Meet the candidates for Galesburg city council

Even-numbered wards are on the ballot this year for the Galesburg city council, and every race in the April 1 consolidated election is contested.

The races in wards two, four, and six include two incumbents, one former council member, and several newcomers.

TSPR asked the candidates why they’re running, why people should vote for them, what the most pressing issues are in their wards, and if Galesburg is better or worse off than it was five years ago.

Incumbent Wayne Dennis is seeking a fifth term on the council. He’s facing challenger Wendel Hunigan.

Age, as of April 1, 2025: 85

Campaign website or Facebook page: wdennis@gmail.com

Government experience:  16 years on the city council

Community involvement: Alderman for 16 years; president of Junior Hard Ball League YMCA for three years; assistant vice president of Junior Chamber of Commerce three times; business owner of Little King restaurant; Teen-a-go-go for kids for five years; owner of American family Insurance agency for 32 years (25 years hall of fame; owner of WD Sports Bar.

Education: Carl Sandburg College, two years

Occupation:  American Family Insurance

Age, as of April 1, 2025: 78

Campaign website or Facebook page: http://votewendel.com/

Government experience: Appointed in 2019-2021 as a representative to the Galesburg District 205 Board of Education during the COVID pandemic and 205’s capital improvement phase.

Community involvement:

• Longtime board member (1978-2015) of the Galesburg Public Library which constructed the new library on Main Street this year
• Member of Allen Chapel AME Church, the oldest Black church in Galesburg
• Member and former president of Sunrise Rotary Galesburg
• Volunteer for a variety of community projects, including River Bend Food Bank, Blessings in a Backpack at Knox College, and highway clean-up for Sunrise Rotary
• Supplier of free books to the 12 Little Free Libraries in Galesburg

Education:  Earned an A.A. degree, B.S. degree, M.S. degree, and have worked on, but did not complete my doctorate.

Occupation: I am a retired college instructor of sociology. I was employed at Carl Sandburg College for almost 40 years. I was also employed as an adjunct instructor of sociology at Knox College and Monmouth College for 10 years.

Dennis: Been on the council for 16 years. A lot more to get done.

Hunigan: A group of concerned (and angry) neighbors knocked on my door and asked me to run for city council, because they were concerned about the worsening condition of our neighborhood.

Dennis: Getting the entrance to the city on east side upgraded. The better it looks, it makes a good impression for first-timers coming into our city. Taking down homes that have become unlivable. Roads, sidewalks another big issue.

Hunigan:
Problem: My neighbors felt our neighborhood — the place where my wife and I raised our four children — was in decline and needed renewal. Their concerns were twofold: 1) the steady increase of dilapidated housing in Ward 2, and (2) the sudden uptick in police presence to patrol “problem areas” on or near Mulberry Street.

Solution: It is time to fix-up or tear down. My ward is an area of real contrasts, meaning there are homes which have been appraised for a million dollars as well as houses that are literally falling apart. I would like the city to do an in-depth survey of the housing stock in Ward 2, perhaps the most comprehensive study ever. The long-vacated Weston School property at 850 Mulberry St. is a good example of what needs to be done. The owner needs to be contacted and asked what he/she plans to do with the building and property. And, most importantly, how can the city help?

Dennis: I’ve done the job for 16 years and I have a lot of people in all wards tell me to run again. I help everyone in all wards when they call me.

Hunigan: First, I plan to provide strong constituent services. I want residents to know me on a first-name basis. I will not hide from the constituents in my ward. Every citizen will have access to my cell phone number and email address, plus they can schedule an appointment to see me at my house or their house — whichever is more convenient. I want Ward 2 voters to know that I will be their advocate, working toward positive change even in the face of adversity.

Second, I am also a strong supporter of Mayor Peter Schwartzman. I believe he deserves a second term. It will be an honor and privilege to serve with him for the next four years.

Dennis: Getting better but can get better. We have a great city manager doing a great job so far. Best council I’ve worked with right now.

Hunigan: Both!

Galesburg appears to be moving in the right direction. Good to see that the old Maytag building is getting a new lease on life. I am excited about the $25 million federal grant that will be used to develop a new agricultural export terminal. We welcome the newly constructed mall which houses Chipotle Mexican Grill, Jersey Mike’s, T Mobile, and the enlarged Goodwill Industries store. Finally, 12 high powered charging stations for cars are now under construction near the exit on I-74.

Old problems persist. Poverty rate appears to be about 20% in Galesburg. The number of students enrolled in Blessings in a Backpack food program has also increased in the past five years.

The loss of manufacturing from twenty years ago (sometimes called “deindustrialization”) still haunts the city of Galesburg. Our community has yet to fully recover from the departure of Maytag, Butler Manufacturing, Outboard Marine and the closure of the Galesburg Mental Health Center.

It is good to see that new jobs are coming into the community, but the underlying problems of Galesburg continue to persist. I am running for the city council because I am optimistic about the future. With visionary leadership and direction, I think we are on the verge of turning lemons into lemonade. My wife of 50 years, Elvria, and I thank Galesburg for allowing us to raise four beautiful children on Mulberry Street — all of whom have graduated from college.

Incumbent Dwight White is seeking a second term. He faces Corine Andersen, who previously served as the Ward Four representative for three terms.

Age, as of April 1, 2025: 73

Campaign website or Facebook page: N/A

Government experience: 4^th ward council member

Community Involvement: I'm a member of Full Gospel church, Streaks Dad program, former coach and board official or both JFL league and Babe Ruth league. Chairman of the MLK celebration committee, pass President, and Vice President of the NAACP. Volunteer at KPCK. Worked with the South Side Task force as a member of the Neighborhood Pride branch. I work to chain crew for Galesburg high school football games along with being the shot clock operator for both Carl Sandburg and Knox college for 25 plus years. I'm currently working with a group to bring recognition to 12 men from Galesburg that were members of the Massachusetts 54th regiment of the Civil War. I attended Leadership Greater Galesburg class 11.

Education: Some college

Occupation: Retired. Worked 28 years at WIU.

Age, as of April 1, 2025: 80

Campaign website or Facebook page: N/A

Government experience: Served three terms on Galesburg city council, 2009- 2021.

Community involvement: Served as liaison between the City Council and the Library at the time the "New Library" project was the primary project of the Board. I continue to work with the Library Board as needed and recently served on the landscape committee after the building was completed. Also help with the Annual South Street Block Party

Education: Northern Illinois University, B.S, Biology, including three years research internship in a genetics lab. University of Illinois, M.S. Dairy Biochemistry, including three-year research assistantship studying synthesis of milk proteins in tissue cultures. I have also traveled extensively to Europe, Asia, Africa, and India, which exposed me to many different cultures, opened my mind to different ways of thinking and fostered a tolerance for different points of view. I believe a council member needs to be flexible and thoughtful.

Occupation: Retired.

White:  As a citizen of Galesburg, it is my responsibility to do my part in service to help my block, my neighborhood, and my community to grow and prosper.

Andersen: I genuinely care about "community" and I believe my life experiences will inform decisions I am faced with, to favor "community" ideals.

White:  This is a very complicated question. There are varying issues facing the 4^th ward.

1. Voting. Lowest voting rate. Why?
2. Housing. Whole blocks of homes were demolished. Why?
3. Retail food. Local access to fresh produce and reasonably priced groceries.
4. Community. The removal of Cooke School and its social gatherings has been attributed to a lack of community networking.

To make known to the city leadership what a lifelong resident sees and believes are the shortcomings of the attention to the needs of the community of the 4th ward.

Andersen: In recent years the demolition of a significant number of deteriorated housing (a good thing) has resulted in a number of vacant lots needing to be improved with new affordable housing or recreational use like a basketball court or half court? The other need that exists in ward 4 is a need for a small, full-service grocery store, maybe similar to Hi-Lo on South Seminary Street but located within walking distance or easy access to residents who live in the western/southwestern part of Ward 4.

White: That's a question for the constituents of the 4^th ward. Why would they vote for Dwight White? My campaign signs say, “Fighting for the 4th Ward.” That's what I am about: fighting for the 4th ward, which I believe has been woefully neglected. I will do my best to address the issues that I see and that my constituents bring to my attention.

Andersen: For the reasons listed above.

White: I must always have hope, so I am in the belief that it is better off. Are there still pressing issues? That's a resounding yes. The homelessness, housing shortage, adequate employment, transposition, and attention to our youth and senior citizens, just to name a few. We must press forward to the betterment of every and all members of the city of Galesburg, Illinois. To rephrase President JFK, “ask not what my city can do for me, but what can I do for the 4^th ward and my city”?

Andersen: I think during the last five years, Ward 4 and adjacent areas certainly "saw" significant street improvements, addressed a number of water and sewer issues, and completed a number of needed demolitions. The city at large has benefited from the completion of the library and the expansion of both space and services of the renewed Art Center as well as the services The Vault provides for local events. Of course there are still many areas that would benefit from more improvements — something I hope to support if elected to the city council.

Three newcomers are vying for the Ward Six seat, currently held by Sarah Carrington, who is not seeking reelection. While incumbents were listed first in Wards Two and Four, candidates for Ward Six are listed in alphabetical order.

Age, as of April 1, 2025: 47

Campaign website or Facebook page: None at this time

Government experience: I was elected to the CUSD #205 School Board in April 2015 and again in April 2019. During my eight years on the board, I served as president for four years.

Community involvement: I have been a member of the Turning Point Child Advocacy Center’s (formerly Knox County Child Advocacy Center) Governing Board since April 2011. I am a member of the NAACP. I am a supporter of The Hispanic Latino Resource Group, Inc, The Support Group for African American Affairs and the Galesburg American Legion Post #285 Baseball team. Education: A.A from Carl Sandburg College, B.A from Knox College and M.A. from the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice

Occupation: Manager of Scholar Placement with The Golden Apple Foundation

Age, as of April 1, 2025: 39

Campaign website or Facebook page: Demarkius Medley Sr for Alderman Ward 6

Government experience: While I have not held elected office before, my experience working on city initiatives and advocating for policies that impact Galesburg has given me a strong foundation in government processes. I served on the Galesburg Community Center Task Force, where I worked alongside city officials and community leaders to assess needs, explore funding options, and develop plans for a space that will provide vital services to residents.

Additionally, as a business owner and urban farmer, I have successfully lobbied for agricultural policies such as the Farm Bill and hemp legislation-both of which directly impact local businesses and economic development in Galesburg. This hands-on experience in policy advocacy has strengthened my ability to navigate government structures, build coalitions, and push for initiatives that benefit our community.

Community involvement: My commitment to Galesburg is reflected in my deep involvement in initiatives that support our residents and drive progress. In 2023, l served on the Galesburg Community Center Task Force, working alongside local leaders to develop a plan for a much-needed space that will provide youth programs, workforce training, and social services. I contributed to discussions on site selection, partnerships, and programming, including exploring a collaboration with the Knox County YMCA to expand services for families in our area.

Beyond that, I’ve always believed in taking action to uplift our community. In 2017, my brothers and I donated $10,000 to the Galesburg Youth Athletic Club to start an after-school program, providing young people with a safe space to learn and grow.

I also operate an urban farm that received a city grant, allowing me to increase food access, support local businesses, and inspire more young people — especially people of color — to pursue careers in agriculture. This work has given me the opportunity to advocate for policies like the Farm Bill and hemp legislation, which have a direct impact on our local economy.

Additionally, I volunteer at Peoria South Side Mission, where I help develop an urban farm program for youth, using innovative hydroponic systems to teach them about agriculture and sustainability.

Education: I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, which has equipped me with strong problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and a structured approach to tackling complex issues — qualities that are essential for making informed decisions on infrastructure, budgeting, and city planning. Additionally, I am currently studying Political Science at the University of Illinois Springfield, where I am deepening my understanding of government structures, public policy, and legislative processes. This combination of technical expertise and political knowledge gives me a unique perspective in addressing the challenges facing Galesburg, ensuring that my decisions as alderman are both practical and policy driven.

Occupation:  I am a Distribution Design Specialist for Ameren, where I work on designing and planning electrical distribution systems to ensure reliable power for communities. In addition, l am a business owner and urban farmer, focusing on sustainable agriculture and economic development in Galesburg. My combined experience in infrastructure, business, and policy advocacy gives me a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our city.

Age, as of April 1, 2025: 67

Campaign website or Facebook page: N/A

Government experience: This is my first time running for office. I was appointed as a member of the Citizens Strategic Planning Group

Community involvement: As a commercial hot air balloon pilot for 36 years, I founded and have been the president of The Great Balloon Race for the past 25 years. Additionally, I was also a part of the Leadership Greater Galesburg V.

Education: I have an Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Technology from Carl Sandburg College.

Occupation: I am retired from Heat and Control after working there for 8 years, it's a company that manufactures conveyor systems for other manufacturing companies. Their biggest customer being Frito-Lays.

Cervantez: I want to be a voice for those who feel lost in the conversation. I know that we have a lot to offer and would love to see the city grow. This cannot happen without the committed community members who already live and work here. We also cannot grow when only a few voices have representation at the Council table. My father’s grandfather migrated here with the railroad in the early 1900s. Families like mine helped build this City. I am the daughter of two working class parents. My father was a railroader, and my mother worked as an MRI technologist before her retirement — hard-working people, raising a family whose day-to-day was too busy to worry about the implications of decisions made by the City Council. These are the voices that I want to ensure have representation. These are where my roots are and they are deep.

Medley: I am running for alderman of Ward 6 because Galesburg needs bold, forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes economic growth, social equity, and stronger public services. As a business owner, urban farmer, and Distribution Design Specialist for Ameren, I understand the challenges working families, local businesses, and our city infrastructure face. I have spent years advocating for policies that benefit our community, including workforce development, sustainable agriculture, and union support.

I believe Galesburg cannot afford to be stagnant or return to the basics — we need innovative solutions that create opportunities for everyone. I will fight for transparency in government, increased investment in public services, and policies that uplift all residents, not just a select few. My experience, dedication, and deep commitment to this city make me the right choice to move Ward 6 and all of Galesburg forward.

Saul: I am a lifelong resident in Galesburg. I graduated from GHS in 1975 and have owned my current home since 1992. I see the potential in our city and want to help shape it into the great town I know it can become.

Cervantez: There are a few issues that I have heard about from constituents. Streets that are in need of attention: repaving, making sure drainage during weather is adequate and surveying if some streets need to be made parking on one side only for ease of traffic. I will work with the city departments necessary to understand what is already in place to assess and address these concerns and work to create a plan if one is not in place. Representation, or lack thereof, at the city council table is another issue. Ensuring that the city council is considering more voices than the vocal few will mean finding ways to hear from Ward 6 constituents. I like the idea of hosting coffee hours, setting a time periodically to invite constituents to meet with me about ideas or concerns. Finally, many are concerned about the cost of living. While grocery and gas prices are out of our hands, we can ensure that we are doing our due diligence when considering how the city is creating and using its budget. I will work to understand the city’s budget and the ways in which budget decisions impact community members, especially my constituents.

Medley: The most pressing issue in Ward 6 is the lack of government transparency and communication from the current alderman. Too many constituents have expressed frustration that their concerns are not being heard or addressed. As alderman, I will make open communication a priority by holding regular town hall meetings, engaging directly with residents, and ensuring that city decisions are made openly and with public input. The people of Ward 6 deserve a representative who listens, responds, and advocates for their needs-not one who operates behind closed doors.

Saul: Infrastructure and safety issues are pressing concerns. By allocating more funds each year to repair street and sidewalks, we can gradually address some of these problems.

Cervantez: I want to see Galesburg move forward positively for its current citizens and those individuals and families looking to call a small town home. I want to ensure that there is a representation of the community at the city council table. I want to ensure that the city is creating and implementing its budget with transparency and in the best interest of all community members.

Medley: People should vote for me because Ward 6 deserves a leader who listens, communicates, and takes actions. For too long, residents have felt unheard and left out of city decisions. I am committed to transparency, accountability, and real community engagement.

As a business owner, urban farmer, and Distribution Design Specialist for Ameren, I bring a unique blend of experience in economic development, infrastructure, and public policy. I have a proven track record of investing in our community, from helping to build youth programs to advocating for policies that support local businesses, workers, and families.

I will fight for smarter economic growth, stronger public services, and fair policies that uplift all residents-not just a select few. Most importantly, I will ensure that the people of Ward 6 have a voice in their local government. If you want new leadership that won't be stagnant or return to the basics, but instead moves Galesburg forward, then I ask for your vote.

Saul: I will be accessible and approachable. I will respond to citizens’ questions as they arise and will get an answer that will benefit the greater good.

Cervantez: I believe that it is in many ways. We have seen growth in businesses within town, improvements made in our downtown area, a new library, plans for improvements of parks and recreation including Cooke Park, and news that the National Railroad Hall of Fame is moving forward. While not part of city management, we have a school district with new infrastructure, including a wonderful GAVC center that can help educate and prepare the next generation. The city has worked to recognize needs in housing, mental health, and transportation. We have a lot to be proud of and to continue to build upon.

Medley: The progress made in Galesburg over the past four years has been truly commendable. From enhanced public safety and infrastructure investments to economic development and environmental initiatives, these are the kinds of forward-thinking policies that improve quality of life for all residents. As alderman of Ward 6, I will work to build on this momentum by ensuring continued investment in our streets, small businesses, and community programs while also prioritizing transparency and communication with constituents. Together, we can keep Galesburg moving forward.

Saul:  I believe it’s both. We currently have a great City Manager and I look forward to working with him. We have several projects that will help the city grow in the right direction. There are some areas that need improvement such as the city infrastructure, a shortage of housing and some safety issues that need to be addressed.

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