenda around so...

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...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Jan. 25

January 25, 2022

January 25, 2022

Tonight at St. Joseph Village Board we will get some honorary street designations, a discussion and vote regarding special event...

Sewer rate increase to take place in May

April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023

St. Joseph residents can expect a sewer rate increase in May. Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges said the rate increase is going...

Recycling returns to Ogden

July 11, 2019

July 11, 2019

Recycling is coming back to Ogden. At the July 11 meeting, the village board voted to return the recycling Dumpster...

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...

Village asking for feedback on liquor license

January 25, 2021

January 25, 2021

The Village of St. Joseph is asking residents for feedback regarding a proposed new liquor license. During a Jan. 18...

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...

Talk of the Town with Royal Mayor Bob Vilven

February 18, 2019

February 18, 2019

Every week we are going to ask a village official or school administrator to answer three questions. This week it...

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

January 23, 2024

January 23, 2024

I was just a tad late and they are discussing solar. They are getting a presentation from Keystone who builds...

Brush pick-up to resume in August

July 9, 2019

July 9, 2019

Brush pick up is expected to resume in August. The Village of St. Joseph held a Buildings and Grounds Committee...

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...

Village says to ‘opt out’

June 9, 2023

June 9, 2023

Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges wants St. Joseph residents to know their options. At a recent village board meeting, Fruhling-Voges said that...

Comments
Leave a Reply